Jacqueline Ogingo: Let’s stop addressing women’s health in silos

Jacqueline Ogingo, Program Manager at KILELE Health, shared the following on LinkedIn:

“A woman from a remote village finally makes the long journey to a clinic for a cancer screening, a trip she can only manage once in a while. But instead of receiving a full checkup for all potential cancers, like cervical, breast, or ovarian, she’s only screened for one. Given the challenges of accessing healthcare in her area, this narrow focus means missed opportunities for early detection, leaving her at risk for other undiagnosed cancers. For women, especially those in hard-to-reach places, comprehensive screening in a single visit is essential.

In many cancer screening programs, the focus is often on just one type of cancer at a time while other risks are overlooked. What happens when a woman has more than one cancer risk at the same time? Yet, women are often required to attend separate appointments for each type of cancer screening. This fragmented approach can create barriers to accessing timely screening and early detection, discouraging women from seeking the care they need.

By integrating cancer screenings and care pathways, we can improve early detection, ensure a more efficient healthcare system and improve outcomes. Donor funding, especially to LMICs, should be targeted at supporting integrated programs that address all of a woman’s health needs rather than focusing on just one disease. This approach will lead to a more unified system of care.

Let’s stop addressing women’s health in silos; their well-being should be given a holistic approach.

Musings of a cancer advocate~
Women Are Not Body Organs: Integrate Women Cancers.”

Source: Jacqueline Ogingo/LinkedIn