Dar es Salaam. Early detection is critical to successful breast cancer treatment, but fear, stigma and uncertainty about where to seek medical care continue to discourage some women from screening.
Speaking during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Aga Khan Hospital Oncology Department Programme Administrator Saidi Shukuru said treatment outcomes were generally better when the disease was detected early.
His remarks followed a free breast cancer screening campaign organised by Aga Khan Hospital in partnership with Howden Puri Insurance Brokers on October 16, 2026, at the hospital’s Cancer Care Centre. The campaign ran from 9am to 3pm and targeted 200 people.
Mr Shukuru said the initiative aimed to raise awareness of breast cancer and encourage people to seek timely medical attention.
‘We want people to understand the importance of screening and avoid neglecting their health because of fear, stigma or uncertainty about where to seek medical care,’ he said.
He noted that breast cancer could affect women beyond older age groups and warned that the absence of symptoms did not necessarily mean a person was free from the disease.
He urged women to monitor changes in their breasts and seek medical advice if they noticed anything unusual.
‘Do not wait until you develop symptoms to take action. Early detection can save lives,’ he said.
Howden Puri Insurance Brokers’ Business Development Employee Benefits representative, Honey Mair, said the partnership demonstrated the importance of extending employee health initiatives beyond insurance coverage.
She said tailored employee benefits should address workers’ diverse needs, promote well-being and provide meaningful support, including through preventive health initiatives.
Vivo Energy Tanzania Human Resources Manager Margaret Msafiri said a family history of cancer had encouraged her to undergo regular health check-ups.
She urged people to seek reliable information from health professionals, discuss cancer openly and adopt healthier lifestyles through balanced diets and physical exercise.
The campaign highlighted the importance of screening, awareness and timely medical attention in improving breast cancer outcomes.