Tanzania is making strides in cancer treatment, but challenges persist. The country faces a rising cancer burden, with limited specialized facilities and late-stage diagnoses being major concerns. However, several hospitals and institutions are working to improve oncology care.
Notable Cancer Treatment Centers in Tanzania
1.Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI)
Location: Dar es Salaam
Specialty: Specialized cancer treatment and radiotherapy center, offering comprehensive oncology services including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and palliative care.
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2.Bugando Regional Referral Hospital
Location: Mwanza
Specialty: Provides radiotherapy services as part of its cancer treatment offerings.
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3.Besta Private Hospital
Location: Dodoma
Specialty: Offers radiotherapy for cancer patients.
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4. Good Samaritan Hospital (St Francis Ifakara)
Location: Ifakara, Morogoro Region
Specialty: Provides radiotherapy services as part of its healthcare offerings.
5. Aga Khan Cancer Care Centre (Upcoming)
Location: Dar es Salaam
Specialty: Expected to enhance cancer care capabilities further by working alongside ORCI to increase access to necessary treatments like radiotherapy.
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Challenges and Efforts in Improving Cancer Care
Despite these facilities, Tanzania still faces significant challenges. Many patients are diagnosed at later stages, making treatment more difficult and less effective. Limited availability of advanced treatment options, shortage of oncologists, and access barriers in rural areas further complicate care. Additionally, the financial burden of cancer treatment remains a major issue for many families, with out-of-pocket expenses often making care inaccessible for lower-income patients.
Efforts are underway to address these gaps. The government and international organizations are investing in training programs, expanding radiotherapy services, and strengthening diagnostic capabilities. Mobile screening units have been introduced to reach remote areas, aiming to detect cancers earlier and improve outcomes. Furthermore, partnerships with international healthcare institutions are providing Tanzanian medical professionals with specialized training to enhance local expertise.
The planned expansion of radiotherapy services to four additional hospitals will be a major step forward in improving access to cancer care. Technological advancements, such as telemedicine consultations, are also helping to bridge the gap in specialist availability, allowing oncologists to support diagnosis and treatment planning remotely.
Conclusion
While Tanzania’s cancer treatment landscape is still developing, progress is evident. More hospitals and organizations are stepping up to meet the growing demand, and international collaborations are helping to bridge the gaps. Continued investment and awareness will be key in ensuring that more Tanzanians receive timely and effective cancer care. By focusing on early detection, workforce training, and healthcare infrastructure expansion, Tanzania has the potential to significantly improve cancer survival rates and patient outcomes in the years to come.
Top 5 Cancer Hospitals in Tanzania
- Ocean Road Cancer Institute
- Bugando Regional Referral Hospital
- Besta Private Hospital
- Good Samaritan Hospital (St Francis Ifakara)
- Aga Khan Cancer Care Centre (Upcoming)
