The mention of cancer, particularly breast cancer, often evokes fear and uncertainty, with many seeing a diagnosis as a death sentence. Yet, organizations like the Kenya Network of Cancer Organizations (KENCO) are changing this narrative, offering cancer survivors hope, support, and the opportunity to turn their scars into powerful symbols of resilience and strength.
KENCO is an umbrella organization that brings together various players within Kenya’s cancer control ecosystem to aid in the recovery of cancer patients. Recently, KENCO expanded its membership to include cancer advocates, ensuring no patient faces their cancer journey alone.
One of its hallmark initiatives is the “Scars to Stars” beauty pageant, which was inaugurated on October 31st. The pageant celebrates the strength and courage of breast cancer survivors, offering them a platform to showcase their talents, share their stories, and inspire others.
“This event is a celebration of survivorship. Cancer is painful and affects us emotionally, socially, and financially, but we’ve overcome it, and today we celebrate our victories. We’ve seen these scars, and now we’re celebrating these survivors as stars,” said Elo Mapelu, Chairperson of the KENCO Board. “This is a platform to showcase that cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence, and through various efforts, we’re seeing positive stories emerge.”
The successful contestants underwent a six-week mentorship training program, where they received guidance and support from other survivors. This preparation boosted their confidence and provided a platform to share their stories of resilience.
Mwende Mutiso: A Story of Hope
One survivor whose journey exemplifies resilience is Mwende Mutiso, a 31-year-old breast cancer warrior. Mutiso was first diagnosed with stage 0 breast cancer at age 23. Since then, she has faced two recurrences, with the cancer spreading to her lungs in 2019 and again in 2023. Each diagnosis came with immense challenges: surgeries, chemotherapy, and the emotional and physical toll of recovery.
“Early on, I struggled with my self-image, especially after my surgery to remove one of my breasts. With no family history of cancer, the shock was overwhelming, and people attributed my illness to lifestyle choices or curses,” she recalls. While Mutiso’s family and friends initially supported her, the prolonged nature of her illness eventually led to isolation, depression, and financial strain, particularly as she balanced the high cost of treatment with daily life.
Despite these obstacles, Mutiso found strength in KENCO and Faraja Cancer Support through the beauty pageant, an event that helped her reclaim her self-esteem and encouraged her to become a vocal advocate for early cancer screening among young people. “Cancer does not discriminate by age,” she emphasizes.
Motivated by her struggles, Mutiso founded “Chasing Hope,” a support group for young cancer patients. The group focuses on securing private insurance for those with pre-existing conditions—a significant challenge for many cancer survivors. Through Chasing Hope, Mutiso encourages others to build resilience, share positivity, and create a supportive network. Despite financial challenges and the weight of her illness, Mutiso remains hopeful and is now eight months pregnant—a milestone she once thought impossible.
“In 2019, just before my 27th birthday, the doctor gave me a year to live, but here I am, still fighting.” Mutiso’s story is a testament to the strength of community support and the importance of early screening.
Mary Mwangi: Turning Pain into Purpose
Another inspiring survivor is Mary Mwangi, a 53-year-old wife, mother, and cancer warrior. Mwangi’s journey began in 2016 when she was misdiagnosed with spinal tuberculosis and endured 11 months of ineffective treatment. Eventually, an oncologist diagnosed her with stage 3B spine cancer. During her treatment, she also discovered a lump in her breast, which led to the diagnosis of stage 3 breast cancer. She underwent 20 rounds of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, ultimately becoming cancer-free in 2022.
She also faced stigma and isolation, and like many cancer patients, experienced depression. However, she found solace in knitting, a childhood hobby. During her recovery, she created over 200 chemo hats for children undergoing cancer treatment at Kenyatta Hospital. These hats became a symbol of hope for both Mwangi and the children who received them. Soon, she connected with organizations that supported her efforts, purchasing her hats to donate to children.
“The stigma and rejection survivors face can be as devastating as the disease itself. Through knitting, I found peace and purpose. Now, I give back by donating knitted prosthetic breasts and chemo hats to mothers and children. It’s a way of restoring dignity,” says Mwangi.
She also founded a support group for cancer survivors called “New Dawn Cancer Warriors.” In this group, she teaches knitting as both a healing activity and a source of income. Additionally, she knits affordable prosthetic breasts, offering a comfortable and cost-effective alternative to silicone prosthetics. Her group, now formally registered under KENCO, aims to promote mental well-being, restore dignity, and provide financial support to survivors.
KENCO’s Role: awareness and advocacy
KENCO’s work extends beyond organizing events like “Scars to Stars.” The organization also advocates for cancer awareness, early detection, and affordable treatment, while providing support services and collaborating with policymakers and other organizations to improve healthcare access.
Edward Hommeson, General Manager for L’Oreal Dermatological Beauty and La Roche-Posay, expressed support for KENCO’s initiatives, especially in improving the quality of life for cancer patients. “We provide free skincare screenings and support cancer patients with dermatological care to help with post-treatment skin issues. We look forward to continued collaboration with KENCO.”
At the closing of the “Scars to Stars” event, KENCO’s Chairperson Elo Mapelu thanked the partners and supporters who made the event possible. He urged the government and stakeholders to create more programs to provide free cancer treatment for those who cannot afford it.
“Breast cancer is painful, and it affects us financially, emotionally, and socially, but we have been able to overcome it, and that’s why we have come here to celebrate survivorship. And because of various efforts that have been made by various players, we have been able to see positive stories coming out,” he stated.
KENCO’s efforts, alongside the stories of survivors like Mwende and Mary, highlight the power of community, advocacy, and the importance of mental health in the cancer journey. The “Scars to Stars” pageant, among other initiatives, is a powerful reminder that cancer does not define a person. Instead, it is their strength, hope, and the community they build along the way that truly defines them.
