Cancer Prevention Directorate

Objective

To reduce the incidences and burden of cancer in various communities in the country: 

Early detection saves lives. This slogan is the model of the directorate. Under the patronage of Dr Crispin Kahesa, the director of Cancer Prevention Service since 2015. This directorate has expanded and includes four sections, namely;

  • Epidemiology and Biostatistics,
  • Medical Records,
  • Cancer Registry and Cancer Screening and
  • Public Education.

The directorate aims at reducing the incidence and burden of cancer in Tanzania. The efficiency of achieving the aim depends on having a comprehensive cancer registry, efficient medical records system, educating the people on nature, character and causes of cancer, ensuring effective cancer screening and early detection programs, ensuring prompt treatment for precancerous lesions and early referral for patients diagnosed with cancer, dissemination of cancer information material, promotion of cancer research and surveillance.  All of which have been achieved.

Overall functions falling under this directorate are;

  • Developing education programs for educating the public on risk factors for cancer cases and preventive measures,
  • To collect, keep and analyze epidemiological and demographic data with regards to the incidence and prevalence of cancer in the country,
  • To develop and monitor implementation of cancer screening and early detection programs,
  • To develop and monitor implementation of vaccination programs
  • To prevent cancer in the country,
  • To plan and execute surveys/research related to cancer prevention and control; and
  • To keep medical records of cancer patients and be able to provide when needed.