The rise in cancer cases in Taita Taveta are due to changing lifestyles, a survivor of the disease has said. Hamida Abubakar, a member of a group of cancer survivors in Mombasa that is creating awareness in the Coast region, said breast and cervical cancer are on the rise in the region.

Speaking during a one week medical camp sponsored by the Wundanyi CDF, Abubakar said more than 73 women were diagnosed with the disease in Taita district alone.

"Amongst the 73 women, a man was found with the signs of breast cancer. All the patients were referred to the Coast General hospital for further medication," she said.