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Caroline A. Nyandat

Kisumu Medical And Education Trust, Kenya

Presentation Title:

Bringing Hope Closer: Community-Led Breast Cancer Awareness and Screening through Clinics on Wheels in Homa Bay County, Kenya.

Abstract

Background: Cancer is a leading cause of death in Kenya today, according to KDHIS, 2022. Kenya Health Strategic Plan (2015 – 2020) highlighted strategies for addressing cancer and other NCDs as a priority in Kenya. Among the priorities included prevention through HPV Vaccination, Community awareness for early detection and treatment of cervical cancer. Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in our community. Despite increased global awareness, many women continue to present late due to limited knowledge, stigma, and lack of access to affordable screening services. 

Early detection through regular screening and timely treatment greatly improves survival rates. Kenya faces difficulties associated with inadequate screening rates, high mortality rates, insufficient infrastructure, inadequate knowledge, and capabilities to prevent and manage cervical cancer. The significance of comprehensive strategies to improve services for cervical cancer prevention, vaccination, and treatment is highlighted by these obstacles. HPV vaccination, and improve testing and treatment, coverage remains low due to various factors such as poor skills among healthcare workers promoting provider bias, negative socio-cultural beliefs among communities affecting health seeking, community leaders, teachers, religious leaders, and parents have misleading information about the vaccine. 

Methodology: KMET, in partnership with the MOH, implemented the 'clinic on the wheel' initiative to reduce the burden of breast  cancer by promoting awareness, encouraging early detection, and increasing access to affordable screening and referral services at the community level. The objectives were to improve community knowledge of breast cancer risk factors, signs, and the importance of early detection, and to provide accessible breast cancer screening services through community outreach programmes and health facility linkages. 

Additionally, they aimed to strengthen referral pathways for timely diagnosis and treatment for women who screen positive. The project utilized community sensitization campaigns to disseminate culturally sensitive breast cancer awareness messages through community dialogues, radio spots, posters, and social media, organize regular outreaches using mobile clinics to offer clinical breast exams and referrals for mammography where possible and collaborate with local health facilities, NGOs, and county governments to ensure women who need further diagnostic services and treatment are linked to care.

Biography

TBA