Breast cancer is curable: Dr Marisa

Takawira PHOTOVETERAN Dapi

RENOWNED medical practitioner, Dr Johannes Marisa has said breast cancer is curable if diagnosed and treated early.

Speaking at the funeral of journalist, Lynette “Tutu” Magaramombe, 41, who succumbed to breast cancer on the last day of the International Breast Cancer Month (October), Dr Marisa said breast cancer has killed about 700 000 from the 2,3 million people diagnosed with the disease globally.

“Breast cancer is one cancer which can be treated successfully, only if patients present themselves, get diagnosed and treated early.

“Know that breast cancer can present itself as a lump in the breast or a discharge with blood.

“Swelling in or around your breast, collarbone, or armpit are also signs of breast cancer.

“Some patients can actually develop ulcers, or skin colouration, or skin retraction on the breast.

“Once patients get lumps, these lumps should be investigated vigorously, including doing a biopsy, or a simple fine needle aspiration biopsy.

“So, our beloved public, please do not and never ever be fooled by anyone who says for breast cancer we use herbs while your cancer will be spreading in your body.”

He said breast cancer also accounts for one percent of every cancer that afflicts men.

According to Lynette’s sister, Diana Magaramombe, the journalist succumbed to cancer at Parirenyatwa on October 31.

“Tutu was the second born in a family of three girls. Our mother went blind due to glaucoma 10 years ago and Tutu stayed with her for most of her life until she left home six years ago to move to Windhoek in Namibia where she worked for Base FM, a Katutura community radio station,” said Diana.

“She returned home and worked as a news anchor at Zi FM Stereo, and briefly for ZBC as an Assistant News Editor and Later moved to Econet Omni Contact, where she served as a Customer Service Representative until she became very ill in June.

“She first noticed that she had breast cancer in September 2021 and had a biopsy and mastectomy thereafter in February 2022.

“Tutu was undergoing chemotherapy treatment at Parirenyatwa RTU, but her high blood pressure kept shooting up until her death on admission at on October 31.”