The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania has dismissed circulating claims that breast cancer testing through biopsy can cause the disease to spread, describing the information as false and misleading.
In a public notice issued by the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Council of Tanzania under the Ministry of Health (Tanzania), the council clarified that biopsy remains a safe and internationally recognized medical procedure used to confirm different types of cancer and guide appropriate treatment.
The statement, released in Dodoma on February 2, 2026, explained that claims circulating on social media suggesting that biopsy causes breast cancer to spread have no scientific basis.
According to the council, biopsy is a standard medical procedure used worldwide to diagnose cancer accurately. Health professionals rely on it to identify the type and stage of cancer so that patients can receive proper treatment at the right time.
“Biopsy is safe, evidence-based and globally accepted in confirming cancer types to help plan appropriate treatment,” the council noted, warning that misinformation about the procedure could endanger patients by discouraging them from seeking early diagnosis.
The council also clarified that a woman featured in a widely shared video making such claims is neither a registered practitioner of traditional medicine nor a licensed member of the council.
Following investigations, authorities established that the individual is involved in selling products through online network marketing and is not qualified to provide health education or medical advice.
The council cautioned traditional medicine practitioners, traders and social media influencers against spreading unverified health information or promoting products as treatment for serious diseases such as cancer without proper scientific evidence.
Officials said such actions could mislead patients and delay them from seeking proper medical care, thereby putting their lives at risk and violating their fundamental right to quality healthcare services.
Members of the public have been urged to rely only on verified medical information and seek services from recognized health facilities and qualified healthcare professionals for cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment.
The government also warned that legal action will be taken against anyone who spreads false information that may threaten public health.
The statement was issued by Lucy S. Mziray, Registrar of the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Council.