Doctors Concerned Over Late Presentation of Cancer Patients

Health experts in Kenya are raising the alarm over a persistent and dangerous trend: a large proportion of cancer patients continue to seek care only after the disease has advanced to late stages. According to oncologists and cancer researchers, this late presentation significantly reduces the chances of successful treatment and increases morbidity and mortality.
A clinical oncologist from KEMRI, Dr. Helena Musau, recently told a national forum that around 70 percent of cancer patients are diagnosed only when they reach stage 3 or 4—making effective treatment much more difficult. Doctors say that despite the availability of screening tools for cancers such as breast, cervical, and colorectal, many Kenyans do not present early for screening.
Part of the problem, according to health workers, is that many patients delay seeking care due to socioeconomic barriers. Research shows that for some cancers — like esophageal or head and neck cancer — a significant number of patients delay their first presentation by more than 30 days, and the referral system can add further delays. In addition, some individuals hold beliefs that misinterpret cancer symptoms, or turn to traditional healers before visiting formal health facilities.
Doctors and policymakers are calling for urgent action: more public education on cancer warning signs, wider access to and funding for cancer screening programs, and improved referral and diagnostic systems. Without these interventions, late-stage diagnosis will continue to limit treatment options and worsen outcomes for many Kenyans.