A cancer survivor has called for urgent action to bring down the cost of treatment, telling delegates at a national health summit that financial burden is forcing patients to choose between care and survival.
Speaking during a panel on survivorship, the survivor shared how years of follow-up scans, medication, and supportive care drained savings long after active treatment ended.
“The cancer may be gone, but the bills keep coming,” she said. “We need treatment that doesn’t bankrupt families.”Experts at the summit noted that costs related to surviving cancer, including monitoring for recurrence and managing side effects, are projected to keep rising.
Reports show many survivors already delay or skip recommended care because of out of pocket expenses, with some accumulating debt or giving up coverage entirely.
Advocates pointed to recent reforms in some countries where new tariffs now cover PET scans, brachytherapy, and precision radiotherapy at set rates, which has eased pressure on families.
In Kenya, the Social Health Authority’s updated schedule includes CT scans at Sh6,900, MRI at Sh11,000, and PET scans at Sh53,500 services previously paid for out of pocket.
Health economists argued that lowering drug prices, capping out-of-pocket costs and expanding financial assistance programs are critical next steps.
They also urged insurers and hospitals to standardize care pathways to cut waste without hurting outcomes.
Organizers said the summit will push for policy recommendations to government and insurers to make survivorship care affordable for all.
