Martha Wanjiru, Nurse Educator and ToT in Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening and Treatment of Precancerous Lesions Screening, Cervical Advocate and Champion Kiambu County, Kenya, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Be intentional about screening for breast and cervical cancer.
Screening is only the beginning. What truly makes the difference is what happens after an abnormal finding.
As a trained Cancer Navigator, I have seen firsthand that many women are lost between screening, diagnosis, and treatment – not because services don’t exist, but because of:
- System barriers
- Psychosocial and emotional challenges
- Financial constraints
We must ask ourselves:
Is social status determining who gets early detection, timely diagnosis, and life-saving treatment?
It shouldn’t. That is why cancer navigation matters.
Through structured follow-up, same-day treatment where possible, strong referral linkages, and continuous patient support, we can bridge these gaps and ensure no woman is left behind.
We must:
- Strengthen “see and treat” approaches
- Support women emotionally and socially
- Reduce financial barriers through partnerships and insurance
- Build strong referral and tracking systems
Early detection saves lives – but only if it is followed by timely action.
Let’s move beyond screening numbers and focus on outcomes, continuity of care, and equity.”
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