Participants during a breast cancer awareness walk in Arusha. (Photo by a Correspondent.)
By David Chikoko
About 4,500 new breast cancer cases are recorded in Tanzania every year, making it the second most common cancer among women after cervical cancer, according to the latest GLOBOCAN 2022 report.
The warning comes as Four Points by Sheraton Arusha hotel led hundreds of residents in a breast cancer awareness walk on October 25, to promote early detection and women’s health education.
Health experts at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) and Mount Meru Regional Hospital say cases of breast cancer in northern Tanzania — especially in Arusha and Kilimanjaro — have been rising steadily in recent years. Many women are diagnosed late, often when the disease has already advanced, due to low awareness, stigma and limited screening facilities.
“Many women only seek help when the cancer has already advanced. Early detection could save many lives,” said an oncology nurse at KCMC.
After the walk, participants gathered at Four Points Sheraton for a presentation by Dr Kulsoom Kassam from NSK Hospitals Limited, who explained how understanding breast anatomy and performing regular self-examinations could lead to earlier detection and treatment.
“Knowledge can literally save lives,” Dr Kassam told the well-attended walk participants. “Women should start self-breast examinations from age 20, and after 40, go for annual mammograms or ultrasounds.”
She noted that most breast cancers can spread if not detected early. Risk factors include age, family history, obesity, alcohol consumption and hormonal influences.
Doctors in northern Tanzania also report that breast cancer is affecting younger women, many still in their productive years. The Kilimanjaro Cancer Registry lists breast cancer among the top three cancers affecting women in the region.
The hotel management thanked participants for supporting the cause, pledging to continue hosting health awareness events in the community.
“This walk is about more than awareness — it’s about standing together for a healthier future,” said a Four Points by Sheraton Arusha, The Arusha Hotel Director of Sales and Marketing, Farida Khatibu.
