The just concluded National Cancer Summit marked a significant milestone in Kenya’s cancer care landscape with the official launch of the National Radiotherapy Treatment Protocol. This new protocol is a significant step towards standardizing and improving the quality of radiotherapy services across the country.
The new protocol provides a unified framework for healthcare professionals, ensuring that all patients, regardless of their location, receive consistent and evidence-based radiotherapy treatment. This is a critical move to address the disparities in care and to ensure that cancer patients are treated according to the latest national and international guidelines.
The protocol is expected to enhance treatment outcomes and minimize side effects. The launch of this document at the National Cancer Summit shows the government’s commitment to tackling the growing burden of cancer by investing in comprehensive and high-quality care. It represents a collaborative effort by oncologists, physicists, and other cancer experts to elevate the standard of radiotherapy and provide the best possible care for cancer patients in Kenya.
Appendix cancer is a very rare type of cancer that begins in the cells of the appendix, a small, finger-like pouch attached to the large intestine. Because it is so uncommon, it can be difficult to diagnose and is often discovered accidentally during surgery for another condition, such as appendicitis.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Because appendix cancer is so rare and often has no noticeable symptoms in its early stages, a diagnosis can be challenging. Symptoms, when they do appear, are often vague and can be mistaken for other conditions.
Common symptoms may include:
Appendicitis-like pain in the lower right abdomen
A gradual increase in waist size or abdominal bloating
A feeling of fullness or a mass in the abdomen
Changes in bowel habits
Hernias-In men, a hernia in the groin is sometimes the first sign
Ovarian masses-In women, a mass in the pelvis may be the initial indication, and it can sometimes be mistaken for ovarian cancer.
Nausea and vomiting
Bowel obstruction
Diagnosis is often made after a person undergoes a physical exam and imaging tests like a CT or MRI scan. In many cases, the cancer is only discovered during an appendectomy (appendix removal) for suspected appendicitis. A definitive diagnosis is made through a biopsy, where a pathologist examines a tissue sample.
Treatment Options
The primary treatment for appendix cancer is surgery. The specific surgical approach depends on the type, size, and stage of the cancer.
July is Sarcoma Awareness Month, a time to shed light on one of the lesser-known forms of cancer that affects both children and adults. Despite its rarity, sarcoma poses significant challenges in diagnosis, treatment, and awareness. In this blog post, we’ll explore what sarcoma is, how it impacts lives, and why raising awareness is so important.
🧬 What is Sarcoma?
Sarcoma is a type of cancer that originates in the body’s connective tissues—the structures that support and hold the body together. This includes:
Muscle
Fat
Bloodvessels
Nerves
Tendons
BoneCartilage
Sarcomas can occur almost anywhere in the body. Because of this diversity, they are often referred to as “the forgotten cancer”—rare, complex, and frequently misdiagnosed
📊 Types of Sarcoma.
Sarcomas are broadly categorized into two main types:
1. Soft Tissue Sarcoma. Affects soft tissues like muscle, fat, and blood vessels. There are over 50 subtypes, including:Liposarcoma (fat tissue)Leiomyosarcoma (smooth muscle)Synovial Sarcoma (around joints)Angiosarcoma (blood vessels)
2. Bone Sarcoma. More common in children and young adults. Major types include:Osteosarcoma (usually in the long bones)Ewing Sarcoma, Chondrosarcoma (cartilage)
🚩 Signs and Symptoms
Early signs can be vague or easily overlooked, making early detection difficult. Some common symptoms include:
A lump or mass that grows over time.
Persistent pain, especially in bones or joints
Swelling or tenderness
Fatigue or unexplained weight loss
Limited movement if the tumor is near a joint
🧪 Diagnosis and Treatment
If sarcoma is suspected, a series of tests may be used:
MRI, CT scans, or X-rays
Biopsy to examine the tissue
PET scans to check for spread
Treatment typically includes:Surgery to remove the tumor
Radiation therapy
Chemotherapy
Targeted therapies (depending on the sarcoma subtype)
Because of the complexity and rarity of sarcomas, patients are often referred to specialized sarcoma centers for treatment
🎗️ Why Awareness Matters
Sarcoma accounts for about 1% of adult cancers and 15% of childhood cancers.It often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, delaying treatment. Research funding for sarcoma is significantly lower than for more common cancers. Early detection can significantly improve outcomes.
It’s empowering to know that many cases of cancer are preventable through conscious lifestyle choices. While no single habit guarantees you’ll never get cancer, adopting a combination of healthy practices significantly lowers your risk.
Here are key lifestyle habits that can lower your cancer risk:
Don’t Use Tobacco in Any Form:
Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of cancer. It’s linked to cancers of the lung, mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, pancreas, cervix, and more. Even secondhand smoke increases risk. If you smoke or use other tobacco products, quitting is the most impactful step you can take for your cancer prevention. Seek support and resources to help you quit. Avoid cigarettes and vaping as well.
Maintain a Healthy Weight:
Obesity is a significant risk factor for at least 13 different types of cancer, including breast (post-menopause), colorectal, endometrial, kidney, and pancreatic. Excess body fat leads to chronic inflammation and hormonal imbalances that can promote cancer growth. Aim for a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference. Focus on gradual, sustainable weight management through diet and exercise rather than drastic measures.
Eat a Healthy, Plant-Focused Diet:
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes provides essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, which protect cells from damage and support a healthy immune system. Limiting certain foods can also reduce risk.
Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables: Aim for a variety of colors to get a broad range of nutrients.
Choose whole grains over refined grains: Opt for whole-wheat bread, brown rice, oats, and quinoa.
Limit red and processed meats: Reduce consumption of beef, pork, lamb, and avoid processed meats like bacon, sausage, and deli meats, which are classified as carcinogens.
Limit sugary drinks and highly processed foods: These often contribute to weight gain and inflammation.
Incorporate healthy fats: Choose olive oil, avocados, and nuts in moderation.
Be Physically Active:
Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight, improves immune function, reduces inflammation, and positively influences hormone levels, all of which can lower cancer risk. It’s particularly effective in reducing the risk of colorectal and breast cancers.
Include strength training at least two days a week.
Reduce sedentary time by taking breaks to move throughout the day. Even short walks add up!
Limit Alcohol Consumption (or Avoid It Entirely):
Alcohol is a known carcinogen linked to cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, breast, and colon. The risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed. For cancer prevention, less is generally better, and avoiding alcohol altogether is the safest choice.
Protect Your Skin from the Sun:
Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the primary cause of skin cancers, including melanoma. Tanning beds and sunlamps are also harmful.
Seek shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV rays are strongest.
Wear protective clothing, including long-sleeved shirts, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily, and reapply every two hours (or more often if swimming or sweating).
Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps.
Get Vaccinated:
Certain viruses can cause cancer. Vaccines can protect against these infections.
HPV Vaccine: Protects against Human Papillomavirus, which causes most cervical cancers, as well as some anal, throat, and other genital cancers. Recommended for adolescents, but can be given up to age 45.
Hepatitis B Vaccine: Protects against Hepatitis B virus, which can lead to liver cancer.
Know Your Family History and Get Recommended Screenings:
While not a “lifestyle habit” in the same vein as diet or exercise, being proactive about screening is crucial for early detection, which dramatically improves treatment outcomes. Understanding your family history can inform personalized screening recommendations.
Talk to your doctor about your family history of cancer.
Follow recommended screening guidelines for your age and risk factors (e.g., mammograms, colonoscopies, Pap tests, lung cancer screenings if you have a history of heavy smoking).
Limit Exposure to Environmental Toxins:
Exposure to certain chemicals and pollutants in the environment or workplace can increase cancer risk.
Be aware of potential carcinogens in your home and work environment (e.g., radon, asbestos, certain industrial chemicals) and take steps to minimize exposure.
By incorporating these habits into your daily life, you significantly stack the odds in your favor for reducing your cancer risk and promoting overall health and well-being. Remember to discuss any health concerns or major lifestyle changes with your healthcare provider.
24th June, 2025 – Nairobi, Kenya – In a significant step towards bolstering cancer prevention and control efforts across the nation, the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) today hosted a strategic meeting with pharmaceutical giant, Pfizer. Held at the NCI-K offices in Nairobi, the discussions were led by NCI-K CEO, Dr. Elias Melly, and Pfizer leadership under the African Cluster, led by: Nick Lagunowich, President, Pfizer Emerging Markets. Others included: AbdelAli Besri, Vice President, Ismahene Benhidi, Senior Director, Dr Tamas Andras Koncz, Vice President, Medical Head, Allan Mackenzie, Director East & Southern Africa, Dr Osahon Omorodion, Medical Director, Dr Eva Njenga, Medical Director. The meeting centered on a shared vision and ambitious goals under the “Accord for a Healthier World” program.
A primary focus of the discussion was the critical issue of medicine availability for cancer patients. NCI-K strongly advocated for a reduction in the cost of these life-saving medications, emphasizing the need for greater affordability and accessibility for Kenyans battling cancer.
The conversation also delved into Kenyan cancer data. Dr. Melly highlighted NCI-K’s crucial role as the custodian of accurate cancer data, affirming that the Institute is now generating more precise national data. He noted that there has been an over-reliance on international estimates, such as those from Globocan, which often fall short in reflecting the precise local context. This commitment to robust, homegrown data will be instrumental in informing targeted interventions and policies.
Furthermore, research collaborations formed a key part of the agenda. Dr. Melly passionately advocated for increased support for local cancer research. He articulated the challenge of relying heavily on foreign research and molecules for patient treatment, emphasizing that Kenyans are genetically different and therefore require research tailored to their unique genetic makeup to optimize treatment efficacy.
In a candid moment, the NCI-K CEO also raised pertinent questions about the usefulness of major global platforms like ASCO (American Society of Clinical Oncology) for low and middle-income countries (LMICs). He observed that discussions at such conferences often revolve around new molecules and innovator Health Products and Technologies (HPTs) for which LMICs frequently lack the necessary human resource capacity. While acknowledging this gap, he specifically commended Pfizer for recognizing this niche and actively working to fill it, indicating a positive collaborative path forward.
This strategic meeting marks a crucial juncture in Kenya’s fight against cancer, signaling a renewed commitment to collaborative, data-driven, and contextually relevant approaches to prevention, control, and care. NCI-K’s collaboration with Pfizer under the Accord for a Healthier World program promises to unlock new avenues for sustainable advancements in cancer management across the country.
🔔 Webinar Alert! 🔔 Join the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) and the Oncology Pharmacy Society of Kenya for a webinar on Pharmacovigilance for Oncology Health Products and Technologies. 🗓 Date: Wednesday, 25th June 2025 ⏰ Time: 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (EAT) Featuring Expert Speakers: · Dr. Irene Weru (KNH & Chair, Oncology Pharmacists Society of Kenya) · Dr. Patrick Muthini (Head of Oncology Pharmacy Services, Phangisile Mtshali Cancer Center) · Moderated by Dr. Nashat Fadhloon Noor (Clinical Oncologist & Head of Cancer Prevention and Control, NCI-K) Don’t miss this important discussion on patient safety in cancer care. meet.google.com/cby-rhvq-xxb
Uterine cancer is one of the most common gynecologic cancers among women. Early detection plays a significant role in successful treatment outcomes, but once diagnosed, patients often embark on a physically and emotionally challenging journey. Understanding the care and treatment process, as well as the hurdles patients face during this phase, is essential to supporting those affected.
Care and Treatment Process
The care and treatment of uterine cancer often begins with a multidisciplinary approach involving gynecologic oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and support teams. The most common treatment option is surgery, commonly a hysterectomy, which may include removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and sometimes surrounding lymph nodes. This mainly depends on the stage and aggressiveness of the cancer.
Post-surgery, adjuvant therapies may be required:
Radiation Therapy: Helps eliminate remaining cancer cells and reduces the risk of recurrence.
Chemotherapy: Used in more advanced or aggressive cases to target cancer cells throughout the body.
Hormone Therapy: Applied for hormone-sensitive cancers to block hormones that fuel cancer growth.
Regular monitoring, including blood tests, scans, and pelvic exams, is essential throughout the treatment process to track progress and adjust the care plan as needed.
Challenges Faced During Treatment
While effective treatment options exist, patients often face a range of physical, emotional, and financial challenges during the treatment phase:
Physical Side Effects: These may include fatigue, nausea, pain, surgical complications, hormonal imbalances, and early menopause.
Emotional Strain: Many women experience anxiety, fear of recurrence, depression, and body image issues. For younger patients, infertility can be especially distressing.
Financial Barriers: In many regions, treatment costs, travel expenses, and time away from work or family can create overwhelming financial stress.
Limited Access in Low-Resource Settings: late diagnosis due to lack of screening, inadequate health infrastructure, and scarcity of specialists pose serious barriers to timely and quality care.
Beyond medical treatment, uterine cancer care must include psychosocial support, patient education, and community outreach. Support groups, counseling, and financial assistance programs can significantly improve a patient’s ability to cope. Additionally, strengthening health systems to ensure earlier diagnosis, equitable access to care, and ongoing survivorship support is critical.
Uterine cancer treatment involves more than just managing the disease. It is about supporting the whole patient. Addressing the physical, emotional, and social challenges faced during treatment can lead to better outcomes and a higher quality of life for women living with this disease.
11th June 2025 – Muranga County – NCI-K continues its county-wide assessment of the National Cancer Control Strategy 2023-2027. Today, NCI-K met with the Murang’a County Health Management Team (CHMT), led by Dr. James Mbugua, Director of County Health Medical and Public Health Services.
The assessment identified significant gaps in Murang’a County’s cancer control efforts, specifically in prevention and early detection, imaging, pathology and laboratory medicine, treatment, and palliative care. Furthermore, major deficiencies were noted in cancer advocacy and financing, with no dedicated budget for cancer activities despite their inclusion in the County’s Annual Work Plan (AWP). The county also lacks an operational oncology center or unit. Despite these challenges, Murang’a County does have a sufficiently trained healthcare workforce for oncology services.
Discussions also focused on potential areas for partnership and collaboration to effectively implement the National Cancer Control Strategy 2023-2027 within Murang’a County. In addressing these identified gaps, NCI-K, as stipulated in the Cancer Prevention and Control Act 2012, is uniquely positioned to play a crucial role. Specifically, NCI-K can:
Encourage and Secure Establishment of Facilities: Work to encourage and secure the establishment of much-needed oncology centers, units, and other institutions for the welfare and treatment of persons with cancer in Murang’a. This includes supporting the provision of diagnostic, treatment, and rehabilitative care.
Coordinate Services: Coordinate existing and future cancer services within Murang’a, ensuring a streamlined and efficient approach to patient care, from diagnosis to palliative care.
Collect, Analyze, and Disseminate Data: Leverage its mandate to collect, analyze, and disseminate data on cancer cases in Murang’a to inform planning and targeted interventions. This will ensure accurate figures for planning purposes.
Provide Technical Assistance and Training: Offer technical assistance and provide access to available information and training to the Murang’a CHMT and healthcare workers, enhancing their capacity in cancer prevention, early detection, and management across all areas identified as having gaps.
Through these concerted efforts, NCI-K will be instrumental in transforming Murang’a County’s cancer control landscape, ensuring a more comprehensive and responsive approach to the cancer burden.
Uterine cancer originates in the lining of the uterus. In Kenya, the disease is increasingly becoming an emerging public health concern due to rising incidence rates and late-stage diagnoses. While traditionally less highlighted than cervical or breast cancer, uterine cancer is becoming more common, driven by rising life expectancy, changes in reproductive health trends, and shifting lifestyles.
According to the National Cancer Registry data estimates, Kenya records approximately 829 new cases annually of uterine cancer and 257 deaths annually. These numbers place uterine cancer among the top twenty cancers affecting women in the country. Data from Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), supports these findings, showing a steady increase in gynecologic cancer referrals, with uterine cancer accounting for a growing share.
Clinicians report that most uterine cancer patients are diagnosed between the ages of 50 and 65, often postmenopausal, and commonly present with abnormal uterine bleeding. A retrospective review of cases between 2015 and 2022 showed that more than 60% of patients presented with advanced-stage disease (Stage III or IV), reducing the effectiveness of treatment and worsening prognosis. Studies at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) and Aga Khan University Hospital echo findings at KNH, indicating a demographic shift toward younger women presenting with early symptoms.
Risk Factors
Delayed childbearing and decreased fertility rates in women
Limited access to regular gynecological care and screening, especially in rural regions
Low public awareness about the symptoms of uterine cancer
A growing prevalence of obesity and metabolic disorders, even among younger women
Diagnosis and Treatment Gaps
Uterine cancer diagnosis in Kenya is hindered by limited diagnostic capacity, particularly outside major urban centers. Many public hospitals lack equipment for transvaginal ultrasound, histopathology, and advanced imaging. At KNH, diagnosis is often delayed due to long waiting times for biopsy results.
Treatment typically involves total abdominal hysterectomy, sometimes followed by radiation or chemotherapy. However, there is a shortage of radiation therapy machines, with only a handful of public facilities offering radiotherapy. This shortage forces many patients to wait months or travel long distances for treatment, worsening their outcomes. With the operationalization of the Cancer Prevention and Control Act, 2012, by the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, these challenges are now being addressed through policy making, partnerships, and collaborations.
The Way Forward
Collaboration between the Kenyan government, academic institutions, and international health organizations can drive progress. Leveraging global insights while adapting strategies to Kenya’s health landscape is crucial to reducing uterine cancer mortality. This can be done through;
Increased public awareness campaigns tailored to Kenyan women.
Expand diagnostic infrastructure to counties and sub-counties.
Subsidize treatment through the Social Health Authority (SHA)
Train more gynecologic oncologists, nurses, and pathologists.
Integrate uterine cancer education into reproductive health services.
Uterine cancer is a growing threat to women’s health in Kenya. With rising incidence and late diagnoses, the government of Kenya, through the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, is rolling out better screening programs, affordable treatment through the Social Health Authority (SHA), and public awareness.
Addressing this issue requires more than medical treatment as it calls for a comprehensive, system-wide response that includes public education, investment in diagnostic capacity, equitable access to treatment, and health workforce training. With coordinated efforts from the government, healthcare institutions, and international partners, Kenya can shift the narrative from late-stage suffering to early detection and survival.
Uterine cancer, most commonly Endometrial cancer (which starts in the lining of the uterus), often presents with symptoms that are noticeable, allowing for earlier detection and better treatment outcomes. It’s crucial for every woman to be aware of these signs, even though they can also be caused by less serious conditions.
Here’s what everyone should know about uterine cancer symptoms:
The Most Important Symptom: Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding
This is by far the most common and often the earliest symptom of uterine cancer, occurring in about 90% of cases. “Abnormal” bleeding can look different depending on whether you’ve gone through menopause or not
While abnormal bleeding is the primary symptom, other signs can occur as the cancer grows or if it’s a less common type of uterine cancer (like uterine sarcoma):
Unusual vaginal discharge: This can range from watery to thick, and may be clear, white, pink, or blood-tinged. It might also have an unpleasant odor.
Pelvic pain or pressure: This can be a persistent ache, cramping, or a feeling of fullness or discomfort in your lower abdomen or pelvis. It might also present as pain in your lower back or legs.
Pain during sex (dyspareunia): This can occur if the cancer has grown and is affecting the cervix or vagina.
Changes in urination or bowel movements: If the tumor grows large enough, it can press on the bladder or rectum, leading to:
Pain or difficulty when urinating.
More frequent urination.
Blood in the urine.
Pain or difficulty with bowel movements.
Blood in the stool.
Unexplained weight loss: Losing weight without trying can be a symptom of many cancers, including uterine cancer, especially in later stages.
A lump or swelling in the tummy or pelvis.
Feeling of fullness or bloating.
Symptoms can be misleading: Many of these symptoms can be caused by benign conditions like fibroids, polyps, infections, or hormonal imbalances. However, only a doctor can determine the cause. Don’t assume it’s “just” menopause or a normal part of your cycle if you experience these changes.
Don’t wait: If you have any of these symptoms, especially abnormal bleeding, see your doctor right away. Don’t delay seeking medical advice.
By being aware of these symptoms and acting quickly, women can significantly improve their chances of a positive outcome if diagnosed with uterine cancer.
