GSM joins ORCI to mark Cancer Day

DAR ES SALAAM: GSM Foundation, in collaboration with the Radiotherapists Association of Tanzania (RAOTA) and the Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI), has joined the government in commemorating World Cancer Day at the ORCI grounds in Dar es Salaam

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Health, ORCI Executive Director Dr Diwani Msemo said cancer remains one of the leading non-communicable diseases affecting Tanzanians, calling for collective action from government institutions, health stakeholders, the private sector, and the public.

“Statistics highlight the urgent need for early detection and sustained public awareness, as many cancer cases are diagnosed at advanced stages due to delayed health-seeking behaviour and limited access to information,” Dr Msemo said

He added that the government, under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has prioritised the fight against cancer by strengthening prevention strategies, improving diagnostic services, and ensuring treatment is accessible to citizens across the country

GSM Foundation Director Ms Faith Gugu said the organisation’s participation forms part of its long-term commitment to improving community health by promoting access to quality healthcare services, particularly for vulnerable and at-risk groups

“For the third consecutive year, GSM Foundation has actively taken part in World Cancer Day commemorations, recognising that cancer and other non-communicable diseases continue to pose a major challenge to the health and well-being of Tanzanians,” Ms Gugu said

She explained that experience gained through a medical outreach camp implemented by GSM Foundation in collaboration with Amana Regional Referral Hospital shows that there is still a pressing need for accurate health education, community awareness, and early cancer screening services.

She said that many citizens delay seeking medical care due to a lack of early information, which worsens the impact of the disease

Dr Msemo added that, according to 2022 statistics, Tanzania recorded approximately 44,931 new cancer cases, with 29,743 cancer-related deaths.

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“Cervical cancer leads among women, while prostate cancer is the most common among men, highlighting the critical importance of early screening and continuous public education,” he said

In demonstrating solidarity and social responsibility, GSM Foundation donated 1,000 T-shirts and drinking water for all charity walk participants and actively participated in organising the day’s activities.

These included the charity walk, early cancer screening, and community awareness education

GSM Foundation pledged to continue working closely with the government in implementing the National Non-Communicable Diseases Policy through the National Strategy for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (2021/22–2025/26), aiming to reduce the impact of these diseases and build a healthy, resilient society

This year’s World Cancer Day theme, “United by Uniqueness,” served as a call to action for the government, health stakeholders, the private sector, and citizens to work together in preventing, detecting early, and controlling cancer.

GSM Foundation urged the community to take early action through regular health check-ups and active participation in collective health initiatives