National Cancer Institute Kenya

Tag: Dr. Elias Melly

  • Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month: The Urgency of Early Detection

    Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month: The Urgency of Early Detection

    November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, a time to shine a spotlight on one of the most challenging cancers that is often called the “silent killer” because it rarely shows symptoms in its early stages.

    For many Kenyans, the first sign is subtle: a persistent stomach ache, unexplained weight loss, or yellowing of the eyes. By the time these symptoms appear, the disease may already be advanced.

    “Pancreatic cancer can be difficult to detect early, which is why awareness is so important,” says Dr. Elias Melly, CEO of NCI-K. “Recognizing symptoms and seeking timely medical advice can make a real difference.”

    NCI-K CEO Dr. Elias Melly

    Deep dive into Pancreatic Cancer

    The pancreas is a vital organ that aids digestion and regulates blood sugar. When cancer cells in the pancreas grow uncontrollably, they can spread quickly to other parts of the body.

    Detection requires a combination of imaging techniques, such as CT, MRI, and PET scans, as well as pathology, in which tissue samples are examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer cells.

    Thanks to NCI-K’s coordinated efforts, many counties across Kenya now have access to modern diagnostic tools and trained specialists. This ensures that patients can receive timely testing and care closer to home.


    Every Kenyan should feel empowered to discuss their health and seek medical advice without delay. Early detection remains the most effective strategy against pancreatic cancer.
     
    – Dr. Elias Melly

    Human Impact

    Across Kenya, pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed only after symptoms such as persistent abdominal pain, jaundice, or unexplained weight loss become severe. Many patients seek care late, unaware that early, subtle signs could have prompted timely intervention. “Even mild changes in your health can be a signal to consult a doctor,” says Dr. Elias Melly, CEO of NCI-K. “Raising awareness and encouraging early check-ups is key; early detection saves lives.”

    Your next move

    • Know the symptoms: abdominal pain, jaundice, unexplained weight loss, digestive difficulties.
    • Seek medical advice early: Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen.
    • Participate in screenings: Available at local health facilities or through NCI-K initiatives.
    • Raise awareness: Talk to your family, friends, and community about pancreatic cancer.

    NCI-K’s Commitment

    The National Cancer Institute of Kenya is dedicated to ensuring that all Kenyans have access to quality cancer care from awareness and prevention to diagnosis and treatment. During Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, NCI-K calls on communities to take proactive steps, join awareness campaigns, and prioritize their health. Early detection and prompt medical care save lives. Together, we can lessen the impact of pancreatic cancer in Kenya,” Dr. Melly concludes

  • NCI-K CELEBRATES CEO DR. ELIAS MELLY IN THIS MASHUJAA DAY, 2025.

    NCI-K CELEBRATES CEO DR. ELIAS MELLY IN THIS MASHUJAA DAY, 2025.

    On this Mashujaa Day, we honor the heroes who have dedicated their lives to serving our nation, and we proudly recognize our CEO, DrEliasMelly, as one of Kenya’s modern-day heroes.

    Your tireless work at the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, is a testament to the true meaning of service. Leading the fight against cancer is a challenge that demands immense courage, empathy, and strategic vision—qualities you embody every single day.

    We especially celebrate the recent, well-deserved recognition from Huduma Kenya. Your commitment to collaboration and citizen-centric service delivery is changing how healthcare is accessed in our country, ensuring that life-saving cancer care is brought closer to every Kenyan.

    Thank you for your leadership, dedication, and unwavering hope. You are a beacon of inspiration to the entire NCI-K team and a genuine Shujaa whose impact is measured in the lives you help save and the hope you restore to families across Kenya.

    Dr. Melly is a true national hero, recognized not only for his medical expertise as an Oncologist, but also for his vision in transforming cancer care access.

    His leadership as a true national hero in oncology has revolutionized Kenya’s cancer care landscape. His efforts are comprehensive, ranging from establisment of the Chandaria Cancer Centre at MTRH, as a founding member, to his commitment to decentralizing care across marginalized counties, successfully leading the opening of oncology centers in Turkana County, Samburu County, and establishing the Kwale Oncology Centre in Kwale County, among others.
    Furthermore, he is dedicated to empowering homegrown solutions by securing funding for Kenyan cancer research and building the national cancer data registry that provides evidence-based policy direction, ensuring all Kenyans receive the high-quality, localized care they deserve.

    Happy Mashujaa Day!

  • Liver Cancer Crisis: Epidemic hiding in plain sight

    Liver Cancer Crisis: Epidemic hiding in plain sight

    Every October, during Liver Cancer Awareness Month, we at the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI–K) join the global health community in raising awareness about one of the world’s most preventable yet deadliest cancers, liver cancer.
    Liver cancer rarely announces itself until it’s too late, yet this deadly disease is largely preventable through vaccination, screening, and healthier lifestyle choices. Every year, we renew our commitment to educating the public, promoting early detection, and empowering Kenyans to take proactive steps for their health.  With cases on the rise locally, it serves as a stark reminder that awareness without action is insufficient. Let’s fight back together!

    The Growing threat in Kenya

    Liver cancer ranks among the country’s top causes of cancer-related deaths, with hundreds of new cases reported annually. A 2022 media report referencing data shared by NCI–K CEO Dr. Elias Melly noted that liver cancer was the 11th deadliest cancer in Kenya, with over 800 new cases recorded that year.

    “Kenya is seeing a growing cancer burden linked to preventable risk factors,” Dr. Melly has emphasized in several public statements. “Strengthening prevention, from hepatitis B vaccination to public education, remains the foundation of saving lives.” This institutional focus aligns with the national goal of expanding cancer screening and vaccination programs, particularly in counties where access to diagnostic services remains limited.

    Expert Perspective: ‘A Silent Epidemic’

    In an interview on NTV’s Your Health Show, Kenyan oncologist Dr. Andrew Odhiambo described liver cancer as “a silent epidemic” that often goes unnoticed until it’s too advanced for treatment.

    “By the time many patients arrive in hospital, their liver is already beyond repair,” Dr. Odhiambo noted, urging Kenyans to take early screening and vaccination seriously. His warning reflects a broader concern among clinicians: that low awareness, delayed diagnosis, and untreated hepatitis infections are driving the country’s liver cancer cases.

    Watch the whole discussion on NTV’s Your Health Show.

    Preventing Liver Cancer: Knowledge, Vaccination, and Early Screening

     As NCI–K, we continue to emphasize that most cases of liver cancer can be prevented through informed choices and proactive health practices. Vaccination against hepatitis B, one of the leading causes of liver cancer, remains the single most effective preventive measure. We also urge Kenyans to avoid excessive alcohol consumption, ensure proper food storage to prevent aflatoxin contamination, and seek early screening, especially for individuals living with chronic hepatitis or a family history of liver disease. Maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in regular exercise further protects against fatty liver disease and its related complications.

    Through sustained public education, partnerships, and nationwide campaigns, NCI–K remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring every Kenyan can access accurate information, early detection, and quality preventive services in the fight against liver cancer.

    From awareness to action

    Liver cancer does not announce itself, but its prevention depends on awareness and timely action. This Liver Cancer Awareness Month, we urge all Kenyans to discuss screening and vaccination with their healthcare providers.

    “Early detection saves lives. Our goal is to move Kenya from late diagnosis to early prevention,” says Dr. Melly.

  • Why Kenyans detect breast cancer when it’s already advanced, and how we can flip the script

    Why Kenyans detect breast cancer when it’s already advanced, and how we can flip the script

    Why Kenyan Women Still Present Late

    “The first thing I thought was, I’m going to die.”  Evalyn Allela, breast cancer survivor. When Evalyn Allela first noticed a lump in her breast, the world stopped. Like many Kenyan women, her first reaction wasn’t to seek medical advice; it was fear. “For the longest time, we knew cancer was a killer disease,” she recalls. That fear is a reflection of a painful national truth. According to Dr. Elias Melly, CEO of the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K), “60 -70% of breast cancers in this country are diagnosed at stage 3 and 4 “. Dr. Melly made the remarks during an interview with Citizen TV Kenya, highlighting an urgent reality that most breast cancer cases in Kenya are caught when there are limited treatment options. Behind every late diagnosis is a mix of silence, stigma, misinformation, and access barriers that keep too many women from early screening and timely care.

    Breast cancer is one of the most diagnosed cancers among women in Kenya, yet early detection rates remain depressingly low. The reasons are complicated and deeply social. Many women delay screenings out of fear of what they might find. Others struggle with limited access to diagnostic services, especially in rural counties. Misinformation, stemming from myths about causes and misconceptions about treatment, continues to discourage open discussion. “We still have women coming when it’s too late to save the breast,” notes Dr. Melly. “We must focus on community education and encourage early screening if we are to change these numbers.” The result is a silent epidemic that persists not only in hospitals but also in homes, workplaces, and social spaces, where discussing cancer remains a taboo topic.

    Flipping the script: From Fear to Fight

    For Evalyn, her turning point came when she chose to speak openly about her experience. “At first, I was terrified,” she admits. “But once I shared my story, I realized so many women were going through the same fear in silence.” Her courage reflects what Kenya urgently needs: a national culture that treats conversations about cancer not with dread, but with openness and strength. Every conversation started, every myth corrected, and every story shared brings the country closer to early detection and survival.

    At NCI-K, the message is clear: awareness must move beyond pink ribbons and hashtags. Real change happens when communities feel empowered to talk, screen, and support one another before it’s too late.

    Building a New Culture of Early Screening

    Dr. Melly emphasizes that prevention and early diagnosis remain the most powerful tools against cancer. “We know that the earlier breast cancer is detected, the better the chances of survival. But that begins with awareness, regular check-ups, and access to screening even at the community level.”

    NCI-K continues to collaborate with County Governments, health professionals, and community health promoters to enhance cancer awareness and screening outreach nationwide. But the most important change begins with us. Men and women choosing to prioritize their health, families encouraging open conversations, and communities creating safe spaces for cancer education.

    Now that we know better, we do better

    Evalyn’s story is not only a survival story but also an advocacy. “I want women to know that early detection saved my life,” she says. “Cancer is not a death sentence. The fear is worse than the disease.”

    As Breast Cancer Awareness Month continues, NCI-K calls on all Kenyans to take one small but powerful step: talk about it, ask questions, and encourage a screening because changing the conversation about cancer might be the key to saving more lives.

  • Focus shifts from treatment to prevention

    Focus shifts from treatment to prevention

    Kenya’s cancer burden cannot be dealt with through treatment alone. This was the consensus at the 2nd National Cancer Summit. County leaders, Oncologists, and pharmaceutical executives called for a greater focus on prevention and early detection, coupled with a commitment to ensuring equitable access to cancer care. Dr. Gregory Ganda, County Executive Committee member (CECm) for Kisumu County, took the lead by challenging policymakers to improve the implementation of cancer control. “Policies must move us from illness to wellness,” he said. “We have put too much focus on treatment while underfunding prevention and screening.”

    At the county level, Kisumu is already walking the talk by showing what adapting national policies looks like. Through their collaboration with UNICEF and local schools, they have been able to triple HPV coverage and are now looking to expand their prevention programs to underserved areas using mobile mammogram units. Women will be able to get breast cancer screening closer to them. Kisumu County has also screened 30,000 women for cervical cancer annually, with a target of reaching 150,000 in 5 years. These efforts, Dr. Ganda noted, show how county-level innovation can turn policy into impact.

    Beyond County efforts, the private sector is also stepping in to strengthen access. Pharmaceutical and diagnostic companies shared the progress of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) they signed with the Government to provide affordable drugs for cancer treatment through the Social Health Insurance (SHA) scheme. Speakers at the panel led by NCI-K’s board chair, Dr. Timothy Olweny took the opportunity to highlight the importance of data integration, digitization, and primary care coordination in sustaining these partnerships. 

    Kenya’s launch of the Essential Diagnostic List (EDL-2023)- a first in Africa was also lauded as a major step in ensuring equitable access to essential tests, but funding is key. Another recurring concern at the summit was equity. Oncologists called for a standardized treatment protocol across counties to ensure cancer patients receive the same quality of care irrespective of their location. Across the panel, experts agreed on one thing: that tackling the cancer burden must put prevention and diagnostics at its core. With stronger cross-sector collaboration, Kenya can reduce its cancer burden and make progress in advancing Universal Health Coverage.