For Judy Wanyoike, ringing the "cancer-free" bell in 2014 was the happiest moment of her life. She had beaten stage 2B cervical cancer. Or so she thought. Seven years later, the disease returned with a vengeance, forcing her into a second, more brutal battle for survival.

Judy's story is tragically common in Kenya, where cervical cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death among women. Despite a "cure," recurrence rates are alarming, driven by late diagnosis, incomplete treatment, and a lack of follow-up care.

Why It Comes Back

Oncologists explain that microscopic cancer cells can hide in the body, dormant, only to flare up years later. In Kenya, the situation is exacerbated by systemic failures:

• Late Diagnosis: Two-thirds of cases are detected at advanced stages when the cancer has already spread (metastasized), making total eradication difficult.
• Treatment Gaps: Many patients cannot afford the full course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. They stop treatment once symptoms subside, leaving the root of the cancer intact.
• The HPV Factor: Persistent infection with high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) reinfects the cervix. While the HPV vaccine is available for young girls, adult women often lack access to screening.

The Numbers

Kenya records over 5,800 new cases annually. Without aggressive intervention—vaccinating 90% of girls and screening 70% of women—the death toll will continue to rise. For survivors like Judy, the message is clear: vigilance is a lifetime commitment. "You are never truly safe," she says. "You just keep fighting."

This feature explores the medical and emotional toll of recurrence, asking if our health system is doing enough to protect women after the initial "cure."