Breast cancer awareness and community services in Kenya

In September 2024 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Luckily, because I was born in the U.K., I have had access to free national healthcare and cutting-edge treatment.

I am now through the other side of active treatment with a good prognosis and am continuing to benefit from a number of ongoing support services.

Globally, breast cancer survival rates differ substantially, with an estimated 5-year survival rate of around 85% in the U.K. versus around only 40% in Kenya. One factor in the low survival rate in Kenya is the late diagnosis of many cases due to stigma, lack of information and poverty.

If I had been born in Kenya my awareness that led to my diagnosis and the treatment and support services available to me would have been significantly reduced.

Martha Cancer Survivors Support Centre is an organisation based in Kisii, Kenya, which facilitates community-based education to raise awareness about breast cancer and provide support services for patients through their diagnosis and treatment. The project is now a model for similar support centres throughout Western Kenya.

Some of their work includes:

My friend Amy, an oncoplastic breast surgeon, has worked directly with this organisation in the field and has seen first hand the amazing work they are doing.

The photos shared are of the community outreach and support team, some of whom are breast cancer survivors themselves. You can read more about the Support Centre here:

https://marthacancersurvivorssupportcentre.org

In October a group of friends and family are taking on the Four Reservoirs Trail Ultra Run. At distances of 25km and 53km, this will be the longest run most of us have ever attempted. Training was kicked off recently with a 20 mile walk in the Scottish hills - now to move that up to a running pace! Through this challenge, we are collectively raising money for the Martha Centre and thank you for your donation!