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At least 20 people die every month from cancer of the throat in the county.
Health Executive Peninah Mukabane said the prevalence of the disease in the area had prompted Moi University and Africa Medical Research Foundation (Amref) to embark on research.
Speaking at Emusala during the burial of Margaret Masitsa, who succumbed to the disease, Ms Mukabane said the county government was working on ways to control throat cancer, to avert further loss of lives.
She said most victims seek medication way too late - when the disease has damaged significant body organs - due to lack of awareness.
One of the symptoms of throat cancer is difficulty in swallowing and pain.
She said the research will determine the causes of the disease, and give recommendations on how the situation can be dealt with.
“Experts say the disease begins as a minor cough that persists over time and ends up causing death,” she said.
She regretted that so many people from the area have already succumbed to the cancer without knowing.
“People must visit our county hospitals whenever they develop a cough to be examined,” Mukabane said.
Research findings
Research by experts from Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret shows that throat cancer is the most common cancer in men in Western Kenya.
The 2010 research also found that the disease is third most common cancer in women. The research established that patients who suffer from esophageal cancer in western Kenya have an average age of 59.
Mukabane said several county hospitals including Malava, Lumakanda and Butere have received a facelift and also been equipped with modern theatre machines to ease congestion at the county general hospital.
“We are in the process of refurbishing and elevating many other health facilities across the county so that people can be able to access services without having to travel long distances to Kakamega County Hospital,” said Mukabane.
Besides, the county government has stocked the hospitals with medicines to treat common ailments including malaria.
She said the county will conduct cancer of the throat awareness campaigns to sensitise locals on the symptoms and dangers of the disease.
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