WATCH: Bulawayo physiotherapist pens book on prostate cancer

A BULAWAYO-BASED physiotherapist has published a book on prostate cancer in a bid to raise awareness of men’s health.

Mr Precious Madzimbe, who recently represented Zimbabwe at the 2024 International Congress of Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders, organised by the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society (MDS) held in Philadelphia, United States of America, penned the book ‘‘Prostate Cancer in Africa, Family Involvement, Faith as Pillars of Support’’.

The book, which is his latest offering, seeks to educate Zimbabweans on prostate cancer, which hugely affects men.

Mr Madzimbe, said the book explains the causes, symptoms and the importance of early detection.

“I am thrilled to present my latest book, free of charge, to every Zimbabwean. Ladies, here’s your mission if you choose to accept. Escort your husbands, brothers, uncles — any man aged 40 and above for a prostate check this November,” he said.

“The book highlights the risk factors of prostate cancer. It informs available treatment options. It also encourages family support on the awareness side and also on the treatment or the management of prostate cancer,” said Mr Madzimbe.

He said the book is available on a free e-copy and plans are underway to get it translated to all languages in Zimbabwe.

“If I happen to get more supporters I want to get this book translated into all the languages we have in Zimbabwe. Every Zimbabwean needs to be informed about this disease so that they can understand prostate cancer and act on available prevention strategies. Together we can fight the disease and definitely, we are going to win,” said Mr Madzimbe.

He said the book was well timed as November is globally recognised as the month to raise awareness on men’s health.

“As physiotherapists, we jump in to assist prostate cancer patients to make them mobile, to make them more active, as well as improving their quality of life. This month of November is the month where we carry out awareness on men’s health issues, mainly prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health affecting men,” said Mr Madzimbe.

He emphasised the need to raise awareness of men’s health, which is unfortunately often ignored.

“Men’s health issues are often neglected. Hence, men usually present to hospital at a late stage when their condition is now at an advanced stage. The main aim is to make sure that conditions are detected in time so that interventions will give us a better prognosis,” said Mr Madzimbe.

“October was breast cancer awareness month. You see the morale that was there was quite different in November because men’s health issues are not taken seriously.

“With this book, I am personally trying to raise and increase awareness of men’s health, which is equally important.

“We need to speak about it. We need to encourage men to get tested. Every man should get tested this November,” Mr Madzimbe said.

“This month, as you can see, is termed November. That’s the men’s month. We focus on men’s health issues and we keep our beards and let our moustache grow as a way of showing our concern and expressing men’s health issues, expressing that men’s health matters to everyone. So it’s the month of men’s health. Let’s take it seriously.

“I have also published quite a lot on children’s health as I am seeking to raise much awareness on men’s health.”