Trends and Distribution of Cancer Cases in Tanzania from 2007-2021: A Retrospective Hospital-Based Study

Authors

  • Baldwina Tita Olirk Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
  • Aiwerasia Vera Ngowi Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
  • Ezra Jonathan Mrema Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
  • Mohamed Yakub Janabi African Region of the World Health Organization (WHO - AFRO)
  • Mbonea Salehe Yonazi Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
  • Deogratius Beda Mwanakulya Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
  • Jovine Bachwenkizi Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
  • William Neslon Mwakalasya Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Keywords:

Cancer, Distribution, Trend, Retrospective

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of cancers in Tanzania poses a significant public health concern. Despite data being collected from major referral hospitals, systemic challenges such as delayed diagnosis and incomplete historical records may still affect overall cancer surveillance. This study aims to determine the trends and distribution of cancer incidence in Tanzania and to identify the most affected regions using data from hospital-based cancer registries.

Author Biographies

Baldwina Tita Olirk, Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Aiwerasia Vera Ngowi, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Ezra Jonathan Mrema, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Mohamed Yakub Janabi, African Region of the World Health Organization (WHO - AFRO)

African Region of the World Health Organization (WHO - AFRO)

Mbonea Salehe Yonazi, Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Department of Clinical and Supportive Services, Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Deogratius Beda Mwanakulya, Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Department of Medicine (Oncology Unit), Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Jovine Bachwenkizi, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

William Neslon Mwakalasya, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

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Published

29-01-2026

How to Cite

Tita, B. ., Ngowi, vera, Mrema, E. ., Janabi, M., Yonazi, M., Mwanakulya, D., Bachwenkizi, J. ., & William, N. (2026). Trends and Distribution of Cancer Cases in Tanzania from 2007-2021: A Retrospective Hospital-Based Study. East African Journal of Public Health, 17(1), 17–34. Retrieved from https://journal.muhas.ac.tz/index.php/ejph/article/view/89

Issue

Vol. 17 No. 1 (2026)

Section

Original Research

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