Abstract PO-028: Role of community outreach activities in cancer prevention in Kenya

Abstract

Abstract Background: International Cancer Institute (ICI) is a leading organization with a pro- actively evolving approach in care, research, training and advocacy with a focus on cancer control in sub-Saharan Africa. ICI was started in May 2019 and is working in more than 15 counties in Kenya. The goal of ICI is to produce quality patient outcomes working with a team of highly qualified healthcare professionals. Treatment and care for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in sub-Saharan Africa and specifically for cancer is expensive and not accessible to the entire population. There is evidence that most cases are diagnosed at stage 3 and 4 making intervention options minimal at that level. However, early screening for cancers ensures early diagnosis as well as awareness creation on the need for continuous screening. Aim: To conduct community outreach activities with an aim of promoting prevention, early diagnosis and linkage to care for cancer. Strategy: ICI, using advocacy, as one of its core pillars, raises awareness at local and national levels through mass public health education on NCDs and screening. This is conducted by the ICI outreach team which is multidisciplinary and includes Clinicians, an Oncology Pharmacist, an Oncology Nurse, a Palliative care Nurse, a Patient Care coordinator, a Monitoring and evaluation expert, Program management technical experts, Data management expert as well as a Histotechnician. The ICI team works with counties to develop and plan for community mass screening events. Program Process: Counties partner with ICI for support in the establishment of county NCD treatment and care programs. A technical working group (TWG) with representatives from both the County health management team and ICI is then formed to guide the integrated NCD program implementation process. Outcomes: Establishment of comprehensive cancer centers where routine screening for cervical, breast and prostate cancers as well as diabetes and hypertension can be done in addition to diagnosis and treatment at county level. Coordination of community mass screening events in selected sub-county hospitals is then done from the established cancer centers. The integrated NCD program partnership offers capacity building for County healthcare providers (HCPs) through mentorship and skills training in cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, palliative care and survivorship. Conclusion: Comprehensive community outreach activities are avenues for awareness creation and early detection of cancers. Integrated NCD programs incorporating diabetes and hypertension in cancer programs creates wider community impact and plays a great role in reducing the number of cases being diagnosed at late stages. Citation Format: Gloria Kitur, Emmah Achieng, Fredrick Chite Asirwa, Edwin Odoyo, Andrew Koech. Role of community outreach activities in cancer prevention in Kenya [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: Thirteenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2020 Oct 2-4. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(12 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-028.