Hospital celebrates breast cancer survivors

By Florence Omollo and Johnson Juma

The Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in Kisumu, on Friday marked World Breast Cancer Awareness month with a special event aimed at celebrating survivors.

The event themed “Cancer Sio Mwisho (Cancer is Not the End),” was organised by the Anchor of Hope Cancer Support Group, based at JOOTRH, focused on providing support and recognition to cancer patients, survivors, and their caregivers.

The day’s highlight was the story of Stephen Oduor, a male breast cancer survivor from Siaya County.

Diagnosed in 2018, the 48-year-old underwent gruelling chemotherapy but emerged victorious, with his journey challenging the misconception that breast cancer is a disease exclusive to women.  

Early diagnosis, Oduor said, is the key to treatment and recovery.

“Every cancer ailment, not only breast cancer, should be discovered at an early stage for one to survive. Mine was discovered at an early age and I survived,” he stated.

On her part, 46-year-old Mercy Mutimba shared her harrowing journey, which started with an abnormal milk discharge to stage 2B breast cancer diagnosis.

She is now receiving radiotherapy, after undergoing chemotherapy and surgery.

Dr. Julius Oduor Wakoyo, a cancer specialist at JOOTRH called on Kenyans, and especially men to embrace screening services, for possible early detection of cancer.

“Here in this ward, most of the patients we have are men and truth be told, most of them shy away from getting screened, leading to late detection which greatly affects treatment,” he said.

He poured cold water on allegations that anyone with cancer cannot survive, adding that Kenyans from all walks of lives have survived after undergoing treatment.

Among prominent people to have defeated the disease is Kisumu governor Anyang’ Nyong’o and his Homabay counterpart, Gladys Wanga.