Late diagnosis, no funds hurdles in cancer battle

Late diagnosis is a major challenge in the treatment of cancer patients.

Nakuru Hospice Founder Elizabeth Ndung’u (pictured) said that majority of patients are diagnosed at stages three and four, making it difficult to treat and manage the disease.

“It is worrying that we have a high number of patients seeking counseling after being diagnosed in the late stages of cancer. They are traumatised and face financial constraints, which contributes to high death rates,” said Ms Ndung’u.

For example, patients are required to buy morphine, which is administered to relieve pain, but the majority cannot afford the drug.

Then there are patients who cannot afford to pay for mandatory chemotherapy and radiotherapy sessions.

“CT scan, chemotherapy and radiology services are expensive. That is why majority of patients die without undergoing treatment. Patients are required to raise money for drugs that are administered to relieve pain, but the majority cannot afford,” said Ndung’u.

She noted that in 2016, 210 cancer patients died in Nakuru, with the largest number, 17, succumbing to cervical cancer.

Ndung’u appealed to the Government to subsidise cancer therapy services to reduce the high number of deaths. She revealed that she started the hospice after losing her father to prostate cancer in 2005.

“The pain of seeing my father suffer in pain and later die gave birth to the establishment of a centre that gives hope to cancer patients. This was after visiting Nairobi Hospice where patients could laugh, dance and share words of hope among themselves,” she said.

Ndung’u also urged the Government to make it easier for cancer patients to acquire National Health Insurance Fund cards to access speedy treatment.