The Garissa Regional Cancer Centre has emerged as a critical frontline facility in the fight against rising cancer cases in northern Kenya.
Head and neck cancers account for the largest proportion of patients currently undergoing treatment at the referral Hospital.
The cancers, largely categorised as squamous cell carcinomas, commonly develop in the lining of the mouth, throat, and voice box, though rarer cases affect the salivary glands, sinuses, and surrounding tissues.
Health experts at the centre say the trend is particularly pronounced in arid and semi-arid (ASAL) regions.
The ultra-modern hospital was developed through a partnership between the national and county governments and is equipped with advanced technology to provide comprehensive cancer care.
Speaking during World Cancer Day commemorations held at the facility on Wednesday, the acting chief executive officer, Hussein Bashey, reaffirmed the centre’s commitment to equitable and accessible cancer treatment.
He noted a sharp rise in patient numbers since the facility became fully operational, with hundreds of patients now treated daily.
“This increase is driven by greater awareness and our focus on screening, treatment, and palliative care,” Bashey said.
“We are receiving referrals from across the country because we do not have a backlog or long waiting lists.”
According to oncologist Dr Abdihamid Omar, head and neck cancers are the most prevalent in ASAL areas, underscoring the importance of early detection for better outcomes.
“We take a shorter time to treat patients, and that efficiency is why people travel long distances to come here,” Dr Omar said.
He added that the most common cancers among men in Garissa are prostate, oesophageal, and colon cancers, while breast and cervical cancers are most prevalent among women.
An increase in throat cancer cases at the county referral hospital has prompted calls for further investigation into possible causes.
The Centre Centre has assured patients that the facility has the expertise and equipment required to deliver safe and high-quality care.
The cancer centre is staffed by specialised oncologists, medical officers, pharmacists, oncology nurses, medical physicists, and radiotherapy technicians. While check services have been available at the hospital since 2019, the introduction of radiotherapy has reduced the need for patients to seek costly treatment in Nairobi or abroad.
Dr Omar urged residents of northern Kenya to utilise the local facility, noting that it significantly cuts transport and accommodation costs.
He also called for intensified public awareness campaigns to inform communities about available services.
Cancer remains the third leading cause of death in Kenya and the second among non-communicable diseases, accounting for about 7% of total mortality nationwide.
