People suffering from cancer have been urged to open up to the society and medical experts so they can receive efficient medical and social attention.
Nakuru Hospice founder and managing director of palliative care Elizabeth Ndung’u said this when she officiated over a cancer awareness day attended by more than a hundred cancer patients on Saturday at the home within the Nakuru General Hospital.
Ndung’u observed that many Kenyans die early from life limiting diseases like cancer because they suffer in silence.
“Do not hide your predicaments because you fear prejudice or you think you will not find help. Open up to your relatives, doctors and society at large because by so doing, you will be a step forward in solving the problem,” she said.
At the same time, she advised patients to adhere to medication rules and to avoid sticking to some cultural and religious beliefs against drug administration. Ndung’u noted that some people who suffer from life limiting diseases shun medication because of their religious and cultural beliefs.
The event was sponsored by the Nakuru Hospice and Max Foundation, an international health organisation specialising in charity.