Online Reporter
Michelle Musandinyoze and Tanaka Nkala, Zimpapers writers
THE fight against breast cancer in Bulawayo has become increasingly urgent, with health professionals stressing that awareness and early detection remain key to improving survival rates.
This was said by Mr Blessed Goredema, Sister-in-Charge of the Mpilo Central Hospital Radiotherapy Department, who highlighted that breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women, accounting for approximately 99 percent of all diagnosed cases.
“It is important to note that men are not immune to breast cancer. In fact, it tends to be more aggressive in men due to lower levels of awareness and limited screening,” said Mr Goredema. “Early detection is crucial, as the disease may begin with a painless lump that is often ignored until it becomes painful.”
He urged women to be vigilant, explaining that lymph nodes can harbour cancer cells, allowing the disease to spread to the other breast if left untreated. “We also encourage women at high risk to undergo a mastectomy, the surgical removal of the breast, as this can help reduce their likelihood of developing breast cancer,” he said.
Mr Goredema added that women are more vulnerable because they have more breast tissue, but emphasised that both genders must be well-informed about the causes and effects of the disease. “Genetics play a significant role in breast cancer risk, and a family history of the condition can increase an individual’s chances of developing it,” he said.
In Bulawayo, healthcare professionals continue to emphasise the importance of regular self-examinations and screening. Women are encouraged to familiarise themselves with their bodies and report any unusual changes such as swelling, lumps, or abnormal nipple discharge, which in some cases may be blood, to healthcare providers.
Mpilo Central Hospital has intensified efforts to provide education, screenings and support services for those affected. “We offer a combination of treatments including surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy,” Mr Goredema explained. “Chemotherapy works systemically, targeting cancer cells throughout the body, while radiotherapy is localised to destroy residual cancer cells after surgery.”
He acknowledged the financial barriers many patients face in accessing care but said the hospital is committed to maximising available resources. “We hope to establish a dedicated cancer screening clinic to improve service delivery. However, we still require essential equipment such as mammogram machines to enhance early detection,” he said.
Mr Goredema emphasised that resource capacitation and robust support systems are vital in the fight against breast cancer, reinforcing the message that “if you catch it early, the chances of survival are significantly higher.”
“As we observe October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is a timely reminder for everyone in Bulawayo to prioritise their health, perform regular self-examinations and seek medical attention if any concerns arise,” he said.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month, launched in 1985 as a partnership between the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries, continues to inspire global advocacy efforts. Zimbabwe remains among the countries actively working to strengthen mechanisms for prevention, early detection, and treatment of the disease.
