# Health screening checklist for smokers and former smokers in Kenya

_The health checks smokers and former smokers in Kenya should have, how often, and where to start. From My Wellness Health._

Canonical: https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-checklists/smokers

Author: My Wellness Health, Editorial team · Reviewed by: the My Wellness Health clinical team on 7 Oct 2026

Last updated: 7 Oct 2026 · Published by My Wellness Health — Preventive Healthcare & Care Navigation

> Tobacco raises the risk of many cancers, heart disease and high blood pressure. The key checks are blood pressure, cough or hoarseness and swallowing.

## Your checks and how often

**Q: Blood pressure: how often?**

A: At least once a year.

**Q: Cough or hoarseness: how often?**

A: Get checked if it lasts more than three weeks.

**Q: Swallowing: how often?**

A: Difficulty swallowing should be checked quickly.

**Q: Quitting support: how often?**

A: Ask a clinician; it is never too late.

**Q: How can My Wellness Health help?**

A: My Wellness Health's risk assessments (Cancer risk assessments, KES 300) looks at your symptoms, history and lifestyle and gives you a personalised risk report with clear next steps. A care navigator calls you back within 2 hours to help you book any screening you need at a facility that suits your budget and location. Assessment fees do not include tests or consultations at the facility.

**Checklist for Smokers and former smokers**

| Checks | Start with |
| --- | --- |
| Blood pressure: at least once a year \| Cough or hoarseness: get checked if it lasts more than three weeks \| Swallowing: difficulty swallowing should be checked quickly \| Quitting support: ask a clinician; it is never too late | Cancer risk assessments, KES 300 |

This page is health information to help you understand risks and next steps. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a consultation with a qualified clinician. My Wellness Health is not a diagnostic service: we help you understand your risk and connect you with the right screening and care. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital or call 999 or 112. If you are thinking of harming yourself, call Befrienders Kenya on +254 722 178 177 or the Kenya Red Cross toll-free line 1199.

## Sources

- [My Wellness Health](https://www.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/)
- [World Health Organization, Hypertension fact sheet](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hypertension)
- [Ministry of Health Kenya, Protocols for Management of Selected NCDs at Primary Care (2025)](https://health.go.ke/sites/default/files/2025-07/FINAL_NCD%20protocols.pdf)

## Other checklists

- [Screening checklist: people with a family history of cancer](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-checklists/family-history-of-cancer)
- [Screening checklist: men aged 40 to 54 | My Wellness Health](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-checklists/men-40-54)
- [Screening checklist: men aged 55 to 69 | My Wellness Health](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-checklists/men-55-69)
- [Screening checklist: people who drink alcohol regularly](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-checklists/regular-drinkers)
- [Screening checklist: women aged 25 to 34](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-checklists/women-25-34)
- [Screening checklist: women aged 35 to 39](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-checklists/women-35-39)
- [Screening checklist: women aged 40 to 55](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-checklists/women-40-55)
- [Screening checklist: women aged 56 to 74](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-checklists/women-56-74)