Cancer Care Providers in Kenya: Comprehensive Guide
5 min read
Cancer care in Kenya has seen significant improvements in recent years, with various healthcare providers offering specialized services to support patients throughout their cancer journey. This guide covers key cancer care team members, free cancer treatment options in Kenya, and the numerous careers available in oncology.
1. Cancer Care Team Members
Cancer care is delivered by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals who work together to provide comprehensive treatment and support. The key members of a cancer care team in Kenya include:
Oncologists: Medical professionals specialized in diagnosing and treating cancer.
Radiologists: Experts in interpreting medical images (CT scans, X-rays, etc.) to assist in diagnosing cancer.
Surgical Oncologists: Surgeons specializing in removing tumors and cancerous tissues.
Oncology Nurses: Nurses who specialize in caring for cancer patients, administering chemotherapy, and providing post-treatment care.
Palliative Care Specialists: Focus on relieving symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients with advanced cancer.
Pharmacists (Oncology): Prepare and dispense chemotherapy and other cancer-related medications.
Social Workers and Counselors: Offer emotional support and help patients navigate the healthcare system.
2. Free Cancer Treatment in Kenya
In an effort to make cancer treatment more accessible, Kenya’s Ministry of Health has introduced free cancer care in certain public hospitals. Some of the centers offering free or subsidized treatment include:
Kenyatta National Hospital (Nairobi): Offers chemotherapy and radiotherapy services.
Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (Eldoret): Provides affordable cancer care and radiotherapy services.
Texas Cancer Centre (Nairobi): Offers affordable chemotherapy treatment for patients. Government subsidies, partnerships with international organizations, and local NGOs help cover treatment costs, especially for low-income patients.
3. List of Careers in Oncology
Oncology is a growing field in Kenya, with various career paths for those interested in cancer care. Some careers in oncology include:
Medical Oncologist: Specializes in treating cancer with medication, such as chemotherapy.
Radiation Oncologist: Uses radiation therapy to treat cancer.
Surgical Oncologist: Focuses on the surgical removal of cancerous tumors.
Oncology Nurse: Provides care for patients undergoing cancer treatment.
Oncology Pharmacist: Specializes in the preparation and dispensation of cancer medications.
Oncology Social Worker: Provides support and counseling for cancer patients and their families.
Palliative Care Specialist: Works with patients to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Oncology Researcher: Studies cancer causes, treatments, and cures.
4. Cancer Care International
Cancer Care International is a leading provider of cancer treatment in Nairobi, Kenya. The facility offers advanced cancer diagnostics, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and palliative care services. Their team comprises experienced oncologists, radiologists, and support staff who work together to provide world-class care. Cancer Care International also engages in cancer awareness campaigns and collaborates with global cancer institutions to improve treatment outcomes.
5. Jobs that Work with Cancer Patients
Various jobs allow individuals to make a direct impact on the lives of cancer patients. Some of these jobs include:
Oncologist: The primary physician responsible for diagnosing and treating cancer.
Radiation Therapist: Administers radiation treatments to cancer patients.
Nurse Practitioner: Provides ongoing care for cancer patients, often working in outpatient oncology clinics.
Cancer Navigator: Helps patients navigate the complexities of cancer treatment, from scheduling appointments to understanding insurance.
Palliative Care Provider: Offers support to patients dealing with advanced stages of cancer, focusing on quality of life.
Clinical Researcher: Conducts research to develop new cancer treatments and therapies.
6. Cancer Care Kenya
Kenya has made strides in enhancing cancer care services, with both private and public facilities offering advanced treatment options. Kenyatta National Hospital, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, and private facilities such as Aga Khan University Hospital and Texas Cancer Centre provide chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. There are also emerging facilities like the Nairobi Radiotherapy and Cancer Centre and Shabaha Cancer Centre, dedicated to advancing cancer care in the country.
7. Oncologist
An oncologist is a doctor specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Oncologists in Kenya work in various specialties:
Medical Oncologists: Use medication like chemotherapy to treat cancer.
Radiation Oncologists: Treat cancer using radiation therapy.
Surgical Oncologists: Perform surgeries to remove tumors. Kenyan oncologists often collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to each patient.
8. What Is Cancer Care?
Cancer care involves the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancer. It includes a range of services aimed at helping patients through their cancer journey, from the initial diagnosis to survivorship or end-of-life care. The treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of these. Cancer care also includes emotional and psychological support for patients and their families, as well as palliative care to manage symptoms and improve the quality of life.
This article provides a detailed look at the cancer care landscape in Kenya, with an emphasis on free treatment options, careers, and available services, designed to rank well in search engines and meet the needs of those seeking information on cancer care.
List of cancer care healthcare providers in Kenya, including their hospital codes:
0004119 – Tenwek Hospital, Bomet (Sotik), Bomet
2224256 – Embu Children's Hospital, Embu
55502217 – Medina Diagnostic Limited, Garissa
0216022 – Fairfield Medical Centre Kitengela Ltd, Kajiado
8000840 – Karen Hospital Ltd, Kajiado
444015180 – St Gallen Oncology Network, Kakamega
0018123 – A.I.C Kijabe Medical Centre, Kiambu
22208919 – Blue Ridge Medical-Thika, Kiambu
7775706 – Tawfiq Hospital, Kilifi
2224834 – Kerugoya Medical Centre, Kirinyaga
22246394 – Kerugoya Fortis Medical and Cancer Centre, Kirinyaga
222411364 – Kimathi Medical Service-Main Hospital, Kirinyaga
3336724 – Nyangena Hospital, Kisii
3337648 – Bosongo Medical Centre, Kisii
33361821 – Oasis Specialist Hospital, Kisii
333615219 – Advanced Cancer Centre Limited, Kisii
333616043 – Kisii Specialist Hospital Ltd, Kisii
3332003 – H.H Aga Khan Disp. & Mat. Hospital, Kisumu