The rising cost of cancer treatment has left many patients struggling financially, with some paying more than Ksh20,000 for just one chemotherapy session or a single blood transfusion.
These overwhelming expenses have drained families of their savings, often forcing patients to choose between treatment and other basic needs.
However, cancer survivor Sam Ngugi believes there are alternative approaches that can ease this burden.
Sharing his personal journey during a discussion on Wednesday, August 27, Ngugi explained how lifestyle adjustments, particularly changes in his diet, played a major role in helping him fight the disease.
“The issue of diet was a game-changer for me,” Ngugi said. “I used to go for blood transfusions in the hospital, each costing Ksh20,000, but by switching to a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, I managed to reverse this. Eating the right foods boosted my immunity, and that made all the difference.”
Ngugi revealed that incorporating foods high in iron, calcium, and other essential nutrients helped him strengthen his body’s defense system. This, in turn, reduced the need for constant hospital visits and enabled him to cope with the disease more effectively.
“By eating foods rich in iron and calcium, my immune system really improved,” he added.
The cancer survivor emphasized the importance of using food as medicine rather than relying solely on expensive drugs. According to him, diet is not just a lifestyle choice but a powerful tool in fighting illness.
“You are what you eat. For me, that piece of information was life-changing. Through a proper diet, you can manage the side effects and give your body a real chance to fight back,” Ngugi explained.
Cancer remains a major health crisis in Kenya. According to the latest statistics, the country records nearly 39,000 new cancer cases each year, and tragically, more than 27,000 people lose their lives annually to the disease. Cancer is now the third leading cause of death in Kenya, after infectious diseases and heart-related illnesses.
Motivated by his personal experience, Ngugi has become a strong advocate for educating patients on affordable ways to protect their health. He urges Kenyans to seek early medical check-ups rather than ignoring persistent symptoms.
“I tell people all the time: do not ignore the small signs. Something as common as a headache can be a warning. If you have headaches that last for months, don’t keep taking painkillers—go to the hospital and get checked,” he advised.
Ngugi also challenged all Kenyans—not just those battling cancer—to prioritize their health. He stressed that good health is more valuable than wealth or material possessions and that preventive care through diet, exercise, and regular check-ups is far more effective than expensive treatments later on.
“My journey motivates me to keep teaching others about investing in their health. Put your health first before other things. When you are healthy, you can achieve everything else,” he concluded.
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