NAIROBI, Kenya- Investing in mammograms could significantly reduce the number of women succumbing to breast cancer in Kenya, where late diagnosis remains a leading cause of cancer deaths.
A recent Ministry of Health study emphasizes that mammogram-led screening is the most effective way to catch breast cancer early and save lives.
But with only 50 mammogram machines in public hospitals nationwide, achieving this goal will require major investments in equipment, personnel, and awareness campaigns.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among Kenyan women, claiming 3,100 lives annually. Yet, early screening rates remain alarmingly low, with less than two in 10 eligible women undergoing tests.
The Ministry of Health aims to change that by increasing screening rates to at least three in 10 women by 2027. This ambitious target demands significant resources, including additional machines and health workers.
“Mammogram-led screening, though costlier upfront, yields the highest long-term health and economic benefits,” said Dr. Mary Nyangasi, one of the study’s authors and a technical lead for the WHO Global Breast Cancer Initiative.
Screening technologies like clinical breast exams (CBEs) and mammograms were evaluated for cost-effectiveness and potential impact.
While CBEs are more affordable, the study concluded that mammograms could save an additional 34,000 lives over 40 years compared to CBE-led methods.
A mammogram—a specialized X-ray of the breast—remains the most reliable tool for early detection. Globally considered the gold standard, this method could save an estimated 270,000 Kenyan lives over four decades.
“While mammographic screening incurs higher initial costs, it maximizes long-term health and economic returns,” the report states. Early detection alone, without a comprehensive screening strategy, was found to have the lowest net benefit.
The economic gains are substantial. CBE-led screening could yield $2.3 billion in benefits, but the broader impact of mammogram-led efforts underscores its importance despite its slightly lower cost-benefit ratio.
For example, facilities like Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital offer mammograms at KSh2,000, making the service accessible.
To scale up breast cancer screening, Kenya needs more machines, trained personnel, and public awareness.
As Kenya works to bridge gaps in healthcare access, investing in this life-saving technology isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s a smart, long-term strategy to protect women and strengthen the nation’s economic future.
