By Dr Priscah Mutugi, Clinical Oncologist, The Nairobi West Hospital
Lung cancer rarely makes headlines in Kenya; yet it quietly claims more lives than most people realise. According to the latest GLOBOCAN data, around 900 new cases and over 800 deaths were recorded in 2022 alone. That’s nearly one death for every diagnosis — a clear sign that most patients are detected too late to be saved.
Across sub-Saharan Africa, lung cancer is often mistaken for tuberculosis or pneumonia, leading to delayed diagnosis and poor survival. Add to that high tobacco use, worsening urban air pollution, and limited access to screening, and you have a perfect storm.
The truth is simple: most lung cancer deaths are preventable. Tobacco remains the number one culprit, but it’s not the only one. In Nairobi, exposure to exhaust fumes, second-hand smoke, and household pollution from charcoal or kerosene stoves are everyday risks. Long-term exposure silently scars the lungs, setting the stage for disease years later.
But hope exists, and it begins with awareness. A persistent cough, chest pain, breathlessness, or unexplained weight loss should never be ignored. Early testing can make the difference between life and loss.
At The Nairobi West Hospital, we continue to invest in advanced imaging, laboratory testing, and specialist care, because early detection saves lives. We also urge national and county governments to tighten tobacco control, invest in cleaner public transport, and expand lung health screening.
Lung cancer is not just a smoker’s disease , it’s everyone’s concern. Clean air, informed choices, and early action can help every Kenyan breathe easier.
