The Every Woman Study (EWS) in Kenya: Identifying challenges and opportunities to improve survival and quality of life for women with ovarian cancer

Abstract

Background: Ovarian cancer is the second most common cause of death among gynecological cancer
patients in Kenya, and the number of cases is predicted to rise from 1,130 to 2,600 per year by 2040.

However, there is very limited diagnostic and treatment capacity. This study aims to establish the first-
ever patient experience evidence base of women with ovarian cancer in Kenya and identify challenges

and opportunities to improve survival and quality of life.
Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional observational study in which all eligible women
attending Moi Teaching and Referral and Aga Khan Hospitals with a diagnosis of ovarian cancer within
the previous five years were recruited.
Results: Of 104 eligible women with a median age of 51 years, epithelial ovarian cancers were the most
common (70%), particularly high-grade serous carcinoma (46%). Most respondents (66%) had advanced
disease. Approximately 24% had to travel for five hours or more to access care. The mean average time
from experiencing symptoms to diagnosis was 7.4 months. Almost half had never heard of ovarian
cancer. Approximately 81% reported that their finances had been affected largely by the diagnosis, with
55% of these women reporting that their household income had dropped below what they needed to
survive.
Conclusion: The inaccessibility of quality cancer care in Kenya leads to delays in diagnosis and
treatment initiation. Innovative awareness strategies, health provider education, and cost mitigation are
needed to ensure that women can seek help promptly to reduce morbidity and mortality.