Author: oncoafrica.org

Cancer Genomics Data Sharing Conference Date: 30th September 2024 | Issue #2 By Fiona Okonjo, PhD fiona.okonjo@cancerresearchkenya.org Introduction Cancer genomics research has significantly transformed our understanding and treatment of cancer, leading to the development of targeted therapies and advancements in precision medicine. However, these studies have predominantly focused on individuals...

Cancer in Kenyan families: socio-biological interruptions and victories Date: 30th September 2024 | Issue #2 By Tyrus Swaya tyrus.swaya@cancerresearchkenya.org Cancer is a disease with diverse epidemiology and characterized by uncontrolled growth of cells that can invade beyond their primary organ and spread to distant organs. It is a genetic disease...

Caring for the caregiver: a forgotten stakeholder in cancer management Date: 30th September 2024 | Issue #2 By Peninah Wairagu, Ph.D. peninah.wairagu@cancerresearchkenya.org ~A helping hand can be a ray of sunshine in a cloudy world~A cancer diagnosis marks the beginning of a journey often fraught with fear of the unknown,...

The power of RNA technology Date: 30th September 2024 | Issue #2 By Faith Mokobi Zablon faith.zablon@cancerresearchkenya.org The RNA revolution, now beyond its infancy, is in an exciting phase of evolution with vast potential in cancer diagnosis and treatment. The science of RNA, which begins with understanding the central dogma...

Treatment Abandonment: The “sore’ in the efforts to improve childhood cancer cure in Africa Date: 30th September 2024 | Issue #2 Gilbert Olbara, MD gilbert.olbara@cancerresearchkenya.org Childhood cancers are a global health priority. Annually, 400,000 children and adolescents 0-19 years will be diagnosed with cancer. Out of this, 90% live in ...

Overcoming the blood-brain barrier: bottleneck in drug development for brain tumors Date: 30th September 2024 | Issue #2 By Lucy Macharia lucy.macharia@cancerresearchkenya.org Brain tumors occur when abnormal cells grow in the brain or nearby tissues, such as the pituitary gland, nerves, pineal gland, or membranes that cover the brain. Brain...

Expanding Role of Primary Health Care in Addressing Cancer Burden in Kenya Date: 30th September 2024 | Issue #2 By James Kiilu james.kiilu@cancerresearchkenya.org Like many other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), Kenya has undergone a significant epidemiological transition over the past decade. Originally designed to combat communicable diseases, the country's...

Radiotherapy: From fear of to understanding the painless path of cancer treatment Date: 30th September 2024 | Issue #2 By Christine Kili christine.kili@cancerresearchkenya.org ‘Nimekuja kuchomwa’ This is a very common statement in most cancer centres across the country with patients undergoing radiation therapy. Most new patients still have not come...