Cancer survivors share views on prevention, early treatment

DAR ES SALAAM:SOME cancer survivors have shared their views on prevention and early treatment of the disease in efforts to save thousands of lives of Tanzanians.

Speaking in Dar es Salaam at a free medical camp organised by the Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) for cancer checkups, the survivors emphasized on, among others, importance of public awareness.

Gloria Kida, a 12-year-old breast cancer survivor, emphasized the importance of awareness creation in the community.

She stated, “I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011, and in early 2012, I underwent surgery. Because it was in the first stage, they removed the affected area and started chemotherapy, radiation treatments, and after then medication. Now, 12 years on, I am okay and going on with my work.”

Ms Kida and others started the Shujaa Cancer Foundation to help different cancer survivors in Tanzania by sharing their experiences, supporting each other, and educating cancer patients that they can also be cured and survive.

Ms Kida added, “cancer survivors can help in spreading awareness to the public on how they were diagnosed with cancer, procedures of treatment, preparing for chemotherapy, radiation, medication, and life after all those scars.”

She insisted that the government should educate communities more about cancer and encourage them to go for early checkups, as early detection increases the chances of a cure.

Another survivor, Rebeca Lebi, highlighted that the fear among the members of the public over cancer treatment leads to delayed treatment after diagnosis.

She shared her experience, saying, “I was afraid of the treatment, but after knowing that I would be okay, I took the chance and started the treatment. Now it is 10 years since I had operation and chemotherapy and radiation.”

Ms Lebi urged the public to understand that a cancer survivor is just a normal person who can engage in all activities without any problem.

Dr Johnson Katanga, a Clinical Epidemiologist at Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI), said they have organized free cancer checkups ahead of International Cancer Day on February 4.

He encouraged people to show up at the camp, stating, “we are doing initial tests on all types of cancer. For those diagnosed with cancer, we advise them to come to ORCI for further checkups and treatments.”

Dr Katanga revealed that cervix cancer is the most prevalent in the country, affecting women and emphasized the need for awareness and early detection, as 33 per cent of all cancer patients in the country have cervix cancer.

Dr Maguha Stephano, Manager of Cancer Screening and Public Advocacy at ORCI, highlighted that 75 per cent of patients received at the hospital already had advanced stages.

She emphasized building awareness in schools, training doctors in different regions, and encouraged people not to scare to go for cancer checkups and treatments.

Dr Stephano added that cervix cancer caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) is prevalent and is caused by factors such as sexual intercourse at a young age, having multiple sexual partners, various infections in the reproductive organs, and people living with HIV/AIDS being at a higher risk.

“All cancers are curable and preventable when identified at early stages, the community should be aware that changes in lifestyle, regular exercise, and checkups play crucial roles in defeating the cancer,” he emphasized.