Access to breast cancer screening improves in Arusha
ARUSHA: WOMEN in Arusha Region have expressed heartfelt gratitude to President Samia Suluhu Hassan for purchasing and installing a mammography machine at Kaloleni Health Centre in Arusha City, a service that was previously unavailable in the region and costly to access elsewhere.
Their appreciation followed interviews with this reporter, who visited the facility to observe the breast cancer screening services now being offered.
The women said the availability of the machine has brought immense relief, as many had been forced for years to travel long distances at high cost to access similar services in other regions.
One beneficiary, Theresia Massawe, said she underwent a breast cancer screening at the centre and thanked President Samia for bringing the service closer to the community in Kaloleni Ward, an easily accessible area for residents of Arusha and neighbouring regions.
“The presence of this machine has helped us detect breast cancer indicators early. Specialists are educating the community about the importance of screening. Now that the machine is available, many women agree to get tested and those found with early signs are able to start treatment quickly, unlike before,” she said.
Another woman, Zubeda Ali, noted that many women previously lost their lives due to delayed cancer screening, as they had to travel to KCMC, Bugando or Ocean Road hospitals, resulting in late diagnosis and high expenses.
“This machine has restored hope. Even without symptoms, you can get tested and know your condition. If detected early, treatment starts immediately. Truly, President Samia has done a remarkable job, we trust her,” she said.
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They also commended Arusha City Director John Kayombo for allocating internal revenue funds to purchase the machine, which is helping to identify and address women’s health challenges.
The facility’s Medical Officerin-Charge, Dr Anna Kimaro, said that out of 569 women screened, 41 were referred to higher-level hospitals, 528 received services at the centre and 74 were found with signs of cancer.
She said the decision to purchase the machine was influenced by findings from a specialised clinic at the facility, which revealed that 67 per cent of patients had breast-related health challenges, including tumours with cancer indicators.
Arusha City procured the 440m/- mammography machine using internal revenue funds.
Dr Kimaro added that President Samia has significantly strengthened the health sector, ensuring citizens access quality health services closer to their homes
