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Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital Receives Over 6,000 Cancer Patients Monthly, Treats 600





By Wasike Elvis

Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), one of Kenya’s leading healthcare institutions, is grappling with the escalating cancer burden, receiving more than 6,000 new cancer cases every month. However, due to limited resources and capacity, the hospital is only able to provide treatment to approximately 600 patients each month, highlighting the growing challenge of cancer care in Kenya.

On this World Cancer Day, Dr. Philip Kirwa, the CEO of MTRH, addressed the alarming rise in cancer cases across the country, emphasizing the importance of early detection, prevention, and proper treatment. Dr. Kirwa spoke to the media about the increasing number of cancer cases diagnosed at later stages, particularly stage three and four, where survival rates are significantly lower, and treatments are more aggressive and expensive.

"Cancer is no longer a distant disease. It’s here with us, and it affects people from all walks of life," Dr. Kirwa said. “The reality is that the majority of cancer patients we receive come to us when their condition is already in advanced stages. This makes the chances of curing the disease more difficult, and the cost of treatment significantly higher."

According to the latest data from MTRH, prostate cancer in men, cervical cancer in women, and breast cancer are the most common cancers diagnosed and treated at the hospital. Despite these prevalent cancers, the hospital is overwhelmed by the sheer volume of patients, underscoring the need for improved access to early screening services and preventive care.

Dr. Kirwa stressed that prevention remains a critical focus in combating cancer. “The first step in managing cancer is prevention. People must make better lifestyle choices, including eating a healthy diet, staying physically active, reducing exposure to harmful chemicals, and making sure they receive immunizations to protect against cancer-causing infections like the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Hepatitis B," he advised.

In addition to lifestyle changes, Dr. Kirwa emphasized the importance of regular cancer screenings for individuals who are at risk or showing symptoms. "Screening is a powerful tool in detecting cancer early, when treatment is more likely to be successful. Men should regularly undergo prostate exams, women should ensure they have breast cancer checks and cervical screenings, and everyone should consider colorectal cancer screenings as part of their regular health check-ups," he urged.

However, Dr. Kirwa expressed his concern about the high number of cancer patients seeking treatment at MTRH only after their cancer has progressed to late stages. "It's a sad reality that most of our patients come to us with stage three or stage four cancer. By this time, the cancer is harder to treat, and survival rates are significantly reduced. The costs are also much higher compared to treating cancer in its early stages," he said. Early-stage cancer can often be managed through surgery, radiation, or less invasive therapies, giving patients a greater chance of recovery.

In Kenya, there is still a widespread misconception that cancer treatment, particularly surgery, leads to certain death. Dr. Kirwa addressed this myth, stressing that this belief often results in patients seeking alternative, unproven herbal remedies instead of professional medical care. "In the past, many people diagnosed with cancer resorted to herbal treatments, hoping they could find a cure. However, these remedies are not effective and can delay vital treatments, reducing the chances of survival,” Dr. Kirwa explained.

MTRH, which serves patients not just from Eldoret but from all over Kenya, is one of the few hospitals in the country offering comprehensive cancer care services. The hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art cancer treatment facilities, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical interventions. It has specialized oncologists and surgeons who are trained to perform cancer surgeries and administer treatments to patients at various stages of the disease.

“The technology and expertise available at MTRH are on par with international standards. We are equipped to provide advanced cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. We have a dedicated team of specialists who work together to ensure that our patients receive the best care possible,” said Dr. Kirwa.

Dr. Kirwa also addressed the role of the Social Health Authority (SHA) in improving access to cancer treatment. "Cancer treatment is fully covered by the SHA, which includes chemotherapy, surgeries, and inpatient and outpatient care. We encourage all Kenyans to register with SHA, as it ensures that cancer care remains affordable and accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial status," he said.

Despite the advances in treatment options and the availability of insurance coverage, the hospital is still facing significant challenges in meeting the demands of cancer patients. With over 6,000 new cancer cases being diagnosed each month at MTRH, the need for more specialized facilities, increased funding, and expanded access to early detection services is more urgent than ever.

Dr. Kirwa called on both the government and the private sector to step up their efforts in cancer prevention and treatment. “We need to prioritize cancer care by investing in early detection programs, increasing public awareness about prevention, and ensuring that more treatment centers are available across the country. Every Kenyan deserves access to timely and effective cancer care,” he concluded.

As Kenya continues to fight the growing cancer crisis, MTRH remains a beacon of hope for many. However, the hospital's limited capacity to treat the large number of patients it receives each month highlights the need for further investment in cancer care, public education, and early detection efforts. Through collective action and awareness, Kenya can take significant strides toward combating the cancer epidemic and ensuring better health outcomes for all.

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