CONFRONTING KENYA'S SILENT MALE BREAST CANCER
By Naomi Kago, Freelance Journalist
Breast cancer is widely perceived as a women's disease in Kenya, with most public awareness campaigns focusing on women. However, health experts warn that men are also vulnerable, yet many remain unaware of the risk due to limited public information, cultural beliefs and social stigma.
Health advocates say this lack of awareness contributes to delayed diagnosis, with some men seeking medical attention only when the disease has reached advanced stages.
Elizabeth Lagat, a consultant with Cancer Community Consultant Linkage (C3 Link) in Nakuru, says men play an important role in supporting women undergoing cancer treatment. They often accompany them to hospital appointments, provide financial assistance and ensure they follow medical advice. However, many fail to prioritise their own health.
According to Lagat, the misconception that breast cancer affects only women, coupled with fear of ridicule and social stigma, discourages men from seeking medical attention when they notice unusual changes in their breasts.
Research by Dr. Peula Wanjiru Kingori, involving 37 male breast cancer patients treated at Kenyatta National Hospital, highlights the seriousness of the problem.
The study found that 40.6 per cent of the patients were diagnosed at Stage IV, meaning the cancer had already spread to distant organs. It also established that patients waited a median of 18 months after experiencing symptoms before seeking medical attention.
Another concerning finding was that 56.8 per cent of the patients did not present with a noticeable breast lump, challenging the common perception that a lump is the only warning sign of breast cancer.
The research further showed that patients diagnosed at earlier stages had significantly better survival outcomes than those whose cancer had spread to distant organs.
These findings highlight the importance of recognising unusual breast changes and seeking medical assessment without delay. Possible warning signs include swelling, changes in the nipple, skin changes, discharge and persistent pain.
In response to the awareness gap, C3 Link plans to introduce a dedicated campaign targeting both men and women. The initiative will focus on addressing misconceptions, challenging cultural stigma and encouraging men to take greater responsibility for their health.
Lagat says the campaign aims to change the perception that breast cancer is exclusively a women's health concern and encourage men to become more proactive about their wellbeing.
The message is clear: breast cancer is not limited to women. Men can also develop the disease, and recognising the warning signs early can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes.
As Kenya strengthens its fight against cancer, public health campaigns must move beyond the traditional pink narrative and recognise that men's health matters too.
Breast cancer has no gender boundaries. Awareness, early medical assessment and timely treatment can save lives.
