I wish to address a particularly distressing reality regarding cancer, a disease that has affected my life profoundly through the loss of four close relatives. Recently, my sister’s colleague was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 42. This individual, a mother of two, initially sought treatment for chronic back pain. After several months of ineffective treatment, she consulted a neurologist and was subsequently referred to a specialist at Mbagathi Hospital in Nairobi.
During the consultation, the physician reviewed her medical history, including her familial health background. It is noteworthy that this patient has lost both parents to cancer; her father succumbed to the disease in her early childhood, and her mother passed away when she was merely 24 years old. Following a thorough examination, the specialist performed imaging studies that uncovered a tumour in one of her breasts. A biopsy subsequently confirmed the diagnosis of stage 4 breast cancer.
The diagnosis came as a devastating shock to her and her acquaintances. She disclosed that she had previously noticed a lump on the side of her breast; however, a prior medical evaluation had deemed it non-threatening. Although the lump was initially small, it had gradually increased in size over the years without causing her any discomfort, leading her to believe it was a normal part of the breast tissue. Regrettably, the cancer has metastasized to her bones.
Were it not for the back pain, the only thing that would have revealed the cancer was the growing lump inside the breast. My sister and I found it weird that the lump had not concerned the lady. However, we realized that it is possible to mistake a lump for normal tissue. The breast has glands and a lot of flesh, which made us know that a checkup is crucial because doctors with experience can spot a lump that we may miss.
It is normal for daily activities to disrupt our focus on health. The lady was recently promoted to a great position at work. She also had two young kids and a husband to take care of. As such, most people with cancer likely have a blind spot to its symptoms.
All this led me to research on cancer. I learned that cancer is not one disease but an umbrella of over 200 diseases. Furthermore, one does not have a risk factor to get cancer. I have known a man who has never touched alcohol or cigarettes in his life and died of colon cancer at the age of 37 years. I have also known of physically fit individuals succumbing to all forms of cancer. That means that cancer can sneak on anyone. Furthermore, the illness kills by causing organ failure, which is why most of its deaths are painful and devastating. I had an uncle with stomach cancer who struggled with the disease for close to four years. Close to his death, the man could barely feed. He died a frail version of the strong, bubbly man we all knew him to be. Lastly, the cost of treating the disease is so high that it bankrupts entire clans.
I hope that one day, the cure for cancer in all its forms will be found and affordably availed to everyone.
