Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo, Zimpapers Business Hub
THE Elgiboh Group, a local company that is into tourism and hospitality, partnered with the Bulawayo City Council, Corporate 24, Cimas and different service providers to host a breast cancer awareness campaign in North End suburb, where people managed to get free screening and education as part of its corporate social responsibility.
The event, which took place on Thursday, was held as October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a global initiative aimed at increasing awareness, promoting early detection and emotional as well as psychological health of every individual.
In her remarks, Elgiboh’s Human Resources Director, Mrs Sibongiseni Ngwenya, said the group joins hands with millions around the world in solidarity, to remember those who lost their lives, celebrate survivors and encourage proactive health habits.
She said, as a group, they believe that employee well-being goes beyond the workplace and includes the physical, emotional and psychological health of every individual.
“When one of us is affected, we are all affected and that’s why raising awareness is not just a campaign, it is a culture we are building,” said Mrs Ngwenya.
“As part of our corporate social responsibility and wellness programme, today’s event is designed to inform, engage and support.
“We will hear from health professionals, courageous survivors and we’ll participate in some check-ups that remind us to prioritise our health.”
Mrs Ngwenya encouraged all men and women to be part of the conversation, saying that breast cancer is not just a women’s issue, but an issue that affects families, workplaces and society as a whole.
“Early detection saves lives. Let’s educate ourselves, support one another and advocate for a healthier, more compassionate community at Elgiboh and beyond,” said Mrs Ngwenya.
In a speech read on his behalf by Lindiwe Mguni, Ward 2 councillor Adrian Moyo said breast cancer is now the most common cancer among women in Zimbabwe.
According to the Global Cancer Observatory (Globocan 2022), Zimbabwe recorded 1 807 new breast cancer cases with 915 deaths in that same year.
Clr Moyo said these numbers are not just statistics, they represent mothers, sisters, daughters and friends.
“Many of these cases are detected at late stages due to fear, lack of awareness and limited access to screening facilities,” said Clr Moyo.
“But we know that early detection saves lives. A simple monthly self-examination and regular clinical screenings can make all the difference.
“When caught early, breast cancer can be treated successfully and survival rates increase dramatically.”
The breast cancer awareness campaign at Elgiboh was held together with mental health awareness in recognition of Mental Health Day, which is being celebrated on 10 October.
Clr Moyo said mental well-being is as essential as physical health, yet it is often overlooked, especially for those already battling chronic illnesses like breast cancer.
He said a breast cancer diagnosis is a life-altering event and the emotional toll it takes is significant.
“It is crucial to recognise that physical health and mental health are not separate, but rather two sides of the same coin,” he said.
“Many people diagnosed with breast cancer experience depression, anxiety, isolation and other mental health challenges as they navigate their diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, for caregivers and loved ones, the mental burden is equally heavy.
“Mental health challenges are often invisible, yet they affect millions. The World Health Organisation estimates that four percent of Zimbabweans live with depression and 2,8 percent experience anxiety disorders.”
The event brought in service providers from different organisations, which include Northern Suburbs Clinic, Cimas and Corporate 24.
It also brought in breast cancer survivors, who gave their testimonies on how they got diagnosed and how they sailed through the whole treatment process, which they explained as a difficult time that needed support from family and friends.
It also featured educational sessions on breast cancer signs and symptoms, demonstrations and clinical examinations, consultations on breast health, diabetes and blood pressure and general wellness checks and guidance.
In a presentation from Northern Suburbs Clinic, they highlighted that breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide.
In 2022, approximately 2,3 million women were diagnosed and another 670 000 died.
“Breast cancer is the second most prevalent cancer among women in Zimbabwe and the incidence has been rising,” said Sister Nomsa Nyathi.
“So, it is the second after cervical cancer and then with an annual increase of at least three to four percent, in 2018 breast cancer represented eight percent of all new cancer cases in the country, which is a big percentage.
“These are not just numbers but mothers, sisters, daughters and friends that deserve love and dignity.”
The 2025 theme for breast cancer awareness is “Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters”, which emphasises the individual nature of each person’s experience with breast cancer and calls for equitable, high-quality care for all.
The goal of the campaign is to increase awareness and promote behaviour change for early detection of breast cancer, advocate for improved access to care and honour persons with lived experience.
