Mortality and loss to follow-up among cancer patients in Kisumu Country, Kenya – KEMRI
Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) shared a post on LinkedIn:
“At least 59% of cancer patients are lost to follow-up within a year of starting care, a study by KEMRI scientists says.
Professor Thomas Odeny the PI in a 10-year retrospective study conducted at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) terms this as unacceptable in findings presented at the on-going 8th International Cancer Conference in Kisumu.
Results from the study tiled Mortality and loss to follow- up among cancer patients in Kisumu Country, Kenya: A10- years Retrospective Study’ also revealed that the overall five-year survival rate among cancer patients is alarmingly low at 9%.
In addition, younger patients (<20 years) and those diagnosed at advanced stages (stage III and IV) were more likely to experience higher mortality rates. The top five cancers identified by prevalence include cervical, breast, oesophageal, prostate, and Kaposi’s sarcoma.
These results highlight an urgent need for targeted interventions to improve early detection, enhance patient retention in care, and ultimately reduce cancer-related mortality in the region.
The study is a collaboration between KEMRI and Washington University.”
Sharon Kapambwe, Technical Officer Cancer Control at World Health Organization, also reshared the post:
“Now these findings from Kenya have kept me awake. Concerning yet needed findings. 59% lost to follow up of cancer patients within a year and 9% five year survival rates.
Patient navigation systems are needed. Early diagnosis strategies as well.It would be good to know the further analysis on these great findings.”
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