World Cancer Day 2021: What every Zimbabwean needs to know

Madzudzo Michelle Chishamiso

Correspondent

Today, Zimbabwe joins the rest of the world in commemorating World Cancer Day.

As we continue to endeavour in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, let us be reminded that the fight against cancer is still alive and continues every day.

Being in a pandemic does not keep cancer at bay. World Cancer Day is an international day marked on February 4, founded by the Union for International Cancer Control to support the goals of the world cancer declaration.

This day saves lives by raising awareness and educating the population about cancer.

It also serves to pressure governments and individuals to take action in order to prevent, treat and control cancer.

The three-year world cancer day campaign 2019-2021 “I AM AND I WILL’’ explores how everyone together or individually can help to reduce the burden of cancer.

This campaign explores actions that “I AM AND I WILL’’ do to save lives, achieve greater equity in cancer care, and make fighting cancer a priority at the highest political levels. Each of us has a role to play in the fight against cancer!

I am a radiation therapist and I will raise awareness of cancer in my community.

What causes cancer?

There is no known cause of cancer, but there are some risk factors associated with it. The risk factors vary according to the level of economic development.

Warning signs of cancer

At the present, Covid-19 pandemic is our main focus and because of the widespread pandemic, people may start to fear a Covid-19 diagnosis more than cancer.

As a result, potential cancer patients’ minds are now directed towards Covid-19 symptoms we are all aware of.

As we continue to endeavour in the fight against Covid-19 in Zimbabwe, let us also bear in mind that being in a pandemic does not keep cancer at bay!

Are you aware that symptoms attributed to Covid-19 such as a nagging cough, a sore throat or even shortness of breath could also be possible signs and symptoms of certain types of cancer. It is my advice for the general populace of Zimbabwe to be very aware of the Covid-19 symptoms and signs and at the same time not to downplay the following seven signs and symptoms that may be suggestive of cancer in general:

A sore throat that does not heal

Nagging cough or hoarseness of voice

Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing

Thickening or lump in breast or elsewhere

Obvious change in a wart or mole in size or appearance

Unusual discharge or bleeding from breast, or private parts

Change in bladder and bowel movement, constant constipation or diarrhea

Contact your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms and are persistent, the earlier you get a diagnosis, and seek early treatment, the higher your chances of cure.

How is cancer treated

In Zimbabwe, three major methods are used to treat cancer either alone or in conjunction with each other as in most cases, these are:

Surgery:

This is the removal of the affected part of the body commonly known as an operation which is performed in a theatre.

Chemotherapy

This is the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells, it is given to either cure cancer or to shrink the growth of the cancer or to increase the effectiveness of surgery by killing possible remaining cells.

It is given as an injection in most cases, or as pills or tablets.

It is frequently given in courses with rest between periods to allow normal cells to recover.

Radiotherapy

This is the form of treatment which uses high energy X rays to destroy cancer cells, In Shona it is called kupisa.

The patients are treated with very big machines called linear accelerators, the treatment is given daily from Monday to Friday with breaks during weekend until the treatment is finished depending on the number of days a patient is given.

In Zimbabwe, radiotherapy is offered at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare and Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo, and a private cancer facility Oncocare in Newlands Harare, the centres provide treatment on an outpatient basis.

Is cancer preventable?

Wear a mask, sanitise your hands, practice social distancing is the message across the globe to prevent us from contracting Covid-19 infection, simply because prevention is better than cure.

According to the WHO ,30 percent of cancers are preventable.

Although there is no sure way to prevent cancer, you can reduce your risk by:

Stopping smoking

Reducing alcohol intake

Practising safer sexual habits

Avoiding overexposure to the sun

Limiting dairy foods, sugar and salt intake

Eating a high fibre diet rich in fruits and vegetables

Avoid additives such as nitrites, preservatives and colorant’s

Prevent irritants at work such as dust, tar, wood, agricultural chemicals

Having medical checks regularly, this leads to early detection

Let’s keep the fight against cancer alive, remember each of us has a role to play: World Cancer Day 2021, I am and I will.