Cancer 2026

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide, but its burden in Tanzania remains poorly characterized. Fragmented population-based registration and limited diagnostic capacity may conceal underdiagnosis amid tobacco exposure, household air pollution, occupational risks, and a high prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). A narrative review of peer-reviewed studies, national reports, and international surveillance data relevant to lung cancer in Tanzania was conducted. Available evidence indicates that the national burden is probably underestimated. Risk extends beyond active smoking to second-hand smoke, biomass-fuel exposure, occupational hazards, and previous or active TB, while disease among never-smokers remains insufficiently studied. Symptom overlap with TB, low public awareness, geographic inequities, limited imaging and bronchoscopy, shortages of pathologists and thoracic specialists, prolonged pathology turnaround, and minimal access to molecular testing delay diagnosis. Surgery is rare; oncology and radiotherapy services are concentrated in few centres; and cost and travel restrict access. Population-wide low-dose computed tomography screening is not currently feasible, and targeted risk-based approaches require local validation. Tanzania needs stronger cancer registration, integrated TB-lung cancer diagnostic pathways, expanded imaging and tissuediagnosis capacity, biomarker testing, and investment in thoracic surgery and oncology. Prevention should address tobacco, household air pollution, and occupational exposures, while local research should evaluate disease in never-smokers and feasible early-detection strategies.

Dr. Elinda Gershom Kuhoga is a Tanzanian medical doctor, clinical oncology resident, and researcher at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences. He chairs the Oncology Student Interest Group at Ocean Road Cancer Institute. His research interests include lung cancer, cervical cancer, advanced malignancies, and artificial intelligence applications in oncology. A published researcher and former academic leader, Dr. Kuhoga has presented internationally and contributes to cancer education, prevention, and equitable, evidence-based cancer care across sub-Saharan Africa.