Gynae-Oncology
Gynaecologic oncology is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on the prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of cancers affecting the female reproductive system. These cancers may affect the cervix, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina, vulva, and surrounding reproductive organs.
At Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), the Gynaecologic Oncology unit provides specialized care for women living with or at risk of developing gynaecologic cancers, with a major emphasis on early detection and timely treatment. The hospital continues to strengthen cancer care services within the region through specialized clinics, screening programs, diagnostic procedures, counselling, and treatment interventions aimed at improving patient outcomes and reducing cancer-related mortality.
The unit is supported by specialized Gynaecologic Oncologists, registrars, nurses, counsellors, and multidisciplinary healthcare teams who work collaboratively to provide comprehensive patient-centred care. The specialists attend to patients presenting with symptoms, suspected cancerous lesions, precancerous conditions, and women requiring follow-up care after treatment.
Cervical cancer screening and treatment services are offered at Room 16 within the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit. The room has become an important centre for cervical cancer prevention and early intervention within the region, receiving dozens of women weekly for screening, consultation, diagnosis, treatment, counselling, and follow-up care.
Cervical cancer remains one of the most preventable cancers when detected early. At JOOTRH, the focus is on secondary prevention through identification and treatment of Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-related precancerous changes before they progress into invasive cancer.
The unit offers a wide range of services including:
• Cervical cancer screening
• HPV-related precancerous lesion management
• Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) screening
• Pap smear testing
• Cervical biopsies and histological evaluation
• Colposcopy assessment
• Thermal ablation treatment
• Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP)
• Patient counselling and psychosocial support
• Referral and follow-up care for advanced cancer management
The clinic operates structured service days to improve patient flow and enhance individualized care. Screening and treatment clinics are held every Tuesday and Thursday, while additional weekdays support patient booking, follow-up coordination, and continuity of care.
Women diagnosed with precancerous lesions can access minimally invasive treatment procedures at the facility. These include:
• Thermal Ablation – a procedure that uses a heated probe at approximately 180°C to safely destroy abnormal cervical cells before they progress into cancer.
• LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure) – a treatment that uses a thin heated wire loop to remove precancerous tissue from the cervix, significantly lowering the risk of cancer development.
These interventions are conducted in line with Ministry of Health guidelines, which recommend HPV screening every five years for HIV-negative women and every three years for women living with HIV.
Beyond clinical treatment, the unit places strong emphasis on patient education, emotional support, and awareness creation. Healthcare workers within the clinic continue to encourage women to seek regular screening, particularly because many cervical cancer cases can be successfully treated when detected early.
The hospital also supports broader cancer awareness and prevention initiatives aimed at improving screening uptake, strengthening referral systems, reducing treatment delays, and encouraging continuity of care among patients diagnosed with cancer-related conditions.
As JOOTRH continues to expand specialized oncology services as a Level 6A referral facility, the Gynaecologic Oncology unit remains committed to improving access to quality cancer care, strengthening early detection efforts, and providing comprehensive support for women across the region.
