Breast Health Training Program for Traditional Healers: A Pathway to Early Breast Cancer Detection in Tanzania

BACKGROUND: In sub-Saharan Africa, traditional healers often serve as primary healthcare providers and are the first point of contact for patients. Given this, they are uniquely positioned to aid in early breast cancer detection. To evaluate this, we implemented a breast cancer training program to equip traditional healers in Tanzania with foundational knowledge and CBE skills, aiming to improve early detection and timely treatment. AIMS: To implement a breast cancer training program to equip traditional healers in Tanzania with foundational knowledge and CBE skills, aiming to improve early detection and timely treatment. METHODS: We conducted a breast cancer training program in Tanzania among rural registered traditional healers. Knowledge acquisition was assessed through pretest and posttest surveys. RESULTS: Three male and three female rural traditional healers (average age: 53) participated in the training, with 67% having no prior formal breast cancer training, though 83% reported some breast cancer awareness. Pre- and post-training assessments showed an increase in breast cancer knowledge, with median scores rising from 41% to 74% (p = 0.01). All participants found the training valuable and felt empowered to serve as community health advocates, with widespread consensus that they would prioritize referring patients with suspicious breast findings to the hospital rather than attempting to treat. CONCLUSION: Traditional healers, as trusted community figures and primary healthcare providers, offer a promising solution to bridging gaps in early breast cancer detection in Tanzania. Enhancing their breast cancer knowledge and equipping them with the skills to identify suspicious breast findings provides a scalable strategy for improving early detection in resource-limited settings.