Nandi County Government has launched a cancer survivors support group where residents will be sharing their personal experiences.
Over 128 survivors who converged at Kapsabet County Referral Hospital during the launch of the program said the support group will serve as a welcoming space for cancer patients and survivors in the county, enabling them to engage in a close-knit community engagement.
The group will also be a platform that will provide patients and survivors with the opportunity to get moral support from people who are actually going through the same situation, or people who have great knowledge and experience in providing emotional and psychological support.
“This group aims at instilling persistence and hope in breast cancer patients, while providing them with all types of assistance needed,” said Stella Birgenfrom Barton a breast cancer survivor.
Birgen began her treatment at Kapsabet Referral Hospital in 2021, undergoing eight cycles of chemotherapy. She said the support she received from healthcare professionals and loved ones have been crucial in her fight against cancer.
According to her, cancer patients experience lack of attention, slow processing speed, memory dysfunctions, loneliness, anxiety and distress among other things which have a negative effect on the quality of life.
As a cancer survivor, Birgen has encouraged everyone to prioritize cancer screening, emphasizing that it can affect anyone regardless of age. Her own experience with breast cancer has shown her the importance of getting screened regularly, early detection and prompt treatment.
Jane Chepkoech, a resident of Kabutei and a cervical cancer survivor called on the County Government to provide financial support for cancer patients.
She highlighted the financial burden of treatment, stressing that it is costly and often difficult for patients to afford.
Speaking at the same event, Nandi Deputy Governor Dr Yulita Mitei said, “As a County Government, we are committed to enhancing access to cancer screenings and treatments for our residents. While we strive to bring these services closer, we also encourage our residents to utilize the oncology center at Kapsabet County Referral Hospital for comprehensive care and specialized treatment options”.
She went on “Together, we celebrate life, inspire hope, and reaffirm that no one has to face cancer alone.”
Nandi County Executive Committee Member for Health (CECM) Ruth Koech asserted that cancer diagnosis and treatment is an overwhelming process for the patients and their loved ones adding that the treatment of cancer is a journey right from the diagnosis to treatment and even after survival.
“This cancer support group is extremely helpful for patients to get motivated and inspired every step of the way. We aim to combat cancer jointly by encouraging the patient and their families, and friends to be courageous and positive during the treatment process. At Kapsabet Oncology, we are committed to offering best clinical expertise, and service excellence for our patients in the County,” she said.
Koech said this is a platform that not only provides a safe space for survivors to share their experiences but also promotes a sense of belonging and solidarity. By offering emotional support, practical advice, and a network of understanding peers, the support group empowers survivors to navigate challenges with resilience and optimism.
“When we first set up the cancer center in Kapsabet, we noticed many patients who came to us were already in advanced stages of cancer, often stages 3 and 4. This showed the treatment process that people were not getting diagnosed early enough or seeking treatment early. It’s a reminder of the importance of awareness and early detection in fighting cancer effectively. Our goal now is to improve access to screening and education,” she said.
The CECM emphasized the importance of women in the community taking proactive steps against breast cancer, adding that it is leading in all types of cancer in the County.
By Linet Wafula and Lilian Kangani
