This research article published by Multidisciplinary Cancer Investigation, 2020
Tanzania continues to enjoy stability and growth in different sectors similar to other
countries; however, some challenges persist in the health sector, especially in the
area of cancer care. The current study aimed at reviewing social economic status
(SES), as well as factors contributing to the increased burden of breast cancer (BC)
in Tanzania. The current study reviewed different literature ranging from nationally/
internationally published statistics, academic publications, health information of
non-governmental organizations, academic researchers, and other sources of health
information to better understand the socioeconomic and BC care status in Tanzania.
The current review showed that BC is still the second most prevalent malignant disease
in Tanzania, and most of the patients referring to medical centers are in the advanced
stage of the disease due to shortage and unaffordability of health care services. The
majority of health-related interventions and investments target infectious diseases,
including HIV-AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, as well as maternal and child health-related
conditions, compared to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as BC. In spite of
some setbacks and improvements in healthcare facilities (e g, novel techniques for early
detection), the best way to address BC care is affordable fees for clinical and laboratory
investigations, accessible treatment, palliative care, follow-up, rehabilitative care, and
better management and allocation of resources.