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Objectives.
Gynecologic cancers in Rural Areas in Kenya.
CAROLYNE N NG’ANG’A
HELD Sister Initiative.
MethodsAbstract.
Objectives
Results
Conclusions
The objectives of this study were to find the knowledge
and myths of the society regarding these cancers to
determine screening practices and determinants key being
nutrition for prevention measures.
Cancer has been ranked as the number 3 killer in the world.
There are different types. Cervical, Breast and Prostate
cancers are grouped among gynecologic cancers.
Cultural believes, lack of correct information and baseless
myths are some of the reasons the Kenyan rural society still
perceives any matter related to reproductive health as a
personal issue.
It therefore makes the subject unmentionable. This has
constantly seen the rural society suffer in silence and only
seek medical attention when it is too late for the fear of
stigmatization. This ties the society to baseless believes
and myths revolving around the especially gynecologic
cancers.
The study provided information on the awareness, myths,
perception of the utilization of cervical, breast and prostate
cancer screening services in Kenya. Participants were
mainly married men and women (92.7%), mean age =28.6,
mainly below average income earners (39%) and
secondary education (39%). Many of the respondents
reported not being aware of the routine screening for
cervical, breast and prostate cancer(s) and were not
utilizing the services due to fear of stigmatization and
inability to cater for treatment if diagnosed with cancer.
The participants were eager to get information on these
types of cancer(s), prevention through nutrition and
screening. The major factors identified influencing
screening utilization were ignorance, myths, Illiteracy, belief
in not being at risk, having many contending issues,
financial constraint and fear of getting positive result.
There is an urgent need for public education on; role of
nutrition in cancer prevention, cancer management, routine
screening and warning signs of the gynecologic cancers.
Screening services for these cancer’s especially prostate
cancer should be made available at affordable cost locally.
This is a qualitative study that utilized Focus Group
Discussions to collect information from the rural society in
Rift Valley, Central and Eastern regions of Kenya. The
participants were recruited from men and women attending
cancer awareness and screening campaigns organized by
HELD SISTER INITIATIVE in the regions throughout the
year.
12%
27%
52%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Age group
Cancer Screening Awareness
15-19
20-24
25-44
Conclusion