Treatment for breast Cancer costs at least KES 35,000 a week, says a Policy Brief from the Department of Research. With about 18,000 diagnosed cases every year and 93% 0f the total population lacking any kind of insurance, the cost of treatment is no joke.
Even with Breast Cancer Awareness Month coming to a close, Head of the Division for Reproductive Health, Dr Isaac Bashir has called on men to get their mammary glands examined. This, however, doesn’t mean that the screening process will close until next year.
The month of October simply served as a platform to get the message across. Much like national hand washing day, breast Cancer awareness should be a part of everyday life.
Healthcare is Expensive
Although Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and the Private Hospital have an agreement to give poor patients access to radiation services at a subsidised cost of KES 35, 000 a week, the Department says that the bill is still too high.
However, screening is free in some healthcare centers, including the Aga Khan University Hospital. The initiative even earned one David Makumi the 2012 International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care Award (ISNCC). In the past 3 years, the Kenya Cancer Association Chairman has managed to provide free screening to over 15,000 women.
The Department also mentions that treatment includes between KES 6000 and KES 10, 000 for preliminary investigations. On the other hand, drugs can cost up to KES 30, 000 per course (At least six courses are required during 8 weeks of treatment). This means that patients are expected to pay at least KES 180,000 for treatment.
So before you forget about breast cancer awareness for the next 365 days, get checked now. It may be too late next year.