By Shaira Adamali, Trustee, Faraja Cancer Support
20 years ago, my life took an unexpected turn when I received a diagnosis that no one ever hopes to hear: breast cancer. The news was daunting, but I was fortunate to have the means and resources to seek part of my treatment abroad. Through a mastectomy, I was able to halt the spread of this relentless disease. Today, I stand among the ranks of cancer survivors who are determined to make a difference in the fight against cancer and to give hope to those who go through this journey. This led me to co-found the Faraja Cancer Support Trust, a beacon of hope for many affected by cancer in Kenya.
My personal journey with cancer opened my eyes to the harsh reality that many Kenyan citizens face daily. The critical need for early detection and equitable access to cancer care in our country is undeniable. Cancer does not discriminate; it affects people from all walks of life, and it is high time that our healthcare system reflects this truth.
Early detection is an essential pillar in the fight against cancer. Detecting the disease in its early stages significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and survival. However, for far too many Kenyans, early detection remains a distant dream. Disparities in access to cancer screening and diagnostics have left countless individuals at a disadvantage, resulting in late-stage diagnoses and devastating outcomes.
Equity in access to early detection and treatment is not a luxury; it is a fundamental human right. It is a right that every Kenyan should be able to exercise, regardless of their socioeconomic status, geographic location, or any other factors. Cancer is a formidable adversary, and it is imperative that we unite as a nation to ensure that no one is left behind in this battle.
To achieve equity in access to early detection, we must take a multi-faceted approach:
Awareness and Education: Knowledge is power. We need comprehensive public awareness campaigns that inform Kenyans about the importance of regular cancer screenings and self-examinations. Education can break down the barriers of fear and misinformation that prevent people from seeking early detection.
Accessible Screening Centers: We need to establish more cancer screening centers, especially in rural and underserved areas. These centers should offer affordable or free screenings to ensure that cost is not a barrier.
Collaboration: Government bodies, non-profit organizations, and private sector stakeholders must collaborate to develop sustainable solutions for cancer screening and early detection. We should pool our resources and expertise to create a coordinated network of services that reaches every corner of our country.
Research and Innovation: We should invest in research and innovation to make cancer screenings more affordable, accessible, and accurate. This includes exploring technologies like telemedicine for remote consultations and screening.
Support and Compassion: A cancer diagnosis is not just a medical issue; it is a deeply emotional and psychological journey. We must provide support and counselling services for those affected by cancer and their families.
As a Trustee and Founder of the Faraja Cancer Support Trust, I have witnessed firsthand the incredible resilience of cancer patients and their families. They inspire us every day to work tirelessly towards a future where cancer is not a death sentence but a treatable and manageable condition.
Kenya has made significant strides in improving its healthcare system, but there is still much work to be done, particularly in the realm of cancer care. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every Kenyan has a fighting chance against cancer by emphasizing equity in access to early detection.
Let us stand together, raise our voices, and demand a healthcare system that leaves no one behind. By doing so, we can change the course of cancer in Kenya, saving countless lives and giving hope to those who need it most. The time for action is now, and together, we can make a difference in the fight against cancer.