Mount Meru Hospital to launch cancer screening, treatment services in April

Arusha. Mount Meru Regional Referral Hospital will begin offering cancer screening and treatment services in April 2025.

This marks a significant development for the region, as hundreds of residents in Arusha and Manyara have been forced to travel to Kilimanjaro or Dar es Salaam for treatment when the disease has reached an advanced stages.

Mount Meru Regional Referral Hospital’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Alex Ernest, said in a press statement that authorities have been deeply concerned about the severe toll cancer has taken on the lives of Arusha residents, prompting the launch of the much-needed service.

“Along with screening and treatment, we will also have a dedicated building for a clinic that will provide ongoing care for cancer patients,” insisted Dr Ernest.

He further emphasised that when cancer is detected early and treatment begins promptly, the chances of recovery are much higher, avoiding the need for exorbitant costs and the emotional toll of impending death.

The symptoms of cancer can vary, but common warning signs include unexplained weight loss, frequent fevers, persistent fatigue, changes in skin or eye colour, and the presence of non-healing wounds.

Other indicators may include blood in the stool, urine, or coughing, as well as lumps or unexplained masses in the body, particularly in the breasts or testicles.

Dr Ernest encouraged individuals to seek medical attention as soon as they notice any of these symptoms.

Early diagnosis not only reassures patients that they may not have cancer but also increases the likelihood of successful treatment, even if the cancer is at an early stage, he said.

“Currently, many people are missing out on the opportunity for early testing and treatment because cancer screening services are unavailable in Arusha.

As a result, individuals wait until they experience severe pain, at which point the cancer may have spread significantly, making recovery more difficult and costly,” he explained.

Reacting to this development, a resident of Arusha, Ms Regina Mbise, expressed hope that the new service would accelerate the fight against the disease.

She pointed out that many residents rely on the hospital as a referral point from district health centres, and the delay in offering cancer services has made it harder for patients to access timely care.

"Many cancer patients in Arusha find it difficult to recover because they only seek treatment after the disease has spread significantly, leading to high treatment costs and low chances of recovery," she said.

“Even those fortunate enough to receive treatment often struggle to afford transportation and accommodation costs for follow-up visits, leading to hopelessness,” she added.

According to her, having this service locally will save many lives by enabling early detection and treatment, and it will also ensure that patients on long-term medication can access the drugs they need.

This initiative by Mount Meru Regional Referral Hospital is expected to significantly improve cancer care accessibility, helping many patients receive timely medical attention and potentially saving lives in the process.