Kwale oncology centre revives hope for suffering cancer patients

The construction of a multi-million Kwale Oncology Centre has revived hopes for many cancer patients who have for decades lived in despair.

It is estimated that the county records over 200 cases of cancer patients each year with at least seven out of 10 women aged betwee 20 and 64 succumbing to cervical cancer annually.

About 540 cases were reported in 2019, according to county health statistics.

Breast, cervical and prostate cancer are very common and at least two cases are recorded daily in the region.

According to a World Health Organisation report, cancer kills 8.8 million people globally per year.

The modern cancer facility which is being built at Kwale hospital in Matuga subcounty is set to reverse the trend.

The first phase will cost between Sh35 million to Sh40 million. 

Abigael Kinyua, a breast cancer survivor for 15 years living in Ukunda, is one of the many patients whose hope has been rekindled.

Last year, while marking the World Cancer Day awareness in Diani, Kinyua almost broke into tears while begging the county government to construct a cancer treatment facility.

“Treating cancer is very expensive, we cannot do it alone. We call for well-wishers for their support and at least have the services nearby,” she said.

Kinyua got cancer in 2006, and since then, she has spent millions on medication and fare.

Recently, she developed another tumour on her left breast. She expects to spend more millions on surgery and chemotherapy.

Currently, Kwale patients depend on Nairobi and Mombasa facilities, which are sometimes crowded.

The National Cancer Institute estimates that about 47,887 Kenyans are diagnosed with cancer and 32, 987 patients die from the disease annually.

Once the Kwale oncology facility is completed, it will offer screening, radio and chemotherapy treatments.

Surgical, laboratory and counselling services would also be available, including the support groups.

It will have the capacity to serve more than 50 cancer patients.

Since the majority of Kwale residents are poor, Governor Salim Mvurya said the facility will help cancer patients get cheap and affordable diagnoses.

“This legacy project is meant to transform and ensure quality and cheap cancer treatment services are brought closer to the common citizens,” he said.

According to Kinyua, the first tests before starting treatment cost Sh170, 000.

Mvurya said he aims at improving the quality of life for both cancer patients and residents by giving them the best healthcare services.

He said the state-of-the-art facility will be a game changer on how the region combats noncommunicable diseases.

He said once completed, it will help alleviate cancer death rates as screening and diagnosis services would be readily available in the region.

"Hopefully, the facility will relieve residents from the burden of seeking cancer treatment and eventually curb deaths," he said.

Mvurya said the best medical practitioners will be hired and advanced technology installed to effectively battle cancer disease.

The oncology will open its doors for research programmes and provide an opportunity for a better understanding of cancer treatment for students pursuing complex medicine studies.

Bengolo Nyawa, whose mother died from cancer two years ago, is enthusiastic about the construction of the oncology centre.

“It is good news for us, because we have suffered for a very long time, and, in fact, we won’t be travelling for long distances,” he said.

In August, Mvurya lost his mother who died from oesophageal cancer.

The fully-fledged cancer facility is expected to be ready by next year. The construction work commenced in March.

Last month, while briefing the media at Kwale headquarters, Mvurya said the contractor was finalising the facility's rooftop before entering the second phase.

"They are now dealing with roofing then wall plastering and in a few months time it will be ready," he said.

The second phase will involve the decoration and instalment of equipment.

Mvurya said processes to procure and install the machines and necessary tools are already on course.

He, however, called on the residents to make good use of the facility once it becomes operational.

Majority of the locals are hesitant to seek cancer treatment believing it is witchcraft, which has led to increased deaths.

Mvurya urged the locals to adopt the habit of going for cancer screening to help early detection and treatment in a bid to beat the disease.

The oncology centre will also serve other coastal counties.

“The facility will be accessed by all Kenyans who are in dire need of cancer services,” Mvurya said.