ICRF will systematically record and analyse the cancer-related needs of the Kenyan public. We aim to measure and evaluate the needs of communities with respect to support, access, treatment, and other aspects of cancer management.
ICRF will systematically record and analyse the cancer-related needs of the Kenyan public. We aim to measure and evaluate the needs of communities with respect to support, access, treatment, and other aspects of cancer management.
Cancer begins when there are changes to the cell DNA. These changes cause damage to the genetic material of the cell and this is known as genetic mutation. Genetic mutations can cause cells to become cancerous. Cancerous cells may grow and form a lump or tumor.
Cells are tiny building blocks that make up the body’s organs and tissues. In a healthy body, normal cells are programmed to die once their work is done. Other cells grow and divide in order to replace damaged and dead cells. This is a natural process controlled by the body.
Cells that have damaged DNA are abnormal and can disrupt the natural growth and multiplication of cells which are controlled by the body. As a result the abnormal cells keep dividing and making more abnormal cells which may form a lump or a tumor. Normal cells do not grow as fast as cancerous cells.
Cancer is not an event but a process that takes time, often years to develop. The period with which it develops depends on the identity, order and speed at which the abnormal cells accumulate.
Abnormal cells that keep dividing and multiplying may form a lump or tumour. However, not all lumps or tumours are cancerous.
A lump or tumour that cannot spread into surrounding tissues and organs is said to be benign and not cancerous.
A tumour that can grow and spread into other surrounding tissues is said to be malignant and is cancerous.
Almost anyone may develop cancer, but data show cancer cases vary based on race and sex. According to the 2022 Annual report on cancer.