adminThe Herald, January 13 1989
BREAST cancer is on the increase among black women in Zimbabwe, a counsellor said here yesterday.
Mrs Yvonne Feltoe, a breast cancer patient and founder of the Breast Cancer Support and Advice Centre, attributed the increase to a change of diet by most women.
She said that diet was one of the main causes of breast cancer.
“Breast cancer is actually on the increase in Zimbabwe particularly among black women.
“I have been seeing more and blacker patients with breast cancer and quite a number are in the late stages,” she said.
She said a lot of people — Africans especially, had changed their diets to the European one which she described as “very fatty”.
“The African diet used to be fat-free. Fat is one of the causes of breast cancer and that is why countries with fatty diets have high cancer incidents.
“It is best for women to stick to white meats such as fish, chicken and should also avoid eating a lot of fried foods,” she said.
Mrs Feltoe, a Zimbabwean, discovered she had cancer three years ago while in South Africa. Since then, she has devoted her life to counselling fellow breast cancer patients using her experience.
LESSONS FOR TODAY
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month marked by the colour pink. There are several awareness campaigns held to educate young and old women alike, as well as men about the killer disease that has claimed many lives and left some maimed for life.
According to the World Health Organisation, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Although advocacy should be daily, the Pink Month raises awareness on signs and symptoms, early detection, as well as the disease’s palliative care.
Zimpapers, the country’s biggest integrated media house will hold its fifth Annual Cancer Power Walk on November 7 under the theme, “I Am & I Will”. The international theme is: “Give Hope. Save Lives.”
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2020 Cancer Power Walk will be a virtual edition — the new normal.
Online Reporter
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