Tanzania takes initiatives to give hope to breast cancer patients

By Kizito Makoye

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania (AA) - Mariam Lusunga is breast cancer-free after being successfully treated at a facility in Tanzania’s commercial capital.

But the 31-year-old mother of two, who was diagnosed with the disease when it was already too late, paid a heavy price for her survival.

“Both of my breasts have been removed. Doctors said I would be safe to live without them,” she said.

Lusunga, a primary school teacher in Magu district of Mwanza city, had to travel 1,100 kilometers (683 miles) to Dar es Salaam to receive treatment.

“My husband heard on the radio about this campaign, so we prepared ourselves to travel and see the experts,” said Lusunga, who underwent extensive surgery and chemotherapy at the Ocean Road Cancer Institute.

While many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa cannot afford expensive cancer treatment, Tanzania has taken a major step to enhance sustainable access to treatment for women diagnosed with breast cancer.

As part of its broader push to strengthen the national health system, the East African country has consolidated its procurement policies to achieve price reductions for essential medicines.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the cancer landscape is rapidly changing globally, with breast cancer becoming the most commonly diagnosed cancer, straining individuals, communities and health systems.

As part of its efforts to combat cancer in the cities of Dar es Salaam and Mwanza, the Tanzanian government is implementing a project worth 38 billion Tanzanian shillings (US$16.5 million).

Cancer is a serious public health problem in Tanzania which requires early detection, screening, treatment and palliative care. Currently, only 10% of cancer patients reach hospitals.

Authorities are working to increase the rate to at least 20%, thus reducing the rate of patients who present themselves when it is too late.

The initiative, dubbed the Tanzania Comprehensive Cancer Project (TCCP), is aimed at strengthening and expanding the quality and capacity of cancer care services.

- Mammoth campaign

Harrison Chuwa, a senior oncologist and project director, said the four-year initiative, which strives to build the capacity of health personnel and community social workers, is expected to benefit 1.7 million people in the two cities and contribute to improved knowledge, practices and health seeking behaviors of the target group.

According to Chuwa, the initiative is designed to reduce the burden of cancer illness and deaths in Dar es Salaam and Mwanza.

“Most patients go to the hospital when it is already too late. We want to change that through awareness campaigns,” he said.

Chuwa explained that the initiative is aimed at enhancing early detection and recommending treatment practices that can lead to high cure rates and ensuring that no one is denied health care because they cannot afford to pay for it.

“We’ve tirelessly worked to prioritize cancer medicines to ensure that poor women can access them,” he said.

He said the program has helped thousands of people receive cancer treatment, most of them from poor families, who would not otherwise have been able to afford the care.

“When I go to bed, I always thank God for keeping me alive,” said Lusunga, who has become a vocal advocate for access to treatment for people suffering from cancer.

- Excruciating pain

On the edge of her bed, Maria Lusomya writhed in pain and agony. Too ill and feeble, she saw the specter of death coming for her while battling breast cancer.

“I was feeling intense pressure pressing down on my chest,” she told Anadolu Agency.

Lusomya, who was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer in 2018, shared insights about her arduous journey to defeat the deadly disease.

Inflammatory breast cancer is one of the most aggressive types of cancer affecting women in Tanzania due to trauma or injury.

Lusomya, who sustained an injury to her chest after falling in the bathroom, experienced the symptoms after a few months.

Doctors who confirmed the diagnosis advised her to begin chemotherapy treatment at the Ocean Road Cancer Institute to shrink the tumors while waiting for a surgeon to remove her left breast.

“I am alive today for God’s grace. To me, this is a great miracle,” said Lusomya, who is healed and discharged.

Yusta Mkwawa was diagnosed with stage-four breast cancer that spread to her spine. She lost hope. It was in 2018, and she was 24 years old.

The lump on her breast became more painful and blood started to ooze from it.

Distraught, Mkwawa, a teacher, experienced bouts of headaches, which she couldn’t explain.

“Doctors said my cancer was spreading so fast. She had to do chemo to slow down the progression,” she said.