Promoting and expanding paediatric cancer prevention and treatment in Tanzania
Childhood Cancer in Tanzania
Tanzania lacks a population-based data like many sub-Saharan countries of Africa, and therefore accurate cancer statistics are not available. However, in 1995 the WHO estimated the annual cancer incidence rate of 70 per 100,000 population in Tanzania* , one of Africa’s highest cancer incidence rates.
Cancer services in Tanzania are very limited with only one specialized centre for the treatment of cancer: the Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) in Dar es Salaam.
At ORCI, approximately 3,000 new cases of cancer are seen every year. Of these, about 10% affect children. The heterogeneity of childhood cancers is substantial but the most common cancer type among children at ORCI is Burkitts Lymphoma. Other types of childhood cancers that are observed include Retinoblastoma, Nephroblastoma, Neuroblastoma and Leukaemia.
Project rationale
In childhood oncology, in contrast to the situation in many cancers of adults, prevention is rarely an option for reducing either the incidence or prevalence of the disease. Early detection and extended access to treatment are the most important steps to fighting and eliminating this disease and saving thousands of children's lives each year.
In Tanzania specifically, the major challenges of childhood cancer are:
- Late presentation of patients at health facilities
- Lack of knowledge about symptoms and early signs of the childhood cancers among health professionals and parents
- Unavailability and inaccessibility of childhood cancer treatment options at health facilities
- Limited research conducted in childhood cancer
Goals
To increase awareness of childhood cancer by the general population and health professionals and expand effective care to as many children with cancer as possible in Tanzania.
Specific Objectives
- To understand the current situation and burden of childhood cancer in Tanzania
- To increase public awareness of common childhood cancer
- To increase awareness of symptoms, early detection and appropriate referral of childhood cancers amongst healthcare professional
- To ensure availability and accessibility of treatment and palliative care for every child with cancer
- To promote cancer research involving childhood cancer in Tanzania
- To strengthen the paediatric oncology facilities at ORCI
References
*WHO, National Cancer Control Programmes, Policies and Managerial Guidelines. WHO, Geneva 1995
The project was funded by a generous donation of Symphasis Foundation (Fund Children), Switzerland.
