<p><img src="/nairobi/PublishingImages/errors%20in%20diagnosis%20body%20image.png" alt="" style="margin: 5px;"/> </p><p></p><p>The Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi (AKUHN) has won a $100,000 grant from AstraZeneca to study the impact of nurse navigators in early breast cancer care.</p><p>The one-year &#39;Powering Breast Cancer Progress&#39; study will compare outcomes between patients who receive navigation support and those who do not, focusing on early diagnosis, treatment adherence, and completion of care. Nurse navigators are specialized nurses who guide patients through diagnosis and treatment.</p><p>Dr. Angela Waweru, Lead Researcher and Consultant Radiation Oncologist at AKUH, N highlighted the critical role of patient navigation in cancer treatment saying, “A nurse navigator helps newly diagnosed patients understand their condition, treatment options, and what to expect. They also coordinate care, reduce delays, and ease the emotional burden—helping patients focus on healing.&quot;</p><p>The findings of the study will provide local data to advocate for greater investment in early diagnosis and patient navigation in Kenya, where late-stage breast cancer diagnoses remain a challenge.</p><p>“This will improve patient support, ensure timely treatment, and enhance overall care,&quot; added Dr Waweru.</p><p>Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, with many cases diagnosed too late due to inequalities in healthcare. Women are encouraged to perform monthly self-exams and, for those aged 40 and above, adhere to screening recommendations where those aged 40–55 years should have a mammogram performed annually and those age 55–74 years should have a mammogram performed biennially.</p><p>The AstraZeneca-funded study is being conducted in six countries, including Kenya, the United States, Nigeria, Argentina, Italy, and El Salvador. The research will help expand the nurse navigation model to other cancers, improving cancer care across the region.</p><p>Research is at the heart of Aga Khan University&#39;s mission - to inform public policy, contribute to global knowledge, and develop homegrown solutions for healthcare challenges in the communities it serves.
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