Beliefs delay cancer treatment, experts warn
ARUSHA: MISCONCEPTIONS and harmful traditional beliefs remain a major barrier preventing cancer patients from seeking timely medical care, resulting in many starting treatments when their conditions have significantly worsened.
Dr Sarah Maongezi said this recently during the launch of a Cancer Care Centre and the introduction of chemotherapy services at Mount Meru Regional Referral Hospital, funded by Spanish Tiles.
Dr Maongezi, East Africa Cancer Project Manager from Aga Khan Hospital, said some patients delay hospital visits due to misguided beliefs, including reliance on traditional healers instead of seeking early medical intervention.
She noted that the Aga Khan institution has donated medical equipment worth 58m/- including specialised patient chairs, chemotherapy drug storage equipment and a drug-mixing machine.
Additionally, the institution has trained healthcare providers in cancer treatment, including early screening for cervical cancer, alongside research and evaluation activities in Tanzania and Kenya.
“Cancer does not wait; once diagnosed, treatment must begin immediately without delay,” she stressed, adding that mobile clinic services will continue in six regions, including Zanzibar.
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On his part, oncologist Dr Harison Chuwa from Aga Khan Hospital said continued training of nurses will improve cancer care services at Mount Meru Hospital.
He noted that the initiative will reduce costs for patients who previously travelled to Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) in Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) for treatment.
Dr Chuwa said cervical cancer remains the most prevalent, while breast cancer cases are rising rapidly, particularly among women under 40.
He urged women and girls to attend early screening in large numbers. Meanwhile, Arusha District Administrative Secretary, Mr Jacob Rombo, called on nurses to provide quality services, noting that the new centre is expected to increase patient numbers.
He said the government will continue improving services to address congestion, adding that the centre currently has seven treatment rooms.
Medical Officer in Charge at Mount Meru Hospital, Dr Alex Ernest, said the new services and equipment will enhance service delivery and reduce costs for patients who previously travelled long distances.
