Hassan Magulumali
Tanzania’s Deputy Minister for Health, Dr Florence Samizi, has urged citizens to prioritise breast health checks and seek medical attention promptly whenever they notice unusual changes in their breasts, stressing that early detection improves the chances of successful treatment.
Dr Samizi made the call on October 17, 2026, during a breast cancer awareness walk at the Ocean Road Cancer Institute in Dar es Salaam, where she represented Health Minister Mohamed Mchengerwa.
She emphasised that public awareness campaigns are essential in helping people understand breast cancer, overcome fear and misconceptions, and seek professional medical advice when suspicious symptoms appear.
Breast cancer may cause changes such as a new lump in the breast or underarm, changes in breast size or shape, skin dimpling, nipple inversion, or unusual nipple discharge. However, these signs do not always mean a person has cancer, making professional assessment important.
Dr Samizi also encouraged Tanzanians to adopt healthier lifestyles, including regular physical activity, a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol consumption. Such measures can help reduce some modifiable cancer risk factors, although they cannot prevent every case of breast cancer.
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She said the fight against the disease requires cooperation between the government, healthcare professionals, development partners, the media and communities to ensure accurate information reaches the public and people access healthcare services without unnecessary delays.
The government, under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has continued investing in cancer screening and treatment services, including those provided by the Ocean Road Cancer Institute, as part of efforts to improve access to specialised healthcare in the country.
Breast cancer remains a major public health concern worldwide, affecting both women and, less commonly, men. The risk generally increases with age, while family history and certain genetic factors can also increase a person’s likelihood of developing the disease.
Health experts encourage people to understand what is normal for their bodies and report unusual changes to qualified health professionals. Screening recommendations may vary depending on age, personal risk and available national guidelines, making consultation with a healthcare provider important.
Dr Samizi called on citizens to spread awareness within their families, workplaces and communities, emphasising the campaign message: “Detect Early – Act Early – Save Lives.”
She said timely action, reliable health information and access to appropriate medical care are essential in reducing delays in diagnosis and improving outcomes for people affected by breast cancer.
