Kenya Steps Up Fight Against “Hidden” Blood Cancer as Multiple Myeloma Association Launches
The renewed push comes as clinicians, policymakers, and patients gathered at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) to mark Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month in March and officially launch the Multiple Myeloma Association of Kenya.
Leading the call, Dr. Beatrice Melly, a clinical hematologist at MTRH, warned that multiple myeloma remains largely underdiagnosed due to its ability to mimic other common illnesses.
“This disease camouflages many other conditions. Patients may present with fatigue, bone pain, kidney problems, or even fractures from minor activities, and it is often mistaken for something else,” she said.
Multiple myeloma is a cancer that originates in plasma cells—an important component of the immune system found in the bone marrow. While it accounts for about one percent of all cancers, it is among the most common blood cancers, ranking just behind leukemia and lymphoma.
Dr. Melly noted that the disease is more prevalent among older individuals, with the average age of diagnosis being in the 60s. However, she also highlighted a concerning trend: people of African descent are two to three times more likely to develop the disease compared to other populations.
“This raises important questions about whether this is partly a disease of African heritage, and why we need to invest more in awareness and research locally,” she said.
Beyond age and genetics, experts pointed to other potential risk factors, including obesity and prolonged exposure to agricultural chemicals such as pesticides and herbicides—common in farming regions across Kenya.
Dr. Timothy Olweny, Chairperson of the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, said while such chemicals are generally known to be carcinogenic, more research is needed to establish direct links to specific cancers.
“It is not just about the chemicals themselves, but how they are used. Many people handle these substances without proper protective equipment, increasing their risk,” he said.
He called for stronger collaboration between the health and agricultural sectors to better understand these risks, particularly in farming-heavy regions such as western Kenya and parts of the Rift Valley.
Late Diagnosis a Major Challenge
A key concern raised during the event was the persistent challenge of late diagnosis. Because symptoms of multiple myeloma often resemble those of less serious conditions, patients frequently seek treatment multiple times at lower-level health facilities before receiving an accurate diagnosis.
Common warning signs include persistent back or bone pain, unexplained fatigue due to anemia, kidney dysfunction, and fractures resulting from weakened bones.
Dr. Melly emphasized the need for both the public and healthcare providers to maintain a “high index of suspicion,” especially when symptoms persist despite treatment.
“If you keep going to a health facility with the same complaint and it is not improving, it is important to escalate that case to a higher-level hospital for further investigation,” she advised.
At MTRH, doctors report diagnosing an average of 70 new multiple myeloma cases each year, although they believe the actual number could be significantly higher if awareness improves.
The hospital currently manages about 250 patients with the disease annually, out of approximately 1,200 blood cancer cases handled each year.
Specialized Care and Growing Capacity
As a national referral facility serving more than 20 counties, MTRH has developed a comprehensive care program for multiple myeloma patients over the past 15 years.
The hospital offers advanced diagnostic services, including blood tests, imaging, and bone marrow examinations, which are critical in confirming the disease. Treatment options include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical interventions where necessary.
Dr. Andrew Wandera, Senior Director of Clinical Services at MTRH, said the institution has significantly strengthened its capacity to manage the disease.
“We now have the ability to diagnose and treat multiple myeloma comprehensively. This includes a multidisciplinary approach involving oncologists, surgeons, and radiotherapy specialists,” he said.
Importantly, many of these services are covered under national health insurance, making treatment more accessible to patients who would otherwise struggle with the high costs of cancer care.
Patients Take Center Stage
The launch of the Multiple Myeloma Association of Kenya marked a significant shift toward patient-centered care in the country’s cancer response.
According to Dr. Wandera, the association is designed to bring together patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers to share experiences, advocate for better services, and support one another through the long and often challenging treatment journey.
“This is a patient-led association. We recognize that patients and their caregivers play a critical role in care, and their voices must be part of the conversation,” he said.
The association will operate at a national level, welcoming all multiple myeloma patients across Kenya and working closely with institutions such as MTRH and Kenyatta National Hospital.
Experts say such platforms are crucial in addressing not just the medical aspects of cancer, but also the psychological, social, and economic challenges faced by patients and their families.
“Cancer is not just a disease—it affects every aspect of a person’s life, from finances to mental health and even employment opportunities,” said Dr. Olweny.
He added that increased awareness could help reduce stigma and discrimination often associated with cancer diagnoses, particularly in workplaces and communities.
Call for Prevention and Early Detection
Health leaders underscored that while treatment is essential, prevention and early detection remain the most effective strategies in reducing cancer-related deaths.
They called for cancer awareness to be integrated into education systems and community health programs, ensuring that people understand risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of seeking timely medical care.
“There is only so much we can achieve through treatment alone. We must invest in prevention, early diagnosis, and sustained awareness if we are to make meaningful progress,” Dr. Olweny said.
As Kenya marks Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month, the launch of the new association is being seen as a turning point in how the country approaches this often-overlooked disease.
With increased advocacy, improved diagnostics, and stronger patient support systems, health experts are hopeful that more cases will be detected early, treatment outcomes will improve, and lives will ultimately be saved.
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