Kenya's Cancer Care Africa: Innovating Cancer Treatment

 A new initiative called Cancer Care Africa has been launched in Kenya to improve cancer care across the country. This program aims to address significant gaps in cancer diagnosis and treatment, focusing on lung, breast, and prostate cancers. It is part of a global effort led by AstraZeneca called Accelerating Change Together (ACT) for Cancer Care


A patient lies on a PET/ CT scanner for cancer screening at the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital. 
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The initiative was introduced by AstraZeneca in collaboration with Kenya's Ministry of Health, the National Cancer Institute, the Kenya Society of Haematology and Oncology, Axios, and other partners. Its goal is to enhance access to cancer care services, from early detection through treatment, aiming to improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden on healthcare systems.

 

Dave Fredrickson, Executive Vice-President of AstraZeneca's Oncology Business Unit, emphasized the importance of early detection and timely diagnosis in improving patient outcomes. The program plans to provide critical cancer medicines and introduce flexible models for treatment access.

 

Specifically, the initiative aims to enhance screening and diagnostics for one million people affected by lung, breast, and prostate cancers. This proactive approach intends to lessen the impact of cancer on patients and healthcare systems by addressing needs early on.

 

During the launch, Health CS Susan Nakhumicha acknowledged the challenges in delivering quality cancer care in Kenya, especially for underserved populations facing health inequalities. Cancer is now the third leading cause of death in Kenya, following infectious diseases and cardiovascular conditions, and ranks fifth in Africa overall.

 

Nakhumicha highlighted the program's potential to influence policy changes and improve access to cancer care, ultimately saving lives and enhancing the well-being of Kenyans affected by the disease. Despite recent increases in resources allocated to cancer, challenges such as limited disease awareness, diagnostic capabilities, and structured screening programs persist.

 

Looking ahead, the program aims to challenge conventional thinking around cancer care and advocate for sustainable improvements that benefit all individuals affected by the disease, irrespective of their background or economic status. This initiative represents a significant step forward in addressing the growing public health concern posed by cancer in Kenya and across Africa.

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