BREAST cancer remains a major public health challenge in Tanzania, quietly claiming thousands of lives each year. Despite increasing awareness about the disease, significant hurdles still prevent many women from accessing early detection and treatment.
These barriers are most prevalent in rural regions, where healthcare services are scarce, and the knowledge of breast cancer symptoms is limited.
As October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this article explores the state of breast cancer in Tanzania, underscores the importance of early detection, and advocates for greater efforts to improve access to healthcare and resources for those affected.
Globally, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women.
The World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that 2.3 million new cases are diagnosed annually, making it the leading cause of cancer among women. In Tanzania, it accounts for approximately 10 per cent of all cancers diagnosed, with cervical and breast cancers being the most common forms among women.
Minister for Health, Jenista Mhagama, said that breast cancer, along with cervical cancer (24.2 per cent), prostate cancer (10.7 per cent), throat cancer (7.9 per cent), and colon cancer (4.9 per cent), make up 42 per cent of all cancer cases in Tanzania.
The country’s fight against breast cancer, however, is compounded by the fact that many women do not seek medical attention until the disease has advanced to later stages, where treatment options become more limited and less effective.
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Late-stage diagnosis is one of the most significant obstacles in Tanzania’s battle against breast cancer. In rural areas, women face multiple challenges, including a lack of awareness about breast cancer symptoms.
This leads many women to present themselves for medical care when the disease is already in its advanced stages. According to Dr Catherine Temba, a cancer specialist at Kairuki Hospital, breast cancer can be diagnosed in anyone with breasts, including females as young as 12 years old.
“Early detection is crucial in combating cancer. Communities should familiarize themselves with self-breast examination techniques to identify potential signs of the disease. “If any concerning symptoms are observed, individuals should immediately consult with a healthcare professional for diagnosis and appropriate treatment,” Dr Temba said.
Early diagnosis is key in the fight against breast cancer Dr Prudence Kiwia, a cancer specialist at the Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI), advised individuals to be aware of the early warning signs, including breast or armpit lumps, changes in breast shape or size, and nipple alterations such as inversion or discharge.
“Other potential indicators of breast cancer include alterations in breast skin, such as dimpling, hardening, or the development of an orange peel texture, and breast discomfort,” Dr Kiwia said.
“Breast cancer symptoms can differ between individuals. Seeking professional evaluation is crucial for accurate diagnosis,” Dr Kiwia advised.
She also highlighted the importance of community involvement in the fight against breast cancer. In response to the global rise in breast cancer cases, the WHO launched the Global Breast Cancer Initiative (GBCI) in 2021. The initiative’s aim is to reduce breast cancer mortality by 2.5% annually, which could potentially save 2.5 million lives by 2040. The strategy revolves around three key pillars: promoting health and early detection, ensuring timely diagnosis, and providing comprehensive management of the disease.
According to the WHO, 70 per cent of breast cancer deaths occur in low-resource settings. The GBCI calls for greater global cooperation and investment in improving healthcare access in such areas.
For Tanzania, this means the introduction of more widespread screening programs, improved healthcare infrastructure, and a cultural shift that allows for open discussion of breast health. Dr Johnson Katanga, a Clinical Epidemiologist at ORCI, advised women to make regular health checkups a priority.
He said that early detection of breast cancer can lead to more effective treatment and better outcomes compared to advanced-stage diagnoses.
One of the greatest challenges in the fight against breast cancer in Tanzania is the stigma associated with the disease, particularly in rural areas. In some communities, discussing breast health is taboo, and women are often reluctant to speak openly about breast cancer symptoms.
This reluctance delays diagnosis and treatment, further compounding the problem of late-stage detection.
Dr Kiwia points out that these cultural barriers must be addressed through education programmes that respect local traditions while breaking down the stigma surrounding breast cancer.
The government and healthcare organizations play a crucial role in ensuring that women across the country have access to the necessary resources to fight breast cancer.
However, the healthcare system is often under-resourced, particularly in rural areas, where the distance to the nearest health centre can be a barrier in itself. Breast cancer in Tanzania is not just a medical issue, but a societal one. The fight against this disease requires a multifaceted approach that involves individuals, communities, healthcare providers, and the government working together.
The work does not end with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Long-term, sustainable efforts are necessary to ensure that women across Tanzania have the knowledge, tools, and support they need to fight breast cancer. Now is the time for concerted action to make breast cancer a survivable condition for all Tanzanian women.