'You have a swelling': The language of cancer diagnosis and implications for cancer management in Kenya

Abstract

Objective: To examine the ramifications of language as a vehicle of communication in the Kenyan healthcare system.

Methods: (1) A review of literature search on language access and health care in Kenya, using Scopus, Web of Science, Ebscohost, ProQuest and Google Scholar electronic databases. (2) Two illustrative case studies from a Nairobi based qualitative research project on family cancer caregivers' experiences.

Results: Evidence from the case studies shows that language barriers may hinder understanding of cancer diagnoses and consequently, the nature of interventions sought by family members as informal caregivers of cancer patients.

Conclusion: Findings demonstrate the significance of language in understanding cancer diagnosis as a basis for treatment seeking behaviour and specifically in light of the critical role played by informal caregivers in under resourced health care contexts.

Practice implications: (1) The assumption that English and Swahili are adequate in communication in Kenyan health care contexts ought to be reviewed. (2) Further research and assessment of language needs as a basis for training of language interpreters in the Kenyan health care system is a necessity.

Keywords: Cancer diagnosis; Communication; Health care; Kenya; Language.