Abstract
BackgroundCancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Seventy percent of deaths of cancer occur in low or middle-income countries, where the resources to provide cancer treatment and care are minimal. Tanzania currently has very inadequate facilities for cancer treatment as there are only five sites, some with limited services; two are in Dar es Salaam and one each in Mwanza, Kilimanjaro and Mbeya that offer cancer treatment. Despite cancer being a prevalent problem in Tanzania, there is a significant shortage of information on the experiences of young people who receive cancer treatment and care. The aim of this study was to explore cancer-related concerns and needs of care and support among young adults and children who are receiving cancer treatment in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.MethodsUsing an explorative, qualitative design, two focus group discussions (FGDs) with young adults (18 to 25 years) and four FGDs with children (9 to 17 years) were held. Data were transcribed into English and analyzed using content analysis.ResultsIdentified concerns included physical effects, emotional effects, financial impacts, poor early care, and poor treatment. Identified needs included the need for improved care in hospital by the staff, need for community support, financial needs, needs for improved cancer care and treatment in the hospitals, and the need for increased education about cancer. Resilience was identified, particularly around hope or faith, having hope to be healed, and receiving good care from staff.ConclusionYoung adults and children receiving cancer treatment in Tanzania have many needs and concerns. Improvements with regard to the care provided in hospital by the staff, the cancer care and treatment in the hospital, and population-wide education about cancer are necessary to address the identified needs and concerns. Further studies on specific approaches to address the concerns and needs are also warranted.
Highlights
Cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide
While the World Health Organization estimates that the overall incidence of childhood cancers is approximately 300,000 children per year [10], there is a paucity of data on the incidence of childhood cancer diagnosis in Tanzania and sub-Saharan Africa more broadly [11]
Participants A total of 22 participants participated in the six focus group discussions (FGDs), eight young adults (50% males) and 14 children (57% boys)
Summary
Cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The aim of this study was to explore cancer-related concerns and needs of care and support among young adults and children who are receiving cancer treatment in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. According to the World Health Organization, cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide [1]. In 2018, there were approximately 9.6 million deaths, with about one in every six people dying from cancer-related causes [1]. While the World Health Organization estimates that the overall incidence of childhood cancers is approximately 300,000 children per year [10], there is a paucity of data on the incidence of childhood cancer diagnosis in Tanzania and sub-Saharan Africa more broadly [11]. Once Tanzanian patients have been diagnosed with cancer, they are eligible for free treatment, but patients must pay for screening out of pocket [9], which can potentially lead to cancer-related deaths to go undiagnosed and unreported
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