Esophageal cancer awareness in Bomet district, Kenya.

BACKGROUND Esophageal cancer is the most common malignancy in Western Kenya and patients present with advanced disease. OBJECTIVE To determine baseline level of knowledge of esophageal cancer in Bomet District in order to develop targeted and effective educational classes. METHODS A questionnaire with twelve questions testing knowledge about esophageal cancer and eight questions aimed at determining barriers to healthcare was conducted out of Tenwek Hospital from June to July 2010. RESULTS Eighty-one questionnaires were completed. 33% thought that cancer is a virus and 35% thought that it is contagious. 47% did not think that family history is a risk factor. 79% accurately claimed dysphagia as the most common symptom for esophageal cancer. 40% thought that herbal therapy is the optimal treatment for esophageal cancer. Cost and fear of diagnosis were cited as the most significant barriers to healthcare. Most participants had a monthly income of less than 3000 Kenyan schillings (37.5 US dollars); for 37% of participants, the cost of transport to the hospital represented a third of their monthly income. CONCLUSION The questionnaire provided population-specific information on cancer knowledge and aided in targeting barriers to healthcare access. These factors will be incorporated into the cancer education outreach program of Tenwek Hospital.