Michael, a 64-year-old farmer from Central Kenya, never expected that a painful lesion on the palm of his hand would lead to a diagnosis of Kaposi’s Sarcoma, a form of skin cancer. A farmer by profession, Michael relies on his hands for daily labor, tilling the land to earn a living. His case is one of many skin cancer cases in Kenya that often go underreported. Michael tested negative for HIV/AIDS, doesn’t smoke or drink, and has no known family history of the disease. However, his diagnosis highlights the growing concern of skin cancer in the country, a condition that remains relatively underrecognized.
While sun exposure is widely thought to be the primary cause of skin cancer, it can also develop in areas of the body that are usually covered, such as the back or legs. Skin cancer is a general term that encompasses several different types, one of which is Kaposi’s Sarcoma (KS). KS is a non-melanoma skin cancer that forms in the lining of blood and lymph vessels. Other types of skin cancer include melanoma and cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs), with Mycosis Fungoides being the most common form of CTCL. Mycosis Fungoides is a rare blood cancer that affects the skin and can sometimes be mistaken for a fungal infection.
The prevalence of skin cancer in Kenya, particularly in outdoor workers like farmers and individuals with albinism, is a subject of concern. A recent webinar on the topic, held on March 27, 2025, highlighted the alarming trends and lack of awareness surrounding the condition. The webinar was hosted by JKUAT’s College of Health Sciences (COHES) and Indiana University as part of the Extension of Community Health Outcomes (ECHO) initiative.
Dr. Lawrence Mark, Chief of Dermatology at Indiana University, shared that while KS is often associated with men living with HIV/AIDS, it has several subtypes. These include Chronic KS, which affects people over the age of 50, including women, and African Endemic KS, which can also affect children. Another subtype, iatrogenic immunosuppression, occurs as a result of medication that weakens the immune system. KS typically presents as reddish or purple patches or lumps on the skin and mucous membranes, including in the mouth, nose, and throat. While KS can be life-threatening when it spreads to other organs, early detection and treatment can lead to recovery.
Dr. Roop Saini, a consultant dermatologist at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), discussed the unique challenges faced by Kenya due to its geographic location. The country is situated near the equator and at high altitudes, exposing residents to higher levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This increases the risk of skin cancer, particularly for those working outdoors, like farmers, or for individuals with lighter skin tones. Dr. Saini also pointed out the growing burden of skin cancer, which presents both medical and economic challenges. For many patients, especially those from low-income or rural areas, the high costs of treatment and the loss of income due to illness severely impact their quality of life.
Dr. Elias Melly, a skin cancer epidemiologist at the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, highlighted the ongoing challenges in addressing skin cancer in the country. Despite efforts to regulate exposure to UV radiation and carcinogens, late-stage diagnosis, limited treatment options, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure remain significant obstacles. Dr. Melly stressed the need for better cancer registries and increased use of technology to improve early detection. He also called for enhanced public education on sun protection and recognizing the early warning signs of skin cancer.
In response to the shortage of trained dermatologists in the country, JKUAT launched a Master’s program in Dermatology in September 2021. This program, in partnership with KNH, aims to address the need for more specialists in the field. In many parts of Kenya, including Taita Taveta, there is only one dermatologist serving the entire region. As skin cancer cases continue to rise, the need for specialized training and resources becomes even more urgent.
As part of ongoing efforts to tackle the growing issue of skin cancer in Kenya, the next ECHO webinar on this topic will take place in May 2025. Through continued research, education, and public awareness campaigns, experts hope to reduce the burden of skin cancer in the country and improve early detection and treatment outcomes for those affected.
