Doctors Concerned Over Late Cancer Diagnosis

Medical experts in Kenya are sounding the alarm over the high rate of late-stage cancer diagnoses, warning that many patients only seek care when their disease has progressed to an advanced stage. According to oncologists from KEMRI, about 70% of cancer patients arrive at hospital during stage III or IV, making treatment more complex and reducing the chances of successful outcomes.
One key factor contributing to this late presentation is limited awareness and low suspicion of cancer at the community and primary health-care levels. Dr. Alfred Karagu, CEO of the National Cancer Institute, says that many patients visit lower-level health facilities (like dispensaries) multiple times — often treated for common ailments such as ulcers — before their cancer is diagnosed.
Financial barriers also play a critical role. A study cited in The Star found that fear of the high cost of diagnosis and treatment deters many Kenyans from getting screened. Patients who eventually seek care often delay because of transportation costs, screening expenses, or fear of receiving a cancer diagnosis.
The situation is particularly alarming in some counties. In Makueni County, for instance, more than 90% of breast cancer cases are detected in advanced stages (III and IV), according to county health leaders. Experts are calling for a multi-pronged response: enhanced community cancer awareness, broadened screening programs, and strengthened capacity at local health centres to detect and refer suspected cancers early.