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Conrad Mupesa-Mashonaland West Bureau
THE annual Zimpapers Cancer Power Walk held across cities and major towns on Saturday attracted scores of participants from the Mashonaland West provincial capital.
Running for the second time in the town following the relocation of Nyaminyami FM from Kariba to Chinhoyi, where it rebranded to Platinum FM, the awareness campaign was an eye-opener to those that took part for the first time.
It is the diversified media group’s reaction to the Government’s calls for a multi-sectoral approach in fighting all types of cancers that have claimed the lives of millions globally.
The stakeholders and residents converged at the Chinhoyi University of Technology grounds where they participated in outdoor activities to raise cancer awareness, including a walkathon, marathon and aerobics.
Speaking during the campaign, participants lauded the company’s idea which also raises money that is donated to Island Hospice and Health Care for free cancer screening.
Chinhoyi legislator Lesslie Mhangwa, who participated in the run, said community participation was key to cancer awareness.
“As a country, we are not yet prepared medically to fight cancer. Right now, our focus should be on ensuring community participation in screening so that with early detection, we can save many lives and avoid high costs of treatment,” he said.
Another participant, Ms Memory Chitiyo, said cancer was claiming the lives of many people.
The Zimpapers Cancer Power Walk is coming at a time when the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, has intensified acceptance of cervical cancer screening.
“Amai Mnangagwa is working to ensure that more women are screened for cervical cancer. As Chinhoyi we are participating in amplifying her voice using this Cancer Power Walk,” she said.
A registered nurse with the Ministry of Health and Child Care who also participated in the event, Ms Jane Mutimbanyoka, said early detection was a way to save someone from cancer.
“Breast cancer is one of the types which many do not take seriously, yet it is real. If one gets screening early, they get treatment on time, thus saving them,” she said.
Island Hospice and Health Care Coordinator, Ms Jaqueline Kawondera commended officials from the Zimpapers Provincial Bureau in Chinhoyi and all the participants.
“The proceeds from these initiatives are going straight to Island Hospice and Health Care. These are the resources we use to move across the country to provide free screening,” she said.
Platinum FM manager Mr Davis Mugadza said the annual event organised by Zimpapers was gaining ground in the town with more people expected to participate next year.
In her speech, guest speaker, Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Marian Chombo said there was need for people to continue to work together to combat this disease.
“By supporting this initiative, we are not only raising funds for vital research and treatment, but also sending a powerful message of hope and solidarity to those who are battling cancer,” she said.
October is a month set aside to raise awareness of breast cancer and to encourage people to get screened.
Online Reporter