Abstract
Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among men in Tanzania, with most cases diagnosed at advanced stages. This study explores the interplay of patient-level and systemic barriers that contribute to delayed prostate cancer detection within a tertiary hospital context. Conducted at Bugando Medical Centre in Mwanza, the research employed in-depth interviews with 25 purposefully selected participants, including patients, oncologists, spouses and traditional healers. Thematic analysis was used and guided by Paul Farmer’s structural violence model and Courtenay’s theory of gender and health to interpret how cultural, economic, and structural factors shape health-seeking behaviours. Findings reveal that delays are influenced by limited awareness, geographic and financial barriers, reliance on traditional healers, diagnostic bottlenecks, untimely referrals, and fragmented care coordination. Masculinity norms further discourage early engagement with biomedical services. The study underscores the need for culturally sensitive health education, strengthened diagnostic capacity at peripheral health facilities, gender-responsive interventions, and integrative approaches bridging biomedical and traditional care. Addressing these patient and system-level barriers is critical to improving timely detection and reducing prostate cancer mortality in Tanzania.
Recommended Citation
John, Jane Senga
(2025)
"Patient and Systemic Barriers to Cancer Care: Implications for Delayed Prostate Cancer Detection in Tanzania,"
Tanzania Journal of Sociology: Vol. 11:
Iss.
2, Article 3.
Available at:
https://commons.udsm.ac.tz/tjso/vol11/iss2/3