Staff Perspectives Toward Challenges in a Newly Established Cancer Center in Tanzania: A Qualitative Study

Cancer is a growing public health concern in low-income countries (LICs). From 14 million new patient cases identified worldwide each year, 8 million are diagnosed in LICs. The fatality rate is 75% in LICs compared with 46% in high-income countries. Causes are low literacy levels, lack of awareness and knowledge about cancer, and limited education of health care professionals that leads to late detection and diagnosis. In Tanzania, cancer incidence will double to 60,000 in 2030. The referral hospital of Northern Tanzania established a new cancer unit in December 2016 to meet these needs. However, there is limited knowledge about perceptions of health care professionals toward cancer care in LICs. This study aims to understand attitudes and perspectives of those professionals and the treatment-related challenges in a newly established center to assist future efforts in this field.

A qualitative method approach using in-depth interviews was chosen to achieve inductive conceptualization. Analysis of data was performed according to qualitative content analysis.

Eleven interviews were conducted. Five main categories were found: training and education of staff, availability of financial support, challenges in management, interests in future developments, and job satisfaction. Subcategories elaborated in more detail within the main categories.

Limitations in staffing, training, and education were major concerns. The importance of sustainable funding and the needed cooperation of the government with international aid were identified as key points. The involvement of different stakeholders requires guidance by health care management. Health care professionals expressed their satisfaction with the possibilities of treating cancer and the rewarding feedback from patients. Misconceptions and poor knowledge by patients were mentioned as reasons for delayed health-seeking behavior. Screening and awareness programs were seen as useful interventions.