Scaling Psychosocial Cancer Support In Regional Referral Cancer Centres: Faraja's Integrated Multi-Hospital Model
Background
Cancer care in Kenya often focuses on treating the disease , while emotional and psychosocial needs are overlooked. Patients and caregivers are left to navigate distress, isolation, and financial stress alone. In response, Faraja Cancer Support Trust has developed a free, hospital-based psychosocial support model to ease this burden and restore dignity across the care journey.
Methods
Over a period of 12 months, Faraja designed and delivered psychosocial services to 1057 patients in major referral hospitals. The services included individual psychotherapy, dietary counseling, lymphatic drainage, Zumba, art therapy, and monthly support groups. A trained team of therapists, psychologists, and palliative care volunteers offered both in-person and mobile outreach through support groups. Faraja also hosted virtual webinars to expand access for rural families. Partnerships were formalized with hospitals to embed services within existing care pathways.
Results
The program delivered 7960 therapist hours and supported over 1000 caregivers and survivors. In total, 321 nutritional consultations (in person and virtual ) were provided, saving families an estimated KSH 561,000.( US$6000) Likewise, 310 psychotherapy sessions saved patients Ksh 775000 (US $800) For women with breast cancer, 117 lymphatic drainage sessions were provided, totaling KSH 585,000( US $4,500), improving comfort and mobility. Monthly support groups offered safe spaces for parents, caregivers, and adolescents. Over 1000 oncology professionals and Community Health Workers engaged in Faraja’s webinars. Referrals from hospital teams increased as trust and collaborations deepened.
Discussion
Faraja’s model demonstrates how nonprofits can play a transformative role in public cancer care. Its success lies in hospital partnerships, consistent presence, and compassionate delivery. The program aims to scale adolescent-focused support, strengthen survivor engagement, and integrate outcome measurement to continue advancing holistic cancer care in Kenya.