How one doctor’s breast cancer battle became a message of hope for Kenyan women

Dr Josephine Kibaru Mbae, an obstetrician-gynaecologist, retired public officer, and breast cancer survivor, has urged women and healthcare workers to prioritise their health through early detection, self-care, and emotional support.

Drawing from her own battle with the disease—including chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and ongoing hormonal therapy—Dr Mbae opened up about the challenges of treatment and the need to break the silence surrounding illness.

According to her statement, Dr Mbae discovered a small lump on her left breast on May 22, 2022. Initially, she was not alarmed since she had undergone a mammogram in November 2021—a routine breast X-ray for early cancer detection—and was scheduled for another later that year.

However, after noticing the lump, she decided to get checked again. She underwent a mammogram and ultrasound the following day, followed by a needle biopsy. Two anxious weeks later, the diagnosis confirmed her fears.

Positive for breast cancer

"The results were positive for breast cancer, and the journey commenced. I started with chemotherapy from June to October 2022, surgery in December, Radiotherapy, immunotherapy and currently I am on hormonal therapy for the next 5 years. The doctors decided that all these steps were necessary, even though my cancer was very early with no spread to the lymph nodes or anywhere else," she said.

"All these interventions literally took over my life," Dr Mbae added, describing the physical and emotional toll of treatment, including nausea, muscle aches, and fatigue.

She reflected on the struggles faced by patients, particularly those with limited access to care, and questioned how women in underprivileged areas manage the demanding nutritional and medical needs of cancer treatment.

"When I reflect on all the side effects and the other issues I have encountered in the journey so far, I ask myself some key questions, such as, Why me? Why not me? How does that lady in Kibera/Kiandutu slums cope with all the nutritional and medical needs related to managing this disease? Could I have coped without the support of family and friends? How can cancer management be made more accessible to the common lady in the village?"

Dr Mbae also encouraged women to take charge of their health.

"As a doctor, I had the knowledge not to ignore the symptoms. I understood some of the chemotherapy and radiotherapy side effects, but this did not make it any easier to cope. My messages to fellow women are: Don't underestimate the need for self-breast examination, irrespective of other interventions. Take charge of your health and listen to your doctor and other professionals. If diagnosed with cancer, join a support group, even as a silent listener; you will learn a lot which you may not hear in the consultation room. Lean on friends and family but shun negative people, and above all, love yourself,” she said.

Vulnerable to illness

She reminded fellow medics and health workers that they, too, are vulnerable to illness.

“We are trained to take care of others, but it is alright to let others take care of us. Take time to have annual checkups, and seek help when illness arises, notwithstanding the stigma that comes with being sick,” she advised.

On a broader level, Dr Mbae called on the government and health stakeholders to strengthen cancer prevention and management systems.

Other Topics To Read

• Health
• Breast cancer
• Dr Josephine Kibaru Mbae
• obstetrician-gynaecologist
• mammogram
• How one doctor’s breast cancer battle became a message of hope for Kenyan women
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“The cancer battle is far from being won. A lot more needs to be done to prevent cancer and manage those affected in a humane manner. Initiatives like Universal Health Coverage could help get close, but Kenyans are still suffering from cancer and its sequelae,” she noted.