Cancer in Kenya: Giving a real chance of recovery

Esther, 50yrs old.

Esther's world came crashing down when she received the devastating news of her cancer diagnosis. Experiencing extreme dizziness and frequent nausea, she never imagined that her symptoms could indicate something as serious as cancer.

"Although I was diagnosed in 2020, I recall experiencing regular menstrual cycles since around 2013," Esther recalls. It was her husband, Ntoiti, who insisted that she seek proper medical care, as she had previously relied on small dispensaries that merely provided painkillers. Living in Meru while Ntoiti worked in Kenya’s Capital City- Nairobi-Kenya’s, Esther would complain about heavy bleeding, assuring him it was a common women's issue. However, Ntoiti couldn't believe that women would endure such heavy bleeding.

Esther and Ntoiti went to different hospitals before finally being referred to PCEA Chogoria Hospital in Tharaka Nithi County. A series of tests revealed the urgent need for treatment and further examinations more tests in Nairobi where well-equipped diagnostic facilities are available. However, financial constraints posed a significant challenge, forcing them to postpone until they could gather the necessary funds. It was during their time at MP Shah Hospital that the tests uncovered Esther's cervical cancer.

"I was completely shocked. I had researched her symptoms and believed she had fibroids," Ntoiti explains, adding that he had anticipated she would undergo a hysterectomy. "But cancer... where do we even begin?" Nevertheless, he remained devoted to being her caregiver and support system, tirelessly seeking to understand the diagnosis and available treatments.

The family, like, most Kenyans, relied on the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) which only paid for part of her treatment.  "Little did I know that my small-scale business would not be sufficient to cover our family's basic financial needs, let alone afford a single cycle of chemotherapy!" Ntoiti had to act swiftly. "I approached churches, knocked on doors, and reached out to friends and family." He wasn't afraid to ask for help. He dedicated his business profits to the treatment, eventually having to close the business altogether.

Ntoiti's relentless determination paid off as he sought medical care for his wife, eventually leading them to Faraja Cancer Trust. At the Faraja offices, they were taken aback by the warm reception and genuine hospitality extended to them. Every person they encountered that day left a lasting impression, offering comfort and even a comforting beverage.

Their application for assistance was approved by Faraja, bringing a renewed sense of hope to their journey. Throughout the remaining chemotherapy sessions, Esther and Ntoiti are immensely grateful for the dignified support they received. Despite arriving at times without having had breakfast, they are greeted with a cup of tea, water, and an abundance of care.

Ntoiti emphasizes the crucial role of unwavering support from husbands, highlighting how few men stand by their wives during the challenging journey of cancer treatment. He firmly believes it is unethical to abandon the mother of one's children when she needs support the most. Esther wholeheartedly agrees and expresses immense gratitude towards Faraja for infusing them with hope and making their arduous journey bearable.

The Faraja Medical Support Fund is an endowment fund that supports patients through treatment for cancer. The fund is fully dependent on the generous donations from well-wishers like you. Cancer is reported as the third leading cause of death in Kenya and the primary cause among non-communicable diseases. Unfortunately, late-stage diagnosis contributes significantly to the high cancer-related death toll. During the National Cancer Summit 2023, a recent report highlighted the distressing fact that a large proportion of cancer cases, approximately 70%, are identified in advanced stages when a cure becomes nearly impossible.

 At Faraja, we take a proactive approach by facilitating support groups catering for various types of cancers and outreach programs to ensure that more Kenyans are aware about the risk factors and early signs of cancer. Early detection plays a pivotal role in achieving better treatment outcomes, as research indicates that 30% of cancers can be effectively treated when caught at an early stage. 

As our valued supporters, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to you for bringing much-needed hope, help and life to families like Esther and Ntoiti’s, as well as countless others in need. Your donations make a significant difference in their lives.

Norah is a middle-aged Kenyan woman who is full of life and good cheer. She is married with two school-going boys aged 16 and 10. Norah and her husband are both casual labourers who reside in informal settlements within Kenya's Capital city Nairobi. She washes clothes and her husband works at a construction site. Together they earn a combined purse of about $20 a day. 

In April 2018, Norah arrived home from fetching water and realised she was bleeding. It was like normal menstrual flow but heavier. When it persisted for a few days, she decided to visit a nearby clinic for consultation.

“It must be the family planning method that you’re using.” the medical officer reported.

Since the flow was heavy, Norah was prescribed medication, which she faithfully took for four months but her bleeding did not subside and made her weaker.  She decided to seek a second opinion and a third opinion about her condition...all pointing to her family planning method. 

“You know, you cannot argue with the doctor, even when he prescribes the very same medication that almost a year later has not helped,” Norah says.

Determined to get to the root of the problem, she sought a fourth opinion from two referral hospitals. Her solace came from Mbagathi District Hospital in Nairobi.

“I begged them to do any test because I could feel that something was wrong with me!” Norah narrates with a tone of despair!

She was sent to the lab for an xray and a mass was found. "The doctor prescribed some medication that did not abate my situation. I remember going to the pharmacy to inquire if they had given me the right medication because I was not feeling any better."

Months later, even with the adherence to her medication, Norah noticed that things were getting worse. Not only was the bleeding irregular, but by 2020, she also noticed what she refers to as "a weird fluid"  accompanied by svere back pain.

She went back to Mbagathi Hospital where she was eventually admitted for more tests. Her 3-week of hospitalization was taking a financial toll and sadly her eldest teenage son called her one day asking when she would return home because he was sleeping hungry.

“I asked myself many questions as I sat in the hospital. What is wrong with me? Why is no one telling me what is ailing me?” It was only then that they mentioned the word cancer. They referred her back to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) to started treatment for cervical cancer which had sadly advanced to stage three.

Her husband held a mini fundraiser to help cater for her treatment costs which were growing astronomically. Norah, like, most Kenyans, relied on the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) which only paid for part of her treatment. She needed almost 400$ to complete her radiotherapy treatment, a sum that was too heavy for her humble household. 

“At KNH, I was fortunate to find a caring social worker who told me that I could get help from an organization called Faraja.” Norah says. By then she was tired of being referred to different hospitals. “How do I get there when I could barely raise the fare to get here?” Norah asked. 

She eventually managed to visit our offices in Nairobi  praying that this would not be another goose chase. Norah applied for a medical grant from the Faraja Medical Support Fund (FMSF). Her application was successful and she had her entire radiotherapy treatment supported.

“I felt like I could fly! I had not been so happy in a long, long time!” she laughs as she recalls the good news. 

On the day of this interview, Norah had just completed her final cycle of radiotherapy. The bleeding and discharge were long gone. “I feel like a woman, a human.”  When asked what she would tell another woman going through the ordeal she had endured, Norah says, “Always trust what your body tells you. Doctors are human, they can make mistakes. Never get tired of seeking a third or even hundreth opinion. I did and it saved me. Misdiagnosis is not the end of life."

The Faraja Medical Support Fund is an endowment fund that supports patients through treatment for cancer. The fund is fully supported by donations from well-wishers like you. Cancer in Kenya is rated as the third cause of death in Kenya where 1 in every 7 Kenyans is diagnosed daily. Misdiagnosis is one of  the common causes of late treatment and as Faraja, we have support groups and outreach programs to ensure that more Kenyans know about the risk factors and early signs of cancer. 30% of cancers are treatable when caught early. 

As our valued supporters, we want to thank you so much for giving much-needed hope, help and life to women like Norah and to many others.