Over 620 residents screened for cancer in Arusha
ARUSHA: A TOTAL of 621 residents received cancer screening services at a special camp held at Kaloleni Hospital in Arusha Region, with 16 referred for further assessment after screening identified findings requiring additional medical attention.
The beneficiaries included 278 men and 343 women who underwent screening as part of efforts to bring cancer detection services closer to communities and promote early diagnosis.
The camp was conducted on Wednesday by the Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) in collaboration with the Office of the Arusha Urban Member of Parliament and Kaloleni Hospital.
The exercise also provided residents with education on cancer and other non-communicable diseases, while encouraging them to seek screening even when they have no obvious symptoms.
During the exercise, six patients were found with breast lumps, while two others had findings requiring further assessment for possible breast cancer.
Four patients had early changes in the cervix that required further assessment for possible cervical cancer, while nine men had findings requiring further assessment for possible prostate cancer. Following the screening results, 16 patients were referred for further investigations and specialised care according to their individual needs.
Speaking to journalists in Arusha during the closing of the camp, ORCI Specialist Oncologist, Dr Maguha Stephano, said the institute was pleased with the response from residents who turned up for screening and received education on cancer and other non-communicable diseases.
He said the camp was not only intended to provide services to residents but also provided an opportunity to strengthen collaboration and build the capacity of health professionals at Kaloleni Hospital in early cancer detection.
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Acting Medical Officer-inCharge of Kaloleni Hospital, Dr Laura Urio, said the partnership with ORCI enabled residents to access cancer screening services from specialist health profession.
