Tanzania, July 28 -- Arusha. The government has directed all regional and zonal referral hospitals in Tanzania to establish dedicated cancer diagnosis and treatment units as part of efforts to reduce cancer-related deaths and bring specialised services closer to communities.

The directive comes amid a rising cancer burden in the country, with about 44,931 new cases diagnosed annually and nearly 30,000 deaths recorded every year.

Statistics show Tanzania has a cancer incidence rate of 140.1 cases per 100,000 people, while the mortality rate stands at 97.1 deaths per 100,000 population.

Cervical cancer remains the most common cancer among women, while prostate cancer is the leading cancer affecting men.

The Permanent Secretary in the Mi...