Hospitals Improve Cancer Counselling Services for Families

Hospitals across Kenya are strengthening cancer counselling services, offering structured psychosocial support as part of a more holistic approach to treatment. At Kerugoya Hospital Cancer Centre, monthly support group meetings provide essential emotional care and therapy for patients and their families, helping them navigate the psychological impacts of cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Beyond facility-based counselling, non‑profit organisations are playing a growing role in supporting families. Champions of Hope, for instance, offers individual and family therapy sessions led by trained counsellors, as well as group therapy for caregivers, survivors, and loved ones. Similarly, the Solace Cancer Foundation provides peer-led mentorship, nutrition counselling, and psychological support to cancer patients and their families, reinforcing care across the cancer journey.
The Ministry of Health is backing these developments with policy support, aligning with its 2023–2028 National Cancer Control Strategy, which highlights the importance of palliative care and mental health in its national cancer care framework. Decentralisation of cancer services is also underway, with regional centres now offering not only treatment but also integrated counselling and follow-up support — reducing the burden on national referral hospitals.
Experts say the enhanced counselling services are transforming patient care: by addressing emotional and psychological needs alongside medical treatment, hospitals are helping families cope more effectively, improve adherence to therapy, and build resilience — ultimately improving health outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients in Kenya.