In Kenya, 5985 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in a year, with 2,553 dying, which makes breast cancer the 3rd leading type of cancer in the country. High cost of cancer treatment in the country makes it almost impossible for middle to low income earners to seek treatment,as they do not have the luxury of a medical cover. Through this project, we aim to help 80 breast cancer patients access professional breast cancer treatment and after care and save a family the pain of losing a mother.
Breast cancer has been on a constant rise within the past three years. Mortality due to this has also been high, with the major reason being the high cost of cancer treatment in the country. Once diagnosed, most middle and low income mothers have to choose between fending for their families or getting treatment.Health insurance could come in handy during times like these, but unfortunately their financial state does not allow them to get one.
This project looks at helping middle to low income mothers get access to professional breast cancer treatment through paying health insurance for 80 mothers. This will enable them to get the needed treatment and medication, which is vital for them. It will also help them re-integrate back into the society through getting them the psycho-social support they much need, providing essential food materials, enough for them and their families through out their recovery journey.
We hope that through this project we will be able to start a conversation about the importance of an affordable health care system and its implications in the fight breast cancer. Through the conversation, we hope to drive a policy change, where the government declares cancer a national disaster, making its treatment affordable. We also aim at addressing the stigma associated with breast cancer through creating awareness and carrying out screening events across the country.
