Stakeholders identify glaring gaps in cancer care, urge for enhanced efforts

Stakeholders in cancer care have expressed concern about the critical gaps in awareness, screening, and access to treatment.

The event celebrating breast cancer warriors, themed “Bridging the Gap: Access to Breast Cancer Services and Support,” brought together health care professionals, policymakers, cancer survivors, and key stakeholders from both the government and private sectors. 

Participants emphasized the urgent need for enhanced efforts to improve access to cancer treatment.

Speaking at the gathering, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of National Cancer Institute of Kenya Elias Melly emphasized the importance of robust health systems for enabling cancer patients to access treatment.

Dr Melly noted the significant investments made to improve treatment availability in the country, while also pointing out existing disparities, largely driven by the high costs of cancer care.

“The disparities especially exist in the cancer care services where the number of patients has continued to soar, overwhelming the cancer care service providers. Against this backdrop we should understand that it's not just about training doctors… we need to train the entire oncology health care workforce within our systems to enhance access to care,”Dr Melly stated.

“The disparities are particularly evident in cancer services, where the rising number of patients is overwhelming providers,” he noted. “In this context, it’s crucial to recognise that it’s not just about training doctors; we need to develop the entire oncology healthcare workforce within our systems to improve access to care.”

The founder of Hope Beyond Cancer Trust Elizabeth Ragui pointed out that there is still a significant lack of information on the ground.

Hope Beyond Cancer Trust is an initiative which aims to enhance the lives of cancer survivors through psychosocial support.

“While communication has improved, access to information needs further enhancement. Many remote areas face limited access not only to information about breast cancer, but cancer in general. If people are empowered with literature in their own language, they can gain a better understanding of the disease,” Ms Raguiemphasized.

Highlighting the challenges in accessing cancer information, the Executive Director of Kenyan Network of Cancer Organisations (KENCO) Phoebe Ongadi stressed the importance of breaking down the barriers that hinder women from receiving timely cancer services.

Chief Operating Officer of Rangechem Pharmaceuticals Carol Murigu highlighted the importance of partnerships, noting that collaboration will enhance efforts to empower women in navigating their cancer journeys.

Meanwhile, General Manager of La Roche-Posay Edouard Homasson stressed the importance of holistic care, focusing on the unique dermatological needs of patients during and after treatment to ensure they receive the support they deserve.

Breast cancer remains a pressing global health issue, affecting over 2.2 million women annually and ranking as the leading cancer among women.

In Kenya, the situation is particularly alarming, with 7,293 cases reported in 2022, making it the most prevalent cancer and the second deadliest, causing 3,398 deaths each year.

Despite the known benefits of early detection and treatment, awareness and screening remain critically low.

According to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) 2014, only 25 percent of women aged 15-49 perform self-breast examinations, and just 14 percent have undergone clinical breast exams.

The event also included a powerful showcase honouring the strength of cancer survivors, featuring a runway walk where they shared narratives of their journeys in the fight against cancer.

The event was hosted by the KENCO, Rangechem Pharmaceuticals, and La Roche-Posay.