In 2019, Maureen Gachuhi’s life was right on track, newly married and with a good career, her dreams were taking shape, then she got the devastating diagnosis that would change her life, she had breast cancer.
Speaking during Scars to Stars Season II, an annual event celebrating cancer survivors, Maureen shared her treatment journey and the impact it had on her mental health. The event, organized by the Kenya Network of Cancer Organizations (KENCO), brings together survivors who showcase their resilience and beauty by walking the runway in colorful outfits, from creative headgear symbolizing strength after hair loss to sports segments that promote physical wellness, an essential part of the cancer recovery journey.
Reflecting on her own experience with chemotherapy, Gachuhi noted that the side effects of chemotherapy not only affected her health but sense of beauty, a sentiment that was echoed by other survivors.
“Thinking about it now, some of the things that worried me then seem superficial.” She recalled. “When I first got the diagnosis, I was numb. I decided to deal with it pragmatically, I wanted to get it over and done with. So I went through surgery and treatment quickly. Then came the physical changes my skin darkened, my hair fell out, and I struggled with my self-image. I was lucky to have family support, but I realized many others don’t.”
In Kenya, breast cancer is the most common cancer making up 23.3 per cent of all cancer incidences among women, this is according to The National Cancer Institute Kenya-(NCIK). Beyond the medical treatment, survivors often face lasting emotional and psychological scars that require equal attention.
At Scars to starts season II, Wellness was a central theme of the event, one that was echoed by Edouard Homasson, General Manager of La Roche-Posay and L’Oréal Dermatological Beauty one of the event’s sponsors, he underscored the importance of wellness in overall recovery.
“Skincare is more than aesthetics it’s psychological recovery and our brand’s DNA is rooted in supporting cancer patients and survivors,” he said.
Speaking on their work with cancer patients Homasson emphasized that when patients can manage side effects more comfortably they are more likely to complete their treatment successfully.
“At our thermal center in France, we host thousands of patients each year who come to heal from the side effects of cancer treatment. Using the La Roche-Posay thermal water, we help soothe burns, itching, and radiation-damaged skin.”
Eva another survivor shared her own experience with chemotherapy, including her skin peeling, side effects that are usually overlooked despite causing distress to patients.
“So we know that cancer treatment comes with a lot of skin related side effects. And most of the time, these are overlooked, because we are very busy treating the primary illness, which is cancer,” Eva said.
For many survivors simple acts of self-care is not about vanity but empowerment. They represent healing, confidence, and the courage to embrace a changed body with pride.
The event also touched on the state of cancer treatment in Kenya, with Phoebe Ongadi, Executive Director of KENCO calling for a revision of Social Health Authority cancer packages to ensure early access to treatment for cancer patients.
Currently, cancer patients receive only KSh400, 000, under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
“Cancer can no longer wait for policies and deliberations. It is high time the government revised the oncology package and revising the oncology package is not charity it is the right of the cancer patients in this country.” She said.
Adding: “I urge the government to increase it to at least Sh1.2 million to prevent treatment abandonment due to financial constraints.”
For Gichuhi and other survivors like her, Scars to Stars is not just an event but a reminder that beauty and strength can co-exist, and that their scars tell a story of survival.
“As we celebrate, let us remember that the light of a star shines brightest when it is dark,” Ongadi concluded.
