An increasing number of Kenyan women are undergoing breast reconstruction surgery after mastectomies, as awareness and access to the procedure improve.
Speaking at the second symposium on breast reconstruction and aesthetics, Dr. John-Paul Ogalo, a surgeon at Kenyatta University Teaching, Research, and Referral Hospital (KUTRRH), revealed that 50 patients have so far undergone the procedure at the facility.
Ogalo attributed the growing demand to improved affordability, with costs ranging between KSh 112,000 and KSh 168,000 per patient. He noted that the Social Health Authority (SHA) covers nearly the entire expense, making the procedure more accessible to survivors of breast cancer.“The ability to restore a sense of normalcy and confidence for women who have undergone mastectomies is crucial.
This procedure not only has physical benefits but also significantly boosts mental well-being,” Ogalo stated.Breast reconstruction surgery, which involves rebuilding the shape and appearance of the breast after removal due to cancer, has been gaining traction in Kenya as more medical facilities enhance their capacity to offer the service.
Medical experts at the symposium emphasized the importance of continued awareness campaigns and policy support to ensure more women can access breast reconstruction, reducing the psychological toll of breast cancer treatment.
The Social Health Authority’s financial backing of the procedure marks a major milestone in making specialized healthcare services more affordable and inclusive for cancer patients in the country.
