Muchaneta Chimuka and Sekai Manyere
THE Ministry of Health and Child Care is stepping up awareness of breast cancer, urging women to prioritise early screening and seek medical attention promptly to improve their chances of survival.
Speaking at a breast cancer awareness campaign in Harare yesterday, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Dr Aspect Maunganidze, said early detection and timely treatment were critical in reducing deaths.
The campaign was held during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, observed every October, under the theme: “Early detection saves lives”.
Participants wore pink T-shirts, caps and ribbons to raise awareness of the disease and show solidarity with those affected.
Dr Maunganidze said statistics for 2024 showed that about 2 500 people were affected by breast cancer annually in Zimbabwe.
The National Cancer Prevention and Control Strategy for 2026 to 2030 provided a framework for strengthening cancer prevention and control interventions, with the aim of reducing deaths.
The campaign also featured testimonies from breast cancer survivors, who shared their experiences to encourage others to seek medical attention early.
Pastor Deogratias Kaunye from the Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe recounted her four-year journey with breast cancer, which resulted in the removal of her right breast.
She said the cost of diagnosis and treatment placed a heavy financial burden on patients and their families.
“Cancer testing and treatment is a mammoth task and it is very expensive. I remember forking out over US$1 600 per month just for medication and we had to sell one of our stands in Gweru to fund the medical expenses”.
Pastor Kaunye said losing a breast was emotionally difficult, but survival had to take priority.
Mrs Naome Kayereka, another survivor, said she was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 20, when she had one child.
Her breast was removed as part of her treatment, but she later went on to have two more children.
The survivors’ experiences underscored the importance of early detection, access to treatment and support for people living with cancer.
