The 3rd International Kenya Society of Haematology and Oncology Conference hosted by the Kenya Society of Haematology & Oncology (KESHO) took place [at the Sarova Panafric Hotel-Nairobi. The conference whose theme “Let’s talk about Cancer” intended to mobilize ways of improving cancer treatment across Kenya and other represented countries. The conference had a great turnout with delegates from around the world also attending.
KESHO- Chair Dr. Catherine Nyongesa started the opening ceremony by giving a brief history and journey of KESHO. Dr. Catherine encouraged the delegates to share knowledge on how to better handle the cancer burden; with different countries represented not all of them are on the same level when it comes to advanced systems and knowhow. “The diversity of delegates gathered here presents a great opportunity for us to brainstorm and share ideas over what steps to take in tackling cancer” she said. The conference provided a great opportunity for people who have the same interests to network. “It is not every day that we have this caliber of specialists in one sitting” Dr. Nyongesa gave statistics on cancers affecting men and women and how it’s increased over the years. She finished by welcoming all who attended and wished them a pleasant stay.
Other speakers included Dr. Anne Korir who spoke on cancer trends in Kenya. She mentioned the establishment of a network that is helping in doing research work, Africa Registry Network established in 2011 and later upgraded in 2012. ongoing researches include;
· Cancer survival studies(breast, cervix, prostrate, oesophaghus)
· Breast cancer staging study
· Childhood cancer survival
All these studies and research work together with the Network. Dr. Korir also acknowledged KESHO.
Dr. Najmu Adamali spoke on challenges in cancer management in Kenya. There is first class machinery in Kenya that can help deal with cancer but the lack of man power makes it all in vain. He emphasized on trying to popularize the services offered in Kenya, this will prevent a lot of losses incurred by patients who have to go overseas for treatment. “Most doctors refer patients away to India so they can get commissions from the hospitals there.” It’s a painful truth that can be avoided if the services were offered in Kenya. Dr. Adamali suggested that the private sector should not rely completely on the government rather follow the example of India and invest in growing the cancer centers “Let’s not just talk about cancer let’s do something about cancer!” Many of his family members have suffered cancer and all have survived “There is life after cancer it is not the end” he concluded encouraging those affected by cancer.
Head of Curative Services, Ministry of Health Dr. Odongo followed speaking about how the government can set up Oncology training in Kenya by lowering the rates, utilize machinery available and use available trained manpower to train others. “We hope to set aside 3.4 billion a year to fund cancer treatment in Kenya” Dr. Odongo.
Dr. Fred Chite concluded the day one morning session by briefly stating challenges facing the country’s cancer management including;
· The need for multidisciplinary team care
· Early diagnosis (later on can help prevent a lot of things like spreading)
· Collaborative work
· Sub-specialization one who knows more about a specific type of tumor is able to treat it best.
· Palliative care- should start as early as diagnosis
Dr. chite used a quote “Tumor is a rumor tissue is the issue!” to advocate for specialized testing equipment that can help identify specific cancers hence avoid sending specimen samples to places like South Africa to be tested costing the patient at least 100 dollars. “It’s a high price considering it is not even part of the treatment rather a procedure to just figure out what disease you have.” Pathologists do play a big role in cancer management.
Afternoon consisted of workshops. Facilitators talked on different topics related to cancer and delegates attended the sessions that matched their area of interest.
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