Cancer Situation in Kenya

       ​Cancer is the third leading cause of death in Kenya, after infectious and cardiovascular disease, according to National Cancer Institute of Kenya. The WHO's International Agency for Reseasrch on Cancer Globocan Report indicates that in 2020 more than 42,000 new cases and 27,000 deaths were reported. 
       Cervical, breast, prostate and esophagus cancers are the most prevalent. The Globocan reports show that in 2020, for example, 6799, 5236, 3412, 2974 new cases were reported for breast, cervical, prostate and esophagus cancers. The same cancers posted the highest mortality rates, in that order. 
       Yet basic information, screening and treatment services for different cancers are scarcely available or accessible to hundreds of thousands. This is especially true for those residing in rural communities or those who do not have the means to afford basic screening services.  

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OUR RESPONSE

Since 2009 we have been empowering community members, community health volunteers and health care workers so they can manage cancer risk factors, get screened, and get treatment that is effective.

Our health program started in 2009, with the BEST (breast cancer education, screening and treatment) project, as a response to the challenges, Dorcas, faced in seeking cancer care. You can read about Dorcas here.
Today we focus on breast, cervical, prostate and esophagus cancers. Projects are preventative, public health, curative and care support in nature, and for men and women.

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Maisha Mema Project ​

​The goal of Maisha Mema Project is to strengthen the capacity of community health volunteers (CHVs), nurses, nurse practitioners, and community hospitals for early detection and management of cervical, breast, prostate, and esophagus cancers.  Currently, we have on going work at three Sondu, Katito, and Masogo Sub County Hospitals in Kisumu County. Separately, we conduct awareness to at risk groups, and through social and mass media. 

Health Education and Awareness - Training and supporting CHVs

​In 2021 we trained over 340 CHVs attached to the above hospitals, on cancer information, education, behavior changes (IEB) addressing issues on HPV, alcohol abuse, nutrition, physical exercise, among other public health matters. These CHVs are creating awareness and educating their people on cancer. They are spreading hope where their is fear and ignorance. Every year, this team educates over 5,000 community members, in their homes, at markets, and churches. 

Screening - Mentoring Health Workers & Supporting Clinics 

​     Early detection of cancer and prompt treatment have significant effect on cancer outcomes. We have trained tens of frontline health care workers at the three hospitals and mentored them on screening ('see and treat' methods for cervical cancer, clinical breast exam, visual inspection of cervix, digital rectal exams, and PSA test for prostate) counselling and effective, timely referral procedures for those who need advanced care. They in turn screen over 1800 community members annually, and treated hundreds for reproductive health issues including, treating pre-cancerous cervical lesions and urine retention. We periodically organize health and medical camps in remote or hard to reach areas. These outreaches offer education and screening in one place, en masse.

Patient Support - Survivorship Case Management 

     Typically patients in our case management (CM) are those that have been referred from our Maisha Mema project activities and walk ins. Our team offer patient navigation, treatment support, palliative care services to patients as they get care at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) and at private facilities in Kisumu. Specifically, our of navigators, psychosocial counselors, and nurses offer assist patient to access to diagnostic services, set up oncology appointments, help patients understand diagnosis, treatment plans and side effects. As funds are available, we provide needy CM clients with bus fare, food and household items, pain medication, supplements, insurance premiums, and airtime. This team also conducts follow up home visits for patients, and those on palliative care.  Pychosocial and spiritual motivation is provided to all clients in our case load. 

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Joanna's House - Patient Care

 When patients (women and men) from rural areas require radiation treatment in the capital city, Nairobi, they are oftentimes at a loss for where to stay and how to navigate such a large hospital. We therefore offer low-cost, full-board accommodation at Joanna's House (JH) for patients receiving outpatient treatment. This affordable 8-bed residence has an on-site care taker who assists with appointments and any associated needs patient may have.  JH is located in close proximity to the Kenyatta National Hospital and other private hospitals.  We have had the honor of hosting women and  men from all over Kenya, South Sudan, and even Rwanda. All patients and caregivers in our projects are offered psychosocial and spiritual support. 

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