OPINION: Addressing Breast Cancer in Kenya - A new dawn with Social Health Insurance

Breast cancer, the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in Kenya, presents a significant public health challenge.

Each year, thousands of women are diagnosed, and over 3,000 lives are lost to the disease, most of them in their prime. These are not just statistics; they are the mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends whose lives are tragically cut short. Breast cancer affects families, disrupts livelihoods, and poses a significant strain on our healthcare system.

As the Cabinet Secretary for Health, I take this responsibility seriously and understand the urgent need for comprehensive measures to combat the growing burden of breast cancer.

The theme of this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, "Close the Gap: Improving Access to Breast Cancer Services and Support," is more than just a slogan—it is a call to action to ensure that every woman, regardless of her socioeconomic background, has access to timely, affordable and  effective cancer care.

To address this challenge, the Government of Kenya has introduced pivotal policies aimed at not only expanding cancer care but also strengthening the overall healthcare system.

A cornerstone of this approach is the recently enacted Social Health Insurance Act of 2023, a transformative piece of legislation designed to enhance access to healthcare services, particularly for chronic conditions like cancer.

Through the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), the government is working to ensure that screening, diagnosis, treatment and palliative care services for breast cancer and other non-communicable diseases are available to all Kenyans.

Equitable Healthcare for All

The introduction of the Social Health Insurance Fund represents a shift in our healthcare financing system. Prior to this, many families were left devastated by the high costs of cancer care, with some patients forced to forego treatment altogether due to financial barriers.

SHIF, along with the Emergency Chronic and Critical Illness Funds, marks a turning point in how cancer is treated in this country. These funds are designed to cover a range of medical expenses associated with chronic diseases, including diagnostic services, treatments, and follow-up care.

What sets this initiative apart is its commitment to equity. No woman should face the threat of dying from breast cancer because she cannot afford treatment. This fund ensures that early detection through screening, one of the most effective ways to manage breast cancer, is accessible and affordable for every woman, irrespective of her financial status.

The government has set ambitious goals for increasing cancer screening coverage, including efforts to reach women in rural and underserved areas.

Strengthening Cancer Infrastructure

While financial protection is crucial, it must be supported by a robust healthcare infrastructure capable of delivering high-quality cancer care. My Ministry has been at the forefront of building this capacity, working to strengthen cancer treatment facilities across the country. We are expanding radiotherapy services, improving oncology training for healthcare workers, and investing in the latest cancer treatment technologies.

In addition, we recognize the importance of early detection and have taken proactive steps by launching the second edition of the National Cancer Screening Guidelines. These guidelines provide healthcare workers with clear and standardized recommendations for screening the major cancers affecting Kenyans, including breast cancer.

Through rigorous research and collaboration, we aim to ensure that these guidelines are implemented effectively, bringing us closer to a future where cancer is no longer a death sentence.

Our Community Health Promoters (CHPs) are playing an essential role in this regard. Working at the grassroots level, they are instrumental in raising awareness about the importance of cancer early detection and in supporting persons living with cancer. Their outreach is helping to bridge the gap between healthcare services and the communities that need them most.

The Women’s Integrated Cancer Services (WICS) Project

One of the flagship initiatives we are launching this year is the Women’s Integrated Cancer Services (WICS) project. This initiative, which Kenya is piloting alongside Cote d'Ivoire and Zimbabwe, focuses on providing integrated cancer services, particularly for breast and cervical cancers.

The project aims to ensure that women receive seamless care—from screening and diagnosis to treatment and follow-up. It also integrates the management of other non-communicable diseases and mental health, which are increasingly becoming a burden on our healthcare system.

The WICS project will be rolled out in Nyandarua and Bungoma counties, with technical and financial support from the World Health Organization and Roche. We believe this project will serve as a model for expanding comprehensive cancer care across the country, with the ultimate goal of reducing cancer mortality rates significantly.

Breaking the Stigma Surrounding Cancer

As we work to improve access to breast cancer services,  we must also confront the stigma and misinformation that too often surround this disease. Many women delay seeking care out of fear or shame, which only worsens their prognosis.

To break down these barriers, our awareness campaigns are designed to empower women to take charge of their health. As part of this effort, my Ministry will collaborate with cancer survivors as champions and advocates, sharing their stories of resilience to inspire hope and highlight the importance of early detection.

Breast cancer is not a death sentence if detected early and treated effectively. We must do everything in our power to educate our citizens, particularly women, about the importance of early detection and encourage them to take advantage of the screening services available through the SHIF.

A Shared Responsibility

The fight against breast cancer is a collective effort. While the government has a central role to play, we need the support of healthcare providers, civil society organizations, and the public at large. Together, we can ensure that no woman is left behind in the fight against breast cancer. Let us remember that awareness does not end in October.

This must be a year-round commitment to reducing breast cancer rates and improving survival outcomes for all affected.

In conclusion, the policies we are implementing today will shape the future of cancer care in Kenya. With the Social Health Insurance Fund, the WICS project, and our new cancer screening guidelines, we are laying the foundation for a healthier, cancer-free future for all Kenyans.

Let us continue to work together in this fight, turning scars into stars, and ensuring that breast cancer services and support reach every woman, in every corner of our country.

Dr Deborah Mlongo Barasa, Cabinet Secretary for Health