The greatest misconception about breast cancer is that it only affects women.

We meet Gerald Mwangi, a breast cancer patient at the Regional cancer centre in Nakuru.

"I was diagnosed with breast cancer over a year ago. Before coming to hospital for a diagnosis, I had noticed a lump in my left breast in 2020. I thought nothing of it and continued living my life for two years," he says.

During this period, Mwangi recalls joking with his family about how big his left breast was getting.

Read: Nakuru woman speaks on her triumph over cervical cancer

"Things took a turn when sleeping on my left side became impossible. The pain was at times so bad that it would leave me shaking in pain and awake all night," the Njoro resident notes.

It wasn't long before Mwangi decided to stop by a Chemist where a pharmacist recommended him to Level 5 Hospital Nakuru where he was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in 2022.

The regional cancer centre in Nakuru cost Sh 1 billion to construct and equip.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

The farmer notes that after diagnosis, he began chemotherapy treatment which went on for 14 months.

Given that Mwangi's cancer had progressed to stage three, chemotherapy sessions were not enough with doctors recommending a mastectomy which was life-altering for the father of nine.

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"The only reason why I still kept a smile on my face during the healing period was the fact that my biggest support system, my wife, was always with me," the 69-year-old highlights.

Mwangi notes that since the cancer diagnosis, he has not only experienced changes physically but also in his lifestyle.

"Apart from the balding, another side effect I have experienced due to the cancer treatments is pain in the joints and weakness. I am not as strong as I used to be before the cancer diagnosis which has in turn affected my farming activities."

"Another thing that has drastically changed is my lifestyle. I can no longer enjoy a cold beer accompanied by a cigarette; things I thoroughly enjoyed doing," Mwangi notes with a hearty laugh.

He further adds that his biggest challenge has been traveling to and from Njoro for treatment which he does on a daily basis.

When asked whether the diagnosis left him scared, he notes that he wasn't since a friend had been diagnosed with the exact condition from which he successfully recovered.

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"I am lucky that my family has been really supportive this entire time. However, I feel there's need for more sensitization and conversation around male breast cancer," Mwangi shares.

In his closing remarks Gerald Mwangi notes, "At first I would feel very conscious about my mastectomy scar. But now, I wear it as a badge of honour, to remind me that I am a survivor."

diligenceodongo@gmail.com

Njoro farmer gives his account on battling breast cancer

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Diligence Odongo