Kenyan Woman Knits Affordable Prostheses for Breast Cancer Survivors

In Kenya, breast cancer survivors are finding hope and support through the handiwork of local knitter, Mary Mwangi. After her own cancer diagnosis, Mwangi turned her passion for knitting into a lifeline for women who have undergone mastectomies but cannot afford expensive silicone prostheses. Each knitted prosthesis costs only $10, a fraction of the price of traditional options, making them accessible to many in a country where breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among women.

Located in Thika, a town outside the capital Nairobi, Mwangi began her journey in 2017 by creating hats and scarves. Her focus shifted when she encountered another survivor knitting prostheses, which inspired her to expand her efforts. Today, Mwangi leads a group known as the New Dawn Cancer Warriors, which not only provides prostheses but also offers a supportive community for women facing similar challenges.

Breast cancer remains a significant health concern in Kenya, with over 6,000 cases diagnosed annually. The disease often presents at an advanced stage, primarily due to limited access to early detection and treatment options. According to the Kenyan health ministry, more than 50% of patients are diagnosed when the cancer has already progressed.

For women like Nancy Waithera, who is a high school science teacher, Mwangi’s work has been transformative. After losing her husband and receiving her own breast cancer diagnosis, Waithera felt her world darken. Meeting Mwangi and purchasing a knitted prosthesis helped her envision life beyond her illness. “On the first day of wearing it, when I was going to church, I felt like Nancy had come back,” she shared. “My ego was restored. My dignity was restored.”

Many women in Kenya have relied on makeshift solutions, such as filling bras with clothing, until discovering Mwangi’s knitted options. Hannah Mugo, a housewife and mother, expressed relief at upgrading to a prosthesis that improved her confidence and helped her avoid the stigma she felt. “I used to stay indoors because I didn’t want people to label me as the ‘woman with one breast’,” Mugo explained. Learning to knit alongside Mwangi not only provided her with a solution but also opened opportunities for her to contribute financially.

Experts emphasize the importance of hobbies and support networks in the recovery process for cancer patients. Daniel Ojuka, a surgeon who has witnessed the impact of Mwangi’s prostheses at the Kenyatta National Hospital cancer treatment center, believes that having a community and a plan for life after surgery significantly aids recovery. He noted that mastectomy is often the most affordable option for many Kenyan women, as reconstructive surgery remains out of reach and is typically not covered by the national health insurance system.

Mwangi’s efforts have resulted in more than 600 knitted prostheses sold over the past three years. Her team of women not only creates these essential items but also fosters a sense of healing through their shared experiences. “Knitting takes you through a process of healing,” Mwangi explained. “Once you are not thinking about your disease, you are positive, and that positive mind helps you, because healing starts from your mind.”

With her determination to train more women in this craft, Mwangi aims to spread the message that “there is life after cancer.” Through her work, she has turned a personal battle into a beacon of hope, proving that cancer does not have to equate to despair. As she continues to provide affordable solutions for breast cancer survivors, Mwangi remains a living testament to resilience and recovery.