International Review Sees Progress in Cancer Control in Tanzania

A review by the IAEA and partners has found that the United Republic of Tanzania has taken important steps to decentralize cancer services with a new centre bringing radiotherapy to the Kilimanjaro region and plans for expanding this critical treatment to other parts of the country. Reviewers made recommendations to strengthen cancer prevention and treatment, with a focus on developing human resources in oncology. 

Tanzania sees over 40 000 new cases of cancer each year. Among women, cervical cancer is the most common, making up over 60% of cases, followed by breast cancer. Among men, prostate cancer makes up nearly half of cases, followed by oesophageal cancer. More than 70% of cancer patients present at late stages, putting pressure on the national health system. 

The imPACT Review, carried out jointly by the IAEA, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Cancer Research (IARC), evaluated progress since a previous assessment in 2006 to inform strategic documents, such as a new national cancer plan and funding proposals to expand services.

In September, 11 international experts nominated by the three organizations held discussions with Ministry of Health officials and other national stakeholders and visited health facilities in the cities of Dar Es Salam, Mwanza and Dodoma as well as Zanzibar. 

“Tanzania has made strides in cancer control, including strengthening infrastructure, expanding human resource capacity and refining our policy framework in response to the rising cancer burden,” said Seif Shekalaghe, Permanent Secretary at Tanzania’s Ministry of Health. “This imPACT review provides a timely opportunity to reflect on our progress, identify areas for strengthening and chart the course for the next phase of our journey,” he added.  

The review noted disparities in the distribution of specialized professionals that support cancer control; with around half of the country’s pathologists based in Dar es Salaam. The team found good capacity for local training and high retention rates, which could enable greater availability of these professionals through telepathology. 

In imaging and nuclear medicine, Tanzania has a well-established training programme at Muhimbili University, which has extended some capacity to all regional hospitals. The team suggested expanding interventional radiology and mammography services, as well as training in nuclear medicine, physics and radiopharmacy. 

The IAEA has supported Tanzania in establishing clinical oncology training at the Ocean Road Cancer Institute in Dar Es Salaam in 2010 and recently in launching its first undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in medical physics.