“BALL IS IN OUR COURT”

Karen Mhlanga

INFORMATION, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Monica Mutsvangwa, says breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in Zimbabwe, and screening should be done occasionally.

Speaking at a Media Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign in Harare yesterday, Minister Mutsvangwa thanked the World Health Organisation for setting aside October as Breast Cancer Month.

“The disease, which is claiming lives at a very alarming and astonishing rate, requires us to raise awareness to help support life-saving research and life-changing support. 

“Everyone gathered here must try and avoid risk factors which make one prone to disease.

“Issues like constantly enduring high stress, smoking, excessive alcohol intake and family history of breast cancer, a diet high in animal fats and low in fibre, among many other factors, pose a risk of breast cancer.”

She added:

“Signs and symptoms include unexplained weight loss, having lumps in breast, itching and persistent fever and burning in the breast. 

“Testing of breast cancer, on healthy women, attempts to achieve early diagnosis which improve outcomes, clinical and self-examination, among other screening methods, help in early diagnosis. 

“Let us rise together through spreading the message of a healthy and varied diet, maintaining weight, exercising and eating whole foods. 

“Raising awareness is the mandate as we colour the day pink.”

She encouraged every Zimbabwean to be screened for breast cancer and take the necessary steps before it’s too late.

“Since the disease has become a global challenge, a global effort to raise awareness of breast cancer has made October the Pink Month where efforts to educate those concerned about the disease are being considered. 

“These include early identification, signs and symptoms that are associated with it.

“Screening is mainly done by women as they are the group which easily falls prey to the pandemic. 

“Men, who constitute about one percent of the victims, can also be screened so that they pass on the message to their spouses and peers,” she said.