40,000 NEW CANCER CASES ARE DIAGNOSED EVERY YEAR IN TANZANIA

The Minister for Health, Hon. Ummy Mwalimy, has noted that approximately 40,000 new cancer cases are diagnosed every year in Tanzania and a total of 27,000 people die from cancer.

Minister Ummy said this today, 2 May 2024, at the launch of the Cancer Services Building at the Aga Khan Hospital, where he was flanked by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Hon. Dr. Doto Biteko, where the centre will provide services to 100 patients per day.

“Cancer surveillance statistics through the Globocan research report show that in Tanzania, approximately 40,000 new cancer patients are diagnosed every year and almost a total of 27,000 people with cancer die from the disease every year.” Minister Ummy said

She said the majority of cancer patients in this country are women with cervical cancer where this cancer alone accounts for 25% followed by breast cancer for 10% where together these cancers account for more than 33% of all patients and together they account for almost half of all cancer deaths in this country.

“Deaths from cancer will increase by the year 2030 if we do not take action to deal with the magnitude of this cancer problem in the country where it is estimated to reach one million deaths by the year 2030.” Minister Ummy said

Minister Ummy has said that the government through the Ministry of Health is continuing the fight against cancer where he has said that money has been found to improve infrastructure, purchase modern equipment as well as train experts in the treatment of cancer.

“We thank Hon. President Samia has given us 10 billion this year, we have trained more than 30 specialist doctors and trainers in cancer issues that we have sent abroad who will come to help reduce the problem of cancer in the country”.

Tanzania Media