Story by Sherine Atieno and Photos by Ondari Ogega

When 23-year-old Lillian Kyalo, a student at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), felt a small lump in her breast during a self-exam, she was alarmed. Unsure of her next step, she turned to her elder sister, Tabitha Kyalo, who is currently on attachment at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH).

Tabitha had recently come across a post on JOOTRH’s Facebook page about the Free Breast Cancer Screening offered through the Kisumu Breast Cancer Project; a joint initiative by JOOTRH, the County Government of Kisumu, Africa Cancer Foundation, and the TIBA Foundation.

After confirming that the services were indeed free, Tabitha encouraged her sister to go for screening. At the hospital, the process was quick and professional. Following an examination, doctors detected a suspicious mass and recommended an ultrasound for further medical investigation. Lillian will collect her results next week and has been advised to register for the Social Health Authority (SHA) cover to support any future treatment needs. Grateful for the timely access to free care, her sister hopes more young people will take advantage of such programs.

Across Kenya, however, many young people delay seeking medical attention even when symptoms appear. Research by the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI, 2024) revealed that more than half of young adults postpone seeking medical care due to financial barriers, fear, or stigma. Alarmingly, 75% of patients face financial constraints, and women visit an average of four hospitals before receiving a correct diagnosis. These delays often lead to late-stage presentations when treatment is more complex, costly, and less effective.

The Kisumu Breast Cancer Project seeks to change this trend by bringing screening services closer to the people. Throughout October 2025, JOOTRH is offering free breast screening every Tuesday and Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM at the hospital’s Consultant Clinics. The program also provides free breast biopsies for individuals diagnosed with breast disease. It encourages everyone, including men, to get screened, as male breast cancer, though rare, can be particularly aggressive when detected late.

JOOTRH Acting CEO Joshua Clinton Okise emphasized the importance of screening for all, regardless of gender. “This being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we have waived the screening fee to allow everyone to get checked. I have personally undergone screening as the first man to do so here, and I want to encourage other men to come forward. There’s still a lack of awareness that men, too, can get breast cancer. Early screening allows doctors to intervene before the disease advances,” he said.

He added that the hospital has invested in modern diagnostic tools such as an AI-powered mammogram and a 128-slice CT scanner, which enhance diagnostic precision and help doctors plan timely interventions. “We will conclude the month with an operation week where surgeons from around the world will join us for specialized procedures,” he added.

Dr. Albert Ng’ong’a, a General Surgery Resident at JOOTRH, echoed the CEO’s sentiments, underscoring that early diagnosis saves lives. “We are keen on early detection because it greatly improves survival. Many patients come to us with advanced disease, making treatment difficult. But if you come early, we can diagnose and manage it more effectively,” he said.

For Lillian, the screening came at just the right time. Her story is a reminder that early detection can make all the difference and that seeking help early is an act of courage, not fear. As JOOTRH continues to lead the fight against breast cancer through awareness, innovation, and compassionate care, the message remains clear; screening saves lives.