Thumbs-up for Zimpapers Cancer Walk

Mirirai Nsingo

The Ministry of Health and Child Care has hailed Zimpapers for coming up with the Cancer Walk initiative, noting that they appreciate all efforts aimed at raising awareness on the disease.

Zimpapers, in conjunction with Island Hospice Cancer Walk, will today join the world in increasing attention and support for the awareness, early detection and treatment for breast cancer as the curtain comes down on the Breast Cancer Awareness Month of October.

“When breast cancer is detected early, with adequate diagnosis and treatment available, this increases chances of curing the cancer. It is such initiatives (Zimpapers Cancer Walk) that help us in raising awareness about the importance of early detection,” said principal director (curative Ssrvices), Dr Sydney Makarawo.

Breast cancer, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), is by far the most common cancer in women worldwide, both in the developed and developing countries. In low- and middle-income countries the incidence has been rising steadily over the past decade due to an increase in life expectancy, urbanisation and adoption of Western lifestyles.

So the initiative by Zimpapers, of raising awareness through the Cancer Walk remains of paramount importance in fighting all forms of cancers and Dr Makarawo believes such initiatives by corporates are important in bridging the knowledge gap.

“Our emphasis is to sensitise the public that early detection will lead to better treatment outcomes, so we appreciate any efforts that help raise awareness. Self-examination is key so that they are able to pick up any changes in their breasts. Self-breast examination and as soon as an abnormal lump is picked up, a notification should be made. The earlier the cancer is picked up, the better the treatment   outcome.

“If detected late, however, curative treatment is often no longer an option. In such cases, palliative care to relieve pain and suffering in patients and their families becomes the only option,” said Dr Makarawo.

Cancer treatment services must be decentralised to strengthen primary health care, Dr Makarawo added.

Zimpapers’ group public relations  manager Beatrice Tonhodzayi said the initiative is not only to raise awareness but also in honour of all those who have bravely fought cancer and in memory of all who died fighting.

“Cancers and other non-communicable diseases are emerging as serious public health threats and by raising awareness through the Cancer Walk, we hope to sensitise the country and play our part in fighting the disease,” she said.

WHO states that about 1,38 million new cases of breast cancers are recorded globally, each year resulting in 458 000       deaths.

The UN agenvy also added that the majority of deaths (296 000) occur in low- and middle-income countries, where most women with breast cancer are diagnosed late due to lack of awareness and poor access to health services.

For the first time since the initiative began, today’s walk will take place in three cities at the same time, namely Harare, Bulawayo and Mutare.