CANCER AWARENESS MONTH: Tanzanians warned about Hodgkin’s lymphoma

DODOMA: As stakeholders around the world join forces to raise cancer awareness this September, local experts and campaign ambassadors are warning the public about Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the lymphatic system is a crucial part of the body’s germ- and disease-fighting immune system.

The call was made recently in Dodoma when the founder of Jema Foundation, Ms Jema Baruani, handed over medical equipment and cancer awareness materials to patients at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital (BMH).

Supported by Silent Ocean, Jema Foundation donated wheelchairs, crutches, and other essential items to patients receiving treatment at BMH.

Ms Baruani, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma at the age of 31, said early treatment, including chemotherapy, restored her hope and inspired her to support others affected by the disease.

The cancer survivor noted that there is no “one-size-fits-all” symptom of cancer. In her case, she experienced persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and unusual lumps or swelling.

“I assure you that if cancer patients receive appropriate and timely treatment, more lives will be saved. I urge Tanzanians to eat healthily, stay active, quit smoking, and limit alcohol consumption,” she said.

She also advised the public to get vaccinated against HPV and Hepatitis B and to undertake regular health screenings and check-ups.

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Acting BMH Executive Director, Dr Henry Humba, joined Ms Baruani in encouraging Tanzanians to make regular health check-ups part of their routine rather than waiting until they are sick.

“This habit will help lower treatment costs and make it easier to address health challenges. Experience shows that diseases such as cancer are treatable when detected early, and Ms Baruani’s case is testimony to that,” he noted.

Dr Humba admitted that treating cancer is costly but expressed optimism that the government’s Universal Health Coverage programme will help address this challenge.

He also welcomed citizens to BMH for screenings and check-ups, noting that the government has invested heavily in equipping hospitals with state-of-the-art technology.

Jema Foundation has launched the Jema-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Awareness Project, aimed at informing, educating, and inspiring communities about cancer while restoring hope to patients.

September is a significant month for cancer awareness, focusing on several types of cancer, including childhood, ovarian, prostate, mesothelioma, and blood cancers.