Regular medical check-ups can avert cancer deaths, an expert has said. Cancer is curable when detected early, and called on regular checks to avert many deaths connected with the disease which has become a main killer.

Gladwel Kiarie said the disease, which claims 18,000 lives in the country annually, is curable if detected early. She was speaking at Kimunyu PCEA church Gatundu South during a one-day seminar organised by the Kiarie Kamere Foundation on the dangers of cancer, preventive measure and care for patients.

Kiarie, an oncologist, dismissed the perception that men do not suffer from breast cancer saying three per cent of the cases in the country is among men.

She said cervical cancer has become a leading killer and called on women to take regular tests to ensure early detection and treatment. She urged men to go for tests on prostrate cancer.

Kiaries said urged families with a history of cancer to go for regular tests because the disease has an hereditary link. Kiarie Kamere Foundation Founder Joakim Kamere pledged more medical camps.