RFH offers free Brachytherapy for Cervical Cancer

Women battling cervical cancer are set to receive free brachytherapy treatment following a new initiative by Ruai Family Hospital and its partner, the RFH Foundation.

The hospital has announced it will offer fully subsidised brachytherapy — a form of internal radiation therapy commonly used to treat cervical cancer — to three eligible women in the first phase of the programme. The treatment involves targeting radiation directly at the tumor, helping reduce exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.

According to the hospital, cost remains one of the biggest obstacles preventing patients from accessing brachytherapy in Kenya, despite its effectiveness in treating advanced cervical cancer.

“We are removing financial barriers to bring healing and hope to those who need it most,” said Dr. Maxwel Okoth, General Managing Director of the hospital.

Women seeking to enroll in the initiative will first undergo clinical evaluation to determine whether they qualify for brachytherapy.

The hospital has appealed to members of the public to refer patients who may meet the criteria, urging caregivers and families to reach out through its cancer centre hotline.

The brachytherapy unit is housed at the recently launched oncology facility within the RFH Specialist Hospital, one of 11 branches operating under the wider hospital network.

“Our commitment is to ensure patients can access advanced cancer care within Africa, without travelling abroad,” Dr. Okoth added.

Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women in Kenya. Health advocates have repeatedly cited late diagnosis, limited treatment capacity, and high costs of care as persistent challenges in the country’s cancer response.

The availability of free brachytherapy, though small-scale, comes amid broader calls to expand access to cancer treatment and screening services nationwide.