Stronger Together: A Pilot Integrated Model for Cervical and Breast Cancer Screening and Early Detection in Kenya

PURPOSE In Kenya, breast and cervical cancers are the leading causes of cancer death among women. There are established, evidence based screening strategies that can be delivered through an integrated approach. In July 2025, Kenya's National Cancer Control Program (NCCP), in partnership with the World Economic Forum's Global Alliance for Women's Health and UT MD Anderson, launched the Afya Dada Project (Swahili - Health for our Sisters) to strengthen integrated early detection across Machakos and Uasin Gishu counties, through capacity building, community awareness, and strengthened care pathways. METHODS The program launched with a week-long, in person workshop bringing together national and international experts to develop harmonized training materials. Hands-on training workshops (three to five days) were conducted for different healthcare cadres, combining didactic lectures, simulation-based skills training, and supported supervision, with knowledge assessed pre- and post-training. Trained ToTs subsequently cascaded training to frontline healthcare workers on screen-and-treat and clinical breast exam and referral protocols. Separately, additional providers received LEEP and colposcopy training, and specialist cadres received breast cancer early detection training focused on imaging and pathology techniques. To sustain capacity, a tele-mentoring model using Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) enabled monthly case discussions, supplemented by UT MD Anderson specialist clinic visits alongside Kenyan providers for clinical mentorship. RESULTS Thirty-one ToTs completed the hands-on training, demonstrating an average knowledge increase of 18.6% from baseline. These trainers subsequently trained 200 frontline providers on screen-and-treat and clinical breast exam protocols. An additional 20 providers were trained on LEEP and colposcopy, while 30 specialists—including radiologists, pathologists, laboratory officers, histologists, cytologists, and nurses—received breast cancer training. Compared with the prior year, cervical and breast cancer screening volumes increased by 110% and 28%, respectively, resulting in 1,232 additional women screened in Machakos and 2,470 in Uasin Gishu. Four Project ECHO sessions were conducted covering eight clinical cases, with an average of 30 participants per session. CONCLUSION Integrated training, tele-mentoring, and screening can meaningfully expand early detection of women's cancers within existing health systems. This model offers a scalable, replicable framework for strengthening women’s cancer early detection in low- and middle-income countries facing similar burdens.