Only 10 per cent of cancer cases receive treatment

There are now more than 700,000 cancer patients in the country who need treatment, out of which ten per cent only receive medical attention at the Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI).

The information was revealed by the Board Chairperson of Tanzania Palliative Care Association, Msemo Diwani, while briefing reporters on the Cancer Patient Day commemorated on October 6. It was, however, not observed on the said date.

Diwani said: `ORCI admits 3,500 patients annually, while new cases of cancer are on average 40 thousands yearly.

This is due to absence of cancer registries countrywide where patients, in rural areas especially, have no access to hospitals,` said Diwani.

`Cancer patients must stop going to witch doctors and report to the hospital immediately they detect symptoms,` said Diwani.

He said patients always run to witch doctors once they detect cancer symptoms and report to hospital when they are at critical stages.

Diwani said the government at one time announced the possibility of cancer vaccination for young girls who have not had sexual relationships, but the plans failed due to high costs. A single vaccination costs USD350.

The Tanzania Palliative Care Association currently insists on easy availability of cancer pain killer drugs and increase in the number of hospitals providing cancer treatment.

The service is now available at Ocean Road Cancer Institute, and Muheza hospital.

There are 33 million people suffering from cancer related diseases, most of them from Africa.