A palliative care expert in Laikipia County says breast cancer is the most prevalent in the County but assured residents that it can be contained when diagnosed early with immediate treatment.
According to the Nursing Officer at Nyahururu Hospice, Esther Biringi, early diagnosis enables immediate treatment and increases chances of survival among breast cancer patients.
When a patient is diagnosed with breast cancer and referred to the hospice, they are registered and the officer assesses the patient’s situation.
Counseling begins as most of the patients are usually psychologically traumatised.
“It is important to regularly massage the breasts to feel for lumps and to check for discharge from the nipples in the form of blood and pus.
“Changes in the skin color around the breasts, inverted nipples and difference in position between one nipple and the other are signs of breast cancer and one should seek medication immediately,” said Biringi.
Biringi who specializes in palliative care takes care of patients who have been diagnosed with chronic illnesses for example Hiv/Aids sufferers, cancer, hypertension and diabetes.
She acknowledged the importance of a patient’s relatives saying that they are the main caretakers and the ones that spend the most time with the patient.
“Our main task in palliative care is counseling both to the patient and their relatives and pain control on the patient. They however need a lot of counseling as it is saddening to see their kin falling ill and it can be traumatizing. Relations are also given training on how to take care of their ailing kin.
“We also do home visits for our patients where we assess the situation of their homes, deal with new symptoms that occur in the patient, provide additional medication if need be and reassure the patient and their kin,” added Biringi.
Biringi confirmed that the drugs and treatment procedures for cancer are very expensive, and although NHIF covers the cost, some patients do not have it.
The treatment which consists of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy also has a lot of emotional, physical and psychological repercussions which are traumatic for most patients.
Laikipia County Referral hospital also lacks an oncologist and hence the patients are sent to Nanyuki, Ol Kalou and Nakuru hospitals where the specialists are available.
Biringi advocates for people to lead a healthier lifestyle and to avoid smoking, excessive drinking and getting into contact with radioactive materials for long hours.
The hospice does breast cancer sensitisation through creating awareness especially in schools and they rely on donors for finances.
