Over the past weekend, the Shujaa Cancer Foundation, a Tanzanian non-governmental organization dedicated to cancer awareness and advocacy, teamed up with health sector stakeholders to mark Cancer Heroes Day in Dar es Salaam.
This day, observed globally every June, celebrates individuals who have bravely battled and overcome cancer, recognizing them as true heroes.
Cancer Heroes Day serves a broader purpose as well. It raises global awareness about cancer, promotes prevention and treatment initiatives, and advocates for improved care and support for cancer patients worldwide.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), there were 20 million new cancer cases reported globally in 2022, with 9.7 million deaths. Lung cancer topped the list of the most prevalent cancers, followed by breast and colorectal cancers.
In Africa, the situation remains challenging, with approximately 80% of cancer patients being diagnosed at advanced stages when treatment is more complicated. Tanzania alone reports about 40,000 new cancer cases annually, with 27,000 deaths attributed to the disease.
In response to these challenges, Africa has recently intensified efforts to combat cancer through early detection programs, treatment initiatives, and public education campaigns.
One notable example is the early detection project launched by Aga Khan Health Services in partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD).
This four-year initiative targets breast and cervical cancer among women and girls in Tanzania and Kenya. It aims to vaccinate 200,000 girls in Tanzania and 600,000 in Kenya against HPV and screen 400,000 women for breast cancer.
Education and awareness remain critical components of cancer control. The United Nations, through WHO and IARC, continues to emphasize the importance of early diagnosis.
Given that lung and breast cancers remain the most common globally, stakeholders are urging stronger political commitment to improving cancer care services.
International collaboration is also playing a vital role. African governments are partnering with global organizations to expand access to treatment and vaccines.
For instance, the Aga Khan–AFD initiative plans to reach and educate 7.4 million people about cancer prevention and awareness.
These combined efforts highlight a growing continental commitment to strengthening the fight against cancer in Africa.
The Cancer Heroes Walk, held at the Ocean Road Cancer Institute, featured not only the walk itself but also educational sessions aimed at teaching participants how to manage and prevent cancer more effectively.
During the event, Dr. Mark Mseti, Director of Medical Services at Ocean Road, shared data from the National Hospital Data Registry for 2021, revealing that the Eastern Zone recorded the highest number of cancer cases, with 8,731 registered patients.
He also noted a significant increase in patient visits to the Ocean Road Cancer Institute, with follow-up clinic visits rising sharply from 19,608 in 2015 to 55,792 in 2020.
“The number of follow-up clinic visits at the Ocean Road Cancer Institute has grown from 19,608 in 2015 to 55,792 by 2020,” Dr. Mseti confirmed.
Ms. Gloria Kida, Executive Director of the Shujaa Cancer Foundation, highlighted ongoing challenges faced by patients in accessing cancer treatment insurance.
She called on Ocean Road authorities to simplify the process for obtaining treatment permits to ease patient access.
In closing, attendees were urged to seek medical attention promptly upon noticing any cancer symptoms to avoid serious complications or loss of life.
This event was part of a broader national effort, led by the Shujaa Cancer Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of Health, to support Tanzania’s cancer prevention and control goals.The commemoration took place on Saturday, May 31, 2025, in Dar es Salaam.
