A total of 621 residents in Arusha, Tanzania, have received cancer screening services at a special camp held at Kaloleni Hospital. The beneficiaries, including 278 men and 343 women, underwent screening as part of efforts to bring cancer detection services closer to communities and promote early diagnosis. The camp was conducted by the Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) in collaboration with the Office of the Arusha Urban Member of Parliament and Kaloleni Hospital.
The screening exercise identified findings requiring additional medical attention in 16 residents, who were referred for further assessment. During the exercise, six patients were found with breast lumps, while two others had findings requiring further assessment for possible breast cancer. Four patients had early changes in the cervix that required further assessment for possible cervical cancer.
Nine men had findings requiring further assessment for possible prostate cancer. The camp not only provided screening services but also educated residents on cancer and other non-communicable diseases, encouraging them to seek screening even when they have no obvious symptoms. This initiative aims to promote early diagnosis and improve health outcomes.
The cancer screening camp was a collaborative effort between ORCI, the Office of the Arusha Urban Member of Parliament, and Kaloleni Hospital. The exercise provided residents with access to specialist health professionals and strengthened collaboration and built the capacity of health professionals at Kaloleni Hospital in early cancer detection.
ORCI Specialist Oncologist, Dr Maguha Stephano, expressed satisfaction with the response from residents who turned up for screening and received education on cancer and other non-communicable diseases. He said the camp was intended to provide services to residents and build the capacity of health professionals at Kaloleni Hospital.
Acting Medical Officer-in-Charge of Kaloleni Hospital, Dr Laura Urio, highlighted the importance of the partnership with ORCI, which enabled residents to access cancer screening services from specialist health professionals. The partnership demonstrates the commitment of stakeholders to improving healthcare services in Arusha.
The cancer screening camp in Arusha is part of efforts to promote early diagnosis and improve health outcomes in Tanzania. Key stakeholders are working together to strengthen healthcare systems and provide accessible services to communities.
Key points
- 621 residents received cancer screening services at a special camp in Arusha.
- 16 residents were referred for further assessment after screening identified findings requiring additional medical attention.
- The camp was a collaborative effort between ORCI, the Office of the Arusha Urban Member of Parliament, and Kaloleni Hospital.
