Kenya Launches First Multiple Myeloma Association as Experts Warn of Rising “Hidden” Blood Cancer

By James Gitaka

Kenya has taken a significant step in confronting Multiple Myeloma, a little-known but life-threatening blood cancer, following the official launch of the Multiple Myeloma Association of Kenya at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret. The association, the first of its kind in Kenya and the wider region, was officially launched by Dr. Timothy Olweny, Chairperson of the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, marking a major milestone in patient advocacy and cancer awareness.

The launch coincided with Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month, a global campaign that seeks to enhance public understanding of the disease, promote early diagnosis, and strengthen support systems for patients living with this often underdiagnosed cancer.

Globally, multiple myeloma accounts for about one percent of all cancer cases, with more than 180,000 new cases diagnosed annually and over 117,000 deaths reported each year. In Kenya, the burden is steadily increasing, with more than 800 new cases diagnosed annually and over 600 deaths recorded, highlighting the urgent need for improved awareness, early detection, and access to specialized care.

At MTRH, one of the country’s leading referral hospitals, more than 250 patients are currently receiving care for multiple myeloma, forming part of over 1,000 blood cancer patients managed at the facility and drawn from at least 23 counties. Health experts caution that the actual number of cases may be significantly higher due to underdiagnoses, largely driven by the disease’s ability to mimic other common illnesses.

Speaking during the launch, Dr. Beatrice Melly, a clinical hematologist at MTRH, noted that multiple myeloma presents with non-specific symptoms that often lead to delayed diagnosis. She explained that patients commonly report unusual fatigue, persistent bone pain, kidney complications, or fractures resulting from minor activities, symptoms that are frequently mistaken for other conditions.

“This disease camouflages many other conditions and requires a high index of suspicion. If symptoms persist despite treatment, both patients and healthcare providers must consider further investigation,” she said.

Dr. Melly further observed that the disease is more prevalent among older individuals and disproportionately affects people of African descent, who are two to three times more likely to develop it. She also pointed to obesity and prolonged exposure to agricultural herbicides as additional risk factors, particularly in farming regions such as parts of the Rift Valley, where rising cancer cases have been reported. She emphasized the need for more targeted research to better understand these patterns.

In his remarks, Dr. Olweny described the launch of the association as a turning point in Kenya’s cancer response, particularly in strengthening patient-centered care and advocacy. He stressed the importance of shifting focus from treatment to prevention and early diagnosis, noting that the country continues to spend significant resources on managing advanced cancer cases.

“We are creating awareness among healthcare workers, but we must go beyond that. Cancer awareness should be integrated into school curricula because we cannot succeed without investing in prevention and early diagnosis,” he said.

Dr. Olweny also raised concerns about the potential link between herbicide exposure and cancer, noting that while such chemicals are generally considered carcinogenic, improper handling without protective equipment increases health risks. He called for enhanced collaboration between the health and agricultural sectors, alongside increased research to better understand environmental risk factors.

Representing the hospital’s leadership, Dr. Andrew Wandera, Senior Director of Clinical Services at MTRH, affirmed that the facility has the capacity to diagnose and manage multiple myeloma through specialized tests and a multidisciplinary treatment approach. He noted that the newly launched association will play a critical role in supporting patients and caregivers while amplifying awareness efforts.

The association is expected to serve as a national platform bringing together patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers to share experiences, advocate for improved services, and address the broader social and economic challenges associated with cancer.

For patients, the initiative represents renewed hope. Violet Chepkemoi Chepkong’a, who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2019, described her journey as painful and often misunderstood, particularly in rural communities where the disease is frequently misinterpreted.

“Many people think it is witchcraft or malaria because of how it presents. This association is a welcome relief for patients, and we hope it will help improve awareness and access to treatment,” she said.

Health experts maintain that Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month plays a critical role in encouraging early screening, reducing stigma, and improving understanding of the disease among both the public and healthcare providers. With the launch of the Multiple Myeloma Association of Kenya, stakeholders are optimistic that increased advocacy, better awareness, and stronger patient support systems will lead to earlier diagnosis, improved treatment outcomes, and ultimately reduced mortality from this often overlooked blood cancer.