A critical analysis of factors informing the coverage of health issues in print media in Kenya: a special focus of Cancer

Abstract

The study investigated the role of print media in addressing cancer epidemic in Kenya. A critical analysis of how this information is covered is necessary to determine the effort invested by print media to ascertain whether there is need for change of style in its presentation. This study found out that although print media or Kenya covers cancer issues there is lack of consistency. The most covered are cervical and prostrate cancers. The study reveals that information is offered in features, profiles of survivors and how they are coping with the disease. The newspaper studied:

The Standard and the Daily Nation regularly highlight the support offered by the government and the health sector as well as the available cancer foundation and NGOs dealing with cancer issues. Government initiatives, cancer foundations and management of the disease are topics often discussed in the media. However, more is still required to address the cancer crisis in Kenya. Through media the masses can be educated and sensitized. The government and other stakeholders can be put to task to formulate policies to avert the cancer problem. But critical is that the media ought to improve its coverage of the cancer crisis.