Online Reporter
Obey Musiwa
Herald Reporter
Zimbabwe’s childhood cancer survivors shared powerful stories of resilience and hope during the commemoration of National Childhood Cancer Survivors’ Day, as stakeholders renewed calls for greater awareness, early diagnosis and improved access to treatment to help the country achieve a 60 percent childhood cancer survival rate by 2030.
The event, organised by KidzCan Zimbabwe in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, highlighted ongoing efforts to expand access to life-saving treatment and enabled survivors to share their experiences, inspiring other children and families affected by cancer.
Speaking at the commemoration yesterday, KidzCan Zimbabwe executive director Mr Daniel McKenzie said awareness campaigns play a critical role in improving early diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
“The day is meant to raise awareness of childhood cancers,” he said.
“Without awareness, children are misdiagnosed or present late, and survival chances diminish.”
Retinoblastoma survivor Samantha Zisengwe, who was diagnosed with childhood eye cancer at the age of two, recounted the stigma and discrimination she faced, particularly during her school years.
“People actually do not know what cancer is; that means they need awareness to avoid more humiliation.
“Despite isolation, stay strong and show resilience because at the end of every tunnel there is light,” she said.
Another survivor, Tanaka Chihwahwa, who was diagnosed with a bone tumour at the age of six, spoke about the long and difficult road to recovery.
“It was operation after operation, doctor after doctor, hospital after hospital,” she recalled.
She encouraged families to seek medical attention early, saying: “Cancer does not mean death. With proper treatment and early diagnosis, you can fight cancer.”
Bright Chivenge, a survivor of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, said his illness initially appeared to be an ordinary injury before symptoms worsened.
“I thought it was just a normal injury until I started sweating while asleep and feeling weak,” he said.
“The results came out that I had Hodgkin’s lymphoma.”
He urged people to seek medical attention whenever they notice unusual or persistent symptoms.
Another survivor, Fadzai Manana from Rusape, who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 18, described the emotional, social and financial challenges she faced during treatment at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals.
“The journey itself wasn’t so easy. There were a lot of challenges — religious, social, economic and emotional.
“I was helped with all the medication and other support I required by KidzCan,” she said.
The commemorations reinforced the importance of early detection, public awareness and sustained support for children living with cancer, with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to improving survival outcomes and ensuring every child has access to timely, quality treatment.
