Last week, Tanzania’s medical community witnessed a historic moment, not the unveiling of a groundbreaking drug, but the launch of a profoundly human story. Living with Cancer, written by Prof. Mark Mwandosya, published by Mkuki na Nyota, is not just a memoir; it is a personal diary of his battle with cancer since 2011, when he was first diagnosed.
This book is more than a personal account. It is a guide and a source of encouragement for medical students, practitioners, and anyone caring for cancer patients. It speaks to the medical science behind the illness, but also to the faith, resilience, and community needed to survive it.
Prof. Mwandosya shared that he couldn’t prepare a formal speech for the launch because he “lives in the village.” Instead, he took the audience through his journey with a series of photographs, each frame capturing a chapter of his life since diagnosis.
His illness began with severe pain across his body. Medical investigations revealed that one of his spinal bones was deteriorating; had he delayed treatment, the outcome might have been irreversible. After surgery, he faced two gruelling months of rehabilitation before he could walk again.
“Saratani si jambo dogo,” He said.
His three essentials for facing cancer:
Faith in God
Dedicated doctors, nurses, and hospital administration
Family and community — “Without them, I could have lost hope.”
“Kuugua na kuuguza ni zaidi ya madawa” – Falling ill and caring for the sick is about more than medicine. It is about humanity, connection, and hope.
Living with Cancer is a reminder that while medicine treats the body, it is people — their kindness, skill, and presence – that heal the soul.
