Mobile clinics detect early cancer changes

ARUSHA: A TOTAL of 16,945 women has received cervical and breast cancer screening through mobile clinics in Arusha and Kilimanjaro regions, with 130 women found to have early changes that could develop into cancer and referred for further examination and treatment.

The screening was conducted through the East Africa Cancer Women’s Project (EACwCP), implemented by Aga Khan Health Services, Tanzania (AKHS-T) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the President’s Office–Regional Administration and Local Government (PORALG).

The programme brings screening services closer to communities, particularly women in rural areas who face long travel distances, transport costs and family responsibilities that often delay access to healthcare.

Speaking in Arusha, the project’s overall manager, Dr Sarah Maongezi, said the mobile clinics have made it easier for women to access life-saving services before the disease reaches advanced stages.

“Instead of women travelling to seek healthcare, we take the services closer to them. This helps us reach more women, especially in areas where health services are not easily accessible,” she said.

The mobile clinics provide cervical cancer screening using Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA), breast cancer screening, health education and counselling.

Dr Maongezi said early screening was critical because many women develop precancerous changes without showing symptoms.

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“Many women come to hospital when the disease has reached advanced stages because early symptoms are often not visible. We encourage women to come for screening early rather than waiting until they become sick. Early screening saves lives,” she said.

The 130 women found to have early changes were referred to district and regional hospitals, giving them an opportunity to receive treatment before their conditions progressed.

The project has focused on taking services to health centres and outreach locations closer to communities that are far from major hospitals, helping reduce barriers that prevent women from seeking timely care.

According to 2024 national cancer statistics, Tanzania recorded 4,966 new cervical cancer cases and 3,011 deaths, while breast cancer accounted for 3,024 new cases and 1,492 deaths.

Health experts say cervical cancer can largely be prevented through HPV vaccination, regular screening and early treatment.

Among the beneficiaries is Ms Mariam George, a mother of four and small business owner from Mirongoine Village in Arusha, who said she had repeatedly postponed screening because travelling to hospital meant losing a day’s income and leaving her family behind.

“I thought I would go another day because the hospital was far away, and I was worried about leaving my work for the whole day,” she said.

After being screened closer to home and learning she had no signs of cancer, Mariam said she now encourages other women in her community to seek screening before symptoms appear.

“I now tell other women not to wait until they become sick because getting screened early gives you peace of mind,” she said.

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