Cancer advocates defend Homa Bay governor over cancer disclosure backlash

Cancer advocates have defended Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga after online critics accused her of disclosing her 12-year cancer battle for political sympathy. The Kenyan Network of Cancer Organisations said she should be supported for breaking stigma. KENCO responded to backlash following Wanga's August 27 speech at the Phoebe Asiyo Oncology Centre commissioning, where critics demanded treatment evidence and questioned her motives. The network emphasized that her story highlights the human reality behind cancer statistics and urged support for patients and survivors. Wanga, first diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2019, said she remains resilient, noting early detection's importance. Kenya faces significant cancer challenges, with breast cancer causing about 3,107 deaths annually, though timely treatment can yield survival rates up to 98 percent for some early-stage cases.