Cancer researchers lament late diagnosis
By George Kebaso, February 12, 2025Scientists have lamented late screening for cancer, saying patients seek help when the disease is at an advanced stage, complicating their treatment options.
An estimated 70 percent of patients go for screening when the disease is at stage three or four, they said.
Several effective screening tools are available for identifying cancer, said Dr Helena Musau at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) scientific and health conference in Nairobi yesterday.
“Breast cancer can be screened, cancer of the cervix, and colon cancer. All those can be screened, but the question is how many Kenyan patients actually present themselves for screening,” said Musau, a consultant clinical oncologist with the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital.
Treatment options
It is easier to treat the disease when it is caught at stages one and two, she said.
“This will give us an opportunity for treatment, and even cures,” she said, adding that treatment options include chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
But specialists are also adopting the use of molecular technology to diagnose and treat various types of cancer, she said.
Whereas precision and molecular treatment of cancer can achieve success, access is costly, said Dr Allan Njau, a clinical pathologist at the Aga Khan Hospital.
“The side effects of these treatments are reduced compared with conventional chemotherapy, and [patients] tolerate drugs better at the end of the day,” he said.
“[B]ecause of the high quality tests required to be able to get an actionable mutation that we can treat with certain targeted agents, the duration in terms of the diagnosis can sometimes be lengthened before you get to start your targeted therapy or chemotherapy.”
Partnerships and driving innovation in Kenya’s healthcare sector are important said Public Health and Professional Standards Permanent Secretary Mary Muthoni
“KEMRI has remained a cornerstone of Kenya’s health sector, contributing significantly to research, innovation, and evidence-based solutions that address the health challenges facing our country,” she said.
“Through innovative research and transformative initiatives, KEMRI ensures that evidence informs policy and practice, thereby improving health outcomes for our people.”
During the conference, KEMRI unveiled its strategic plan for 2023-2027. It prioritises six key areas: human health, innovation and product development, disease surveillance and response, research capacity building and financial sustainability.