National Cancer Institute Kenya

Tag: NCI-K

  • 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.

  • Prostate cancer and nutrition: What every Kenyan man should know.

    Prostate cancer and nutrition: What every Kenyan man should know.

    Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in Kenya. It accounts for approximately 14.4% of all male cancer cases. Yet, it is not talked about enough. Our latest data show 2800 new cases and 1300 deaths every year, with most detected late. This limits treatment options, and the outcome is mostly poor. While screening is the gold standard for early detection, research indicates that nutrition plays a vital role in reducing risks and enhancing long-term health. Food is information for your cells, not just fuel. In Kenya, where cultural preferences like nyama choma, fried foods, and alcohol are high, diet can be a quiet enabler of cancer risk.

     Building a prostate-friendly Kenyan plate

    1. Tomatoes and Red Fruits

    Cooked tomatoes, guavas, and watermelon are rich in lycopene. It is a powerful antioxidant associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer. Add blended tomato sauces to ugali and sukuma instead of just onions and oil.

    • Leafy Greens (Folate Boosters)

    Sukuma wiki, spinach, managu, and terere are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber that help repair DNA damage and lower inflammation. Lightly steam or fry with minimal oil. Avoid overcooking it.

    • Legumes and Soy

    Beans, lentils, and soy contain phytoestrogens, which may help slow the growth of cancer cells. These are excellent alternatives to red meat and are widely available and affordable.

    • Fish and White Meat

    Tilapia, omena, and chicken provide lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids that offer protection. It is advised that you grill or steam instead of frying.

    Food that increases the risk

    1. Red and Processed Meat

    This is a cultural favorite. When Kenyan food is mentioned, nyama choma is at the top of the list. Frequent consumption of nyama choma, sausages, and other processed meats introduces harmful compounds when cooked at high temperatures. We are not telling you to abandon it entirely, but moderation is Key.

    1. High-Fat Dairy

     High-fat milk is a daily staple. From morning tea to the evening ugali accompaniment, most Kenyans can’t fathom a life without it. However, research shows that full-cream dairy raises growth factors that fuel prostate cancer cells. A simple swap to low-fat milk or plant-based options offers the same comfort without the hidden danger.

    1. Excessive Alcohol

    Alcohol raises cancer risk and weakens the immune system — yet is a standard part of Kenyan social life. Limiting the alcohol to an occasional one drink or choosing a healthier alternative like fresh juice will keep the social life going without the long-term damage.

    Debunking Common Myths

    • Myth: “Only old men get prostate cancer.”
      Fact: Risk rises after 45, but lifestyle choices from a young age matter.
    • Myth: “If I feel fine, I don’t need screening.”
      Fact: Prostate cancer can be silent for years; only screening detects it early.
    • Myth: “Eating healthy is expensive.”
      Fact: Sukuma, beans, and tomatoes are among the most affordable foods in Kenyan markets.

    Next steps for Kenyan men

    If you are a Kenyan man over 45, or younger with a family history of prostate cancer, make screening a regular part of your health routine. Complement this with simple dietary changes: increase your intake of tomatoes, greens, beans, and fish, while reducing your consumption of red meat and alcohol. A balanced diet, alongside exercise, stress management, and regular screenings, creates a strong defense against prostate cancer. At NCI-K, we emphasize that early action saves lives; screening allows for detection when prostate cancer is most treatable. While nutrition cannot replace medical care, it serves as a controllable frontline defense starting with your next meal.

  • Silence and Stigma

    Silence and Stigma

    Every September, the world comes together to shine a light on four cancers — Blood, Childhood, Gynaecological, and Prostate. In Kenya, awareness has grown, yet silence and stigma still hold many back from seeking timely testing and diagnosis when it matters most. Each year, thousands of lives are lost not only to cancer itself but also to the quiet fear that surrounds it. Recent statistics paint a sobering picture: about 45,000 new cases and 29,000 deaths annually. Behind these numbers lies a deeper truth — too many Kenyans are diagnosed late, not because hospitals cannot help, but silence, fear, and stigma delay the very first step to care. Why many wait until it is too late is a question whose answer only lies in homes and communities.

    Kenya has not been silent on paper. The Kenya Cancer Care Policy 2019–2030 calls for greater awareness, prevention, early detection, and improved caregiving. The Mental Health Policy also warns that stigma is a stumbling block to timely diagnosis, one that deepens the stress for patients and their families. Our CEO, Dr. Elias Melly, reminds us that policies only come alive when they reach people. “We will win in the community, not in the clinics. Investing one dollar in prevention saves sixteen in treatment.” He further emphasized that, as the country moves towards primary care, there is an urgent need to train healthcare workers and community health promoters to recognize symptoms early.

    Yet policies and plans only tell part of the story. Behind every statistic is a human face, and it is often survivors who remind us what silence and stigma really cost. At the 2nd  National Cancer Summit, childhood cancer survivor Robert recalled: “I was only six when I was diagnosed. There were no pediatric wards and no one to explain what was going on. The pain wasn’t just physical; it was emotional. An invisible scar I still carry to date.” Other survivors at the forum echoed the same pain, with one saying: “The hardest part was not the treatment — it was the silence. People avoided me. They whispered instead of asking how I was.”

    Cancer is not always a death sentence, but silence can be. Breaking stigma begins with open conversations- in families, workplaces, churches, and communities. Speaking up encourages early screening, offering support restores dignity, and challenging myths saves lives. As we mark this September of awareness, let us remember: silence and stigma are battles we can all fight, and by doing so, we give more Kenyans the chance not just to survive, but to live fully.

  • 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.