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Analysis Study Research Paper | Biomedical Sciences | Kenya | Volume 13 Issue 2, February 2024 | Popularity: 5.1 / 10

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Cancer Epidemiology and Referral Networks in Western Kenya: A Call for Action

Jully A. Odero, Sydney Ogolla, Lazarus Odeny, Brian Omondi Okore, Rukia Madada, Daniel Onguru

Abstract: Cancer is the third cause of death in Kenya after infectious disease and in the recent past has drawn a lot of attention due to the exponential increase in both mortality and morbidity and incidences. Cancer is a silent disease with symptoms like other disease conditions that may be mistaken for non-cancer diseases. Therefore, early identification and active referral of cases for cancer management remain important to mitigate severities associated with an extended delay in seeking care. In this secondary analysis, we sought to determine the cancer networks for patients seeking services at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH). Specifically, this analysis focused on the patient referral network to JOOTRH. Data was obtained through a questionnaire and desk review of patient records, analysis done using various statistical packages R and SAS, and graphs and tables using Excel. The World Health Organization (WHO) Cancer classification based on anatomical classification was used. Of the 320 cancer participants enrolled, the majority >30% of the cancer cases were from Kisumu and Siaya counties. Breast, cervix, esophagus, and prostate cancers were most prevalent respectively. More than 60% of patients were in stages II and III at the time of diagnosis. Further, alluding the role of social behavior on the impact of uptake of cancer services amidst the many cancer screening programs in place. This study found that the majority of the patients came from seven counties with more than 60% coming from two Counties of Kisumu and Siaya. There is a need for public health education and follow-up on the need for early cancer screening with referral strategies to realize the impact of cancer screening.

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Edition: Volume 13 Issue 2, February 2024

Pages: 1578 - 1586

DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.21275/SR24223182041

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