Cost of Cancer Screening In Kenya

The cost of cancer screening in Kenya varies from hospital to hospital plus the type of cancer you’re screening for.

For example, a mammogram (tests for breast cancer) will set you back around Sh3,000 while a Pap smear (checks for cervical cancer) costs about shs. 1,000 in hospitals like Nairobi Women’s hospital.

That being said, some facilities organize free cancer screening days as part of their corporate social responsibility activities.

During these days, you get diagnostic and advisory services absolutely free so if possible, find out when your nearest hospital is having such a day.

Of course, some advanced scans are more expensive and will require a significant outlay. For instance, the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan can cost as much as shs100,000.

The good news is that it detects disease that doesn’t show up in other tests so it could be very worthy.

I should add that this scan is currently only available at the renowned Aga Khan Hospital.

Cancer screening for men

The following table summarizes the type of testing you should take depending on your age

Cancer screening for women

Here are the suggested tests for women according to age

Why You Should Go for Cancer Screening at the earliest possible opportunity

All in all, it’s advisable that you go for cancer screening regularly considering the amount of money it costs to treat cancer in Kenya.

For instance, a single chemotherapy session costs between KES7, 500 and KES60, 000 (sometimes more) in various medical centres, depending on the type of cancer being treated.

Indeed, the total treatment cycle for various cancers can ‘swallow’ all your and your family’s wealth, especially if it involves surgical procedures.

Here is a summary of the mind-boggling amounts that Kenyans are spending on assorted cancer treatments

Table 1:  Cost of Treating Cancer in Kenya

Source: Business Daily

Can you now see why we are insisting that screening is urgent and absolutely necessary?

Besides, research shows your chances of healing fully from cancer are very high if it’s discovered early enough.

Final thoughts

As we have seen, the cost of cancer screening in Kenya varies depending on a number of factors including the type of cancer you want to test for and the medical facility.

That being said, on average, testing costs anything from shs.1000 to shs.3000 for a majority of the common tests.

But you can also access various screening services without paying a penny if you time a free cancer screening day.

Most importantly, screening leads to early detection and can save your life so be sure to regularly test.

• ALSO READ: Hospitals offering cancer treatment in Kenya affordably