Economic and Social Consequences of Cancer in Kenya : Case Studies of Selected Households
The burden of NCDs in Kenya is rising rapidly, and now accounts for more than 50 percent of all hospital admissions, and nearly 30 percent of total deaths. Cancer is the second leading cause of NCD mortality in Kenya, with the incidence of cancer n...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Working Paper |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
World Bank, Washington, DC
2020
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/964571592290457869/Economic-and-Social-Consequences-of-Cancer-in-Kenya-Case-Studies-of-Selected-Households http://hdl.handle.net/10986/33919 |
| Summary: | The burden of NCDs in Kenya is rising
rapidly, and now accounts for more than 50 percent of all
hospital admissions, and nearly 30 percent of total deaths.
Cancer is the second leading cause of NCD mortality in
Kenya, with the incidence of cancer nearly doubling between
2008-2012. The illness affects Kenyans of all ages and
socio-economic backgrounds, with an increasing risk of
cancer as age progresses. Most cancer cases are diagnosed at
an advanced stage when treatment options are limited,
leading to poor prognosis and high fatality rates. This
report uses a case study approach with focus group
discussions and in-depth interviews to shed light on the
patient journey, and better understand the direct and
indirect costs families face; the difficult decisions and
choices they need to make; and the socio-economic and
psychological implications of having a family member
afflicted by cancer. Key challenges identified include lack
of awareness and poor knowledge of cancer; late health
seeking behavior; inadequate health insurance coverage and
gaps in the benefit package which limit access to critical
diagnostic tests, treatments and drugs; and socio-cultural
barriers, including stigma, fear and myths that impede
patients from seeking care early. The main themes from the
patient stories and focus group discussions, including the
economic impact on patients and households are summarized
and a series of recommendations to mitigate the cost of
cancer to patients and families are proposed based on the
findings from the case studies. |
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