Fighting cancer: From stigma to survival, a growing crisis

In 2016, at the age of 35, Margaret Kamau’s life took a devastating turn. A mother of two with many dreams, she discovered a lump in her breast. A subsequent diagnosis confirmed her worst fear: breast cancer.

“It wasn’t easy to accept my diagnosis,” Margaret recalls. “I started crying… My husband was with me, and we were overwhelmed.”

The journey through treatment was both financially and emotionally draining. Medical expenses were high, and Margaret found herself relying on community fundraising, popularly known as ‘harambees’, to cover the costs of her treatment.

Friends distanced themselves, and the stigma was undeniable. “Some friends just disappeared,” she says.

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Undeterred, Margaret underwent six chemotherapy sessions and 25 radiotherapy treatments. Now 50 and cancer-free, she has become a beacon of hope for many cancer patients, with a clear message: “Know yourself. Early screening is crucial.”

Caroline Mureithi, a 38-year-old mother of two from Kiambu’s Kirigiti village, is a cervical cancer survivor whose diagnosis came last year. She emphasizes the importance of early detection.

“If only I had come earlier,” she says. “My treatment would have been shorter.”

Caroline’s journey began with unusual symptoms. “I came to know that I was sick when I noticed an unusual discharge,” she recalls.

Caroline, now cancer-free, completed her treatment in November last year. However, she is still grappling with pain from swollen arms and legs, a side effect of her cancer treatment. Like Margaret, she faced the financial burden of cancer care, relying on family and friends for support. “Cancer treatment is not cheap; family and friends had to chip in,” she quips.

As Kenya joined the rest of the world in celebrating World Cancer Day, Dr Emily Basito from the National Cancer Institute of Kenya highlighted this year’s theme: “United by Unique.” She emphasized a critical message: “Cancer is not a death sentence. We must change that perception.”

Yet, Kenya faces a growing cancer crisis. According to statistics, the country records 45,000 new cancer cases annually, underscoring the need for a people-centered approach to cancer care, early detection, and community support.

In 2020, Kenya reported 42,000 new cancer cases and 27,000 cancer-related deaths. Cancer has become the leading cause of death among those aged 50-59, accounting for 12.7 percent of all deaths. Cervical and breast cancers lead, contributing to 23 per cent of cancer-related deaths, followed by esophageal cancer at 11.8 per cent, colorectal cancer at 10.1 per cent, and prostate cancer at 7.1 percent. According to the National Cancer Registry Data for 2021/2022, Nairobi, Nakuru, and Kiambu counties have the highest cancer incidence rates.

In Makueni County, cancer cases surged from 1,745 in 2023 to 2,270 in 2024, a staggering 31 per cent increase in just one year. Breast cancer was the most diagnosed in 2024, with 555 cases (552 women and 3 men), followed by prostate cancer (479 cases) and cervical cancer (210 cases). To address this rise, the county plans to expand its cancer treatment center to accommodate the increasing number of patients.

Cancer continues to ravage millions globally, leaving a trail of deaths, poverty, and grief. It has become the second leading cause of death worldwide and the third leading cause in Kenya, after cardiovascular and infectious diseases

However, prevention strategies, early detection, and timely treatment have been proven to play a crucial role in combating the disease.

In Kenya, cervical cancer claims the lives of nine women every day, with over 3,000 women dying from it annually. The disease is the second deadliest cancer in the world, with 5,226 new cases reported each year in Kenya alone.

Globally, cervical cancer claims 10 million lives annually. The Ministry of Health has emphasized the importance of early screening and treatment, noting that late diagnosis reduces survival chances. In line with global efforts to combat cervical cancer, Kenya recently celebrated World Cervical Cancer Awareness Month with renewed vigor.

Zeinab Gura, the CEO of KUTRRH, addressed concerns over cancer medication shortages, acknowledging challenges in the national supply chain but assuring the public of ongoing efforts to secure necessary drugs.

“We are working with relevant stakeholders to ensure that our patients have access to essential medications,” she stated.

Chairperson of the Kenya Medical Supply Agency (KEMSA), Samuel Tunai, speaking on behalf of PS Harry Kimtai, highlighted financial constraints affecting cancer treatment access. He stressed the need for increased funding and strategic planning.

Meanwhile, the Kenyan Network of Cancer Organizations (KENCO) urged the government to streamline the Social Health Authority to better support cancer patients struggling with financial burdens.