Aga Khan University Hospital launches a dedicated Breast Cancer Support Group

Photo caption: From right - Professor Mansoor Saleh, Chair, Department of Haematology and Oncology and Zahra Haji, Clinical Psychologist from Aga Khan University Hospital are joined by Lilian Obetto, Cancer Warrior and patient advocate, Lucy Muchina, care giver to officially launch a dedicated breast cancer support group for patients, survivors, and caregivers. The group will offer peer support, educational workshops, and coping strategies for persons afflicted by breast cancer while addressing their emotional, physical, spiritual, financial, mental and social concerns.

Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) has launched a dedicated Breast Cancer Support Group as a major step towards promoting the emotional and psychosocial support for breast cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers.

The support group will offer peer support, educational workshops, and coping strategies for people affected by breast cancer.

“We will be combating the big C (Cancer) with 3 Cs - Care, Compassion, Community and strive to instill Hope in women who suffer from breast cancer. The lessons and successes we observe in this breast cancer support group will inform the establishment of other cancer-specific support groups in the future", noted Professor Mansoor Saleh, Chair of the Department of Haematology and Oncology.

According to Zahra Haji, the clinical psychologist who leads the psycho-oncology program at AKUH, incorporating the support group into the cancer care will ensure that beyond addressing the physical challenges the hospital is also taking care of the emotional, spiritual, mental, financial, and social aspects of one's cancer journey.

“This ensures a true holistic approach to care, and is designed to be sustainable and responsive, continually evolving to meet the changing needs of our patients," she said.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Mr. Rashid Khalani, the Hospital's Chief Executive Officer emphasized the urgency of tackling the rising burden of cancer in Kenya.

“Non -communicable diseases, especially cancer, have become very common among our populations. Today, four out of ten deaths in Kenya are due to NCDs – something we must urgently work to address. This reality underscores the urgent need for collaboration and investment in advanced treatment technologies, research, and in training experts who can offer specialized care. Support groups like this one are a critical part of that ecosystem," said Mr. Khalani.

The initiative will meet monthly and is part of the hospital's broader mission to provide comprehensive, patient-centered cancer care.