Government adopts cancer strategy

Chinhoyi Bureau
Government has adopted the National Cancer Prevention and Control Strategy to address the scourge of cancer which is rising at an alarming rate of 5 000 new cases every year. The cancer response strategy will guide the country’s response to the deadly disease for the next five years.
Of the 5 000 new cases, about 1 500 people die every year translating to a low survival rate which has been attributed to late presentation of cases and lack of access to screening facilities.

Speaking at the launch of the strategy in Kadoma recently Health and Child Care Deputy Minister Paul Chimedza said cancer prevention and control needed strong will from all stakeholders.

“Cancer prevention and control requires a population-wide, integrated and cohesive approach that encompasses prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and support, palliative and rehabilitative care,” he said.

Dep Minister Chimedza said the current cancer services were fragmented, saying there was need for more investment in the response to cancer which claims the lives of about eight million people in 2008 worldwide.

He noted with concern the interrelationship between cancer and HIV, saying the high number of people infected with HIV meant an increase in the number of HIV related cancers such as Kaposi’s Sarcoma, cervical cancer, lymphomas and leukemia.

Minister of State for Provincial Affairs (Mash West) Faber Chidarikire bemoaned poor diagnostic and documentation capacity in developing countries.

He said most cancer cases and deaths were going unreported and unaccounted for.

Cancer is killing more people than HIV and Aids, TB and malaria combined, he noted.

Minister Chidarikire said leaders should ensure controlled use of tobacco and smoking, saying it was also a major contributor to the rise of cancer, especially for non-smokers.