Kenyan cancer experts have called for the increased uptake and use of local research to battle cancer and help improve care for patients. They are also calling for increased access to information among patients and clinicians alertness to aid in early detection of cancer cases.
The experts made this observation at the ongoing International Cancer Conference organized by Kenya Society of Haematology and Oncology (KESHO) themed “Integrating Research and Practice”.
The Chief Guest at the conference, H.E. Dr Mohammed Abdi Kuti, the Governor of Isiolo County and Chairman of the Council of Governors Health and Biotechnology Committee quoted the recently released GLOBOCAN data that out of the expected 9.6 million cancer deaths in 2018, about 80% will occur in low and middle income countries.
“In Kenya, it is expected that we will will have 47,000 new cases in 2018. Out of these, 70 per cent will succumb to the disease. This clearly indicates that cancer has become a cause of premature deaths. If we are to reduce these numbers, research comes in handy. Through research, cancer experts can best understand what ails the community, the prevalent areas and devise counter measures to reduce new cancer incidents, improve timely diagnosis, treatment and ultimately increase survivorship”, said Governor Kuti.
Dr Sitna Mwanzi, Chair, Kenya Society of Haematology and Oncology said that over the years African countries have heavily relied on cancer research conducted in the European world to treat their patients locally some of which is sometimes not applicable due to the social-economic status, availability of cancer treatment and screening facilities among other factors.
“Cancer control research seeks to identify and evaluate the means of reducing the cancer morbidity and mortality and improving the quality of life of people living with, recovering from or dying of cancer. Knowing what our cancer statistics are and the underlying risks factors for disease, we are able to develop interventions that are suitable to our setting as well as policies that will help facilitate cancer control.”
The three-day conference is being attended by over 250 delegates of different specialties including, cancer experts, physicians, cancer nurses, radiation therapy technologists, cancer support groups among other like-minded cancer networks.
Kenya Society of Haematology and Oncology (KESHO) is an organization founded by oncologists and allied healthcare providers to be a catalyst for research in cancer and blood disorders, to improve patient care and stimulate capacity building for cancer patients both regionally and nationally and to provide physicians involved in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and blood disorders with a forum to discuss ideas for purposes of improving practice outcomes.