How We Help

Fact: Over 80% of all African households are supported by women. We MUST stand by them. We screen high risk women in the poorest parts of East Africa for breast cancer. Through donors, we create awareness, educate, screen and facilitate cancer treatment. In Kenya, we also coordinate vaccination against cervical cancer in teenagers.

The following facts are our core motivators in fighting against breast and cervical cancer in women.

  • Over 70% of cancer related deaths occur in developing countries, many of which are in Africa.
  • Cancer currently causes more deaths than TB, Malaria and HIV and AIDS combined
  • 70 percent of the world’s poorest billion people are women and girls.
  • World Health Organization (WHO) predicts more than 1,000,000 annual cancer cases in Africa alone
  • Breast cancer  is 2nd leading cause of death among African Women today
  • 5-year cancer survival rate is 10% in Africa compared to 70% in developed countries
  • The share of women employed outside of agriculture remains as low as 20 percent in Africa

HOW WE HELP

  • Early detection is the single most important measure in increasing survival in breast cancer and cervical cancers. Unfortunately, preventive care almost does not exist in Africa.Mammography is primarily done (to those who can afford) to confirm diagnosis rather than in preventive care.
    • We target the most vulnerable women population mostly the poor and elderly.
    • We educate them the importance of annual mammograms and Breast Self Examination (BSE)
    • We educate vulnerable women about the importance of PAP-Smear for cervical cancer detection
    • We offer mammograms or contract available radiology centers at subsidized cost.
    • We offer PAP-Smear tests or contract local credentialed laboratories.
  • Education on basic prevention measures is quintessential. Cancer Free Women use strategic women groups like Women Guild and Catholic Women Associations (CWA) to reach high risk women. We take charge by educating women on: –
    • Monthly Breast Self Exams (BSE)
    • PAP-Smear testing
    • Importance of vaccination against cervical cancer with Gardisil
    • Safe sex education –Use of condoms in prevention of cervical cancer
    • When to seek medical help
    • We use the opportunity to address rape prevention and reporting hoping to force policy change against rape.
  • Treatment facilitation: We may not be able to facilitate treatment of all the cases diagnosed. Through volunteers, donors and mission trips, we aim at making basic treatment as affordable as possible and in some cases, free. This can be achieved through : –
    • Direct donor solicitations
    • Collaboration with established organizations like “Doctors Without Boundaries”
    • Fundraising programs locally and abroad.