The Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) has strengthened its breast cancer screening capacity with the launch of a modern mammography machine equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) technology and biopsy-guidance capabilities.
The equipment is expected to improve the early detection of breast cancer and enable patients diagnosed with the disease to begin treatment sooner.
Speaking at the launch on Monday, August 31, 2026, ORCI Executive Director Dr Diwani Msemo said the machine would improve the institute’s ability to identify suspicious breast abnormalities, including small changes that can be difficult to detect through other imaging methods.
“The machine was purchased by the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania for Sh600 million, although its actual value is Sh800 million, after the supplier offered a discount,” Dr Msemo said.
He said the equipment was acquired using emergency government funding after the institute’s previous mammography machine developed technical problems.
The new machine also has the capacity to assist specialists in collecting tissue samples through biopsy when a suspicious area is identified during screening.
Dr Msemo, however, clarified that the AI technology does not independently diagnose cancer.
“AI does not provide the final diagnosis. It assists the doctor in identifying areas that require further investigation before a tissue sample is taken and subjected to laboratory tests,” he said.
Three ORCI specialists have been trained to operate the new equipment, according to Dr Msemo.
He said breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women and is the second most common cancer among patients treated at ORCI after cervical cancer.
“About 10 to 12 per cent of patients who come to the institute are diagnosed with breast cancer,” he said.
ORCI specialist radiologist Dr Anganile Kalinga, who specialises in breast cancer imaging, said the machine can be used to screen both women and men.
She said its biopsy-guidance capability would make it easier for specialists to obtain tissue samples from areas identified as suspicious during screening.
Dr Kalinga urged women aged 40 and above to undergo regular breast cancer screening even when they have no symptoms.
“Screening is important because the machine can help detect breast cancer at an early stage, even before a lump or other noticeable symptoms develop,” she said.
She also reminded the public that breast cancer can affect men, although cases among men are considerably fewer than those among women.
Meanwhile, Impilo Technologies Managing Director Onesmo Haule said the new technology would strengthen the country’s efforts to improve early cancer detection.
He said modern diagnostic equipment such as the new mammography machine plays an important role in identifying cancer early and supporting timely medical intervention.
Some members of the public who visited ORCI for screening, including Warda Bakari and Sophia, welcomed the new equipment and commended the government for investing in modern cancer diagnostic services.
They also urged women to make regular screening for breast and cervical cancer part of their routine healthcare.
The launch marks another step in efforts to strengthen early cancer detection and improve access to timely diagnosis and treatment in Tanzania.