Health experts have dispelled long held myths linking family planning methods to cancer, saying research shows that some modern contraceptives especially intra-uterine devices (IUDs) help reduce cancer risk among women when used appropriately and alongside regular screening.
Speaking at Bungoma County Referral Hospital cancer and palliative care center (BCRH) during the World Cancer Day, oncologist Milla Lusweti said integrating family planning services with cancer awareness and screening has played a key role in early detection and prevention among women who use and frequently visit family planning clinics.
“I want to demystify the myth that once an intrauterine device (IUD) is inserted, a woman is likely to get cancer. Research has been done and this is not true,” Lusweti said, noting that IUDs are safe and do not cause cancer, contrary to widespread misconceptions.
However, she explained that some studies have shown prolonged use of certain oral or hormonal contraceptives may slightly increase the risk of breast and cervical cancer, underscoring the importance of informed choice and routine screening.
Lusweti added that the presence of an IUD in a woman’s body creates an environment that does not support abnormal cell growth.
“Cancer is an abnormal growth of cells. These abnormal cells cannot thrive where there is a foreign body such as IUD strings, which may inhibit their growth,” she said.
She urged members of the public to visit the BCRH cancer centre for routine screening and early management noting that early detection improves treatment outcomes.
Lusweti linked the appeal to this year’s World Cancer Day theme, ‘Unite for Unique,’ which emphasizes personalized care and the need to challenge myths and misconceptions surrounding cancer.
“World Cancer Day is important because it raises awareness, promotes early screening and helps debunk misinformation that often prevents people from seeking timely care,” she said.
According to Lusweti, the Bungoma County Referral Hospital cancer centre is currently conducting screening for common cancers, including breast, cervical, esophageal, prostate, colon and lung cancers.
She added that chemotherapy services are offered at the facility every Tuesday and Thursday.
“We are managing cancer patients here through chemotherapy and supportive care and we encourage people to come early for screening and treatment,” she said.
Beyond treatment, Lusweti said the facility is engaged in advocacy through various platforms and partnerships with organizations that support caregivers and patients.
These initiatives include palliative care services, home visits and daycare support programs.
She noted that while the exact cause of cancer remains unknown, several risk factors have been identified, including lifestyle choices such as tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption and obesity; environmental exposure to radiation, genetic among others.
“Most of the patients we see are older adults between 45- 90 years. This does not mean children cannot get cancer, but the majority of cases are among older people,” she said, emphasizing that cancer can affect anyone.
Lusweti reported that breast cancer cases remain high in Bungoma County.
“In the last quarter alone, we recorded 40 breast cancer patients and 11 cervical cancer patients. Of these, 26 were new breast cancer cases and eight were new cervical cancer cases, while the rest were routine follow-ups,” she said.
Due to limited equipment, she explained, some patients are referred to Kakamega County Referral Hospital and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, which offer radiotherapy services.
She noted that patients are also referred to nearby facilities for CT scans.
“We urge the county government to support the cancer centre with equipment so that more services can be offered locally,” Lusweti said.
She also encouraged residents to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA), noting that it covers laboratory tests and chemotherapy sessions, easing the financial burden on patients.
Lusweti cited inadequate cancer treatment facilities in the country as one of the reasons many patients seek care in India and other countries.
Highlighting warning signs, she said men should seek medical attention for symptoms such as difficulty in urination and an inflamed urethra.
General cancer warning signs include sores that do not heal, abnormal bleeding, persistent swelling or thickening in any part of the body, indigestion, a persistent cough and difficulty passing urine or stool.
