Tanzania has invested more than 60 billion shillings over five years to strengthen cancer diagnosis and treatment services at the Ocean Road Cancer Institute in Dar es Salaam, with new medical technologies and radiotherapy equipment expected to expand treatment capacity and improve access to specialised care. The investment includes advanced diagnostic equipment such as positron emission tomography-computed tomography, or PET-CT, and mammography machines, alongside radiotherapy technology intended to improve the delivery of cancer treatment.
The Deputy Minister for Health, Dr Florence Samizi, highlighted the developments during Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities at the institute. She said public awareness was essential in encouraging early detection, addressing misconceptions about breast cancer and ensuring patients sought professional medical advice without unnecessary delays. Mammography uses low-dose X-rays to examine breast tissue and can help detect abnormalities, including breast cancer, before symptoms appear. PET-CT combines information about metabolic activity in body tissues with detailed anatomical images, helping specialists assess the extent of cancer and determine whether it may have spread to other parts of the body.
Dr Samizi also highlighted the addition of three radiotherapy machines as part of efforts to increase the institute's capacity to treat cancer patients, improve treatment delivery and reduce delays in accessing services. Radiotherapy uses carefully planned doses of radiation to destroy cancer cells or control their growth while limiting exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. The additional equipment is expected to help the institute manage patient demand more effectively, with the time required for radiotherapy varying according to the type of cancer, the treatment area and the regimen prescribed by specialists.
The Ocean Road Cancer Institute's Executive Director, Dr Diwani Msemo, said the investment was directed towards improving infrastructure, introducing modern technologies and increasing the institute's capacity to provide specialised cancer diagnosis and treatment services. He said the improvements form part of broader efforts to strengthen cancer-care services and enable more patients to receive specialised treatment within the country. Breast cancer survivor Lilian Kabengula, who completed chemotherapy cycles, surgery and radiation therapy, said the PET Scan gives her hope of confirming her recovery and urged citizens to utilise hospital facilities and modern diagnostics rather than seek traditional healing.
Dr Samizi urged Tanzanians to seek medical advice when they notice unusual breast changes, including a lump, changes in breast shape or skin, or abnormalities involving the nipple. She emphasised that public education was necessary to address fear and misconceptions surrounding breast cancer and encourage people to seek professional assessment rather than delay care.