OCTOBER is more than just a month on the calendar; it is a poignant reminder of the fight against breast cancer, a disease that affects millions of women around the globe.
In Zimbabwe, as in many countries, October is designated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time for education, advocacy, and solidarity with those impacted by this illness.
Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women in Zimbabwe, accounting for a significant number of cancer-related deaths. According to the Zimbabwe National Cancer Registry, breast cancer cases have been on the rise, reflecting a growing public health crisis. The increase can be attributed to various factors, including lifestyle changes, genetic predispositions, and, notably, a lack of awareness regarding the disease.
Many women in Zimbabwe remain unaware of the risks associated with breast cancer or the importance of early detection. Cultural stigmas often prevent open discussions about women’s health issues, leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment.
Furthermore, inadequate healthcare infrastructure and limited access to screening services exacerbate the situation, leaving many women vulnerable.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves as a crucial platform for education and advocacy. It is a time to disseminate vital information about the disease, including risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of early detection through self-exams and regular mammograms. Educational campaigns during this month aim to empower women to take charge of their health, encouraging them to seek medical advice and support.
Community workshops, seminars, and outreach programs are essential in raising awareness. Collaborating with local health organisations, non-profits, and community leaders can amplify the message, reaching women in both urban and rural areas.
These initiatives must also focus on dispelling myths surrounding breast cancer, fostering an understanding that early detection can significantly improve survival rates.
While awareness is critical, it is equally important to advocate for improved healthcare services for women in Zimbabwe. The Government and healthcare providers must prioritise cancer care by investing in resources for diagnostics, treatment, and patient support.
This includes increasing the number of radiology facilities for mammograms, ensuring that healthcare professionals are trained in oncology, and enhancing access to treatment medications.
Moreover, public health campaigns should aim to integrate breast cancer awareness into general health services. This could involve training primary healthcare workers to perform breast examinations and educate women about self-examination techniques.
By embedding these practices within existing health services, we can ensure that breast cancer awareness becomes part of the broader health conversation.
Community support plays a vital role in the breast cancer journey. Support groups can provide emotional and psychological assistance to women diagnosed with breast cancer, helping them navigate the complexities of treatment and recovery.
These groups foster a sense of belonging and understanding, allowing women to share their experiences and challenges.
Additionally, community events during October, such as walks, runs, and fundraising activities, can rally support for breast cancer initiatives. These events not only raise funds for research and treatment but also create an environment of solidarity, reminding women that they are not alone in their fight against breast cancer.
Breast cancer awareness should not be limited to women alone; engaging men in the conversation is equally essential. Men can be advocates for their mothers, sisters, and partners, encouraging them to seek screenings and treatment.
Furthermore, raising awareness about the fact that men can also develop breast cancer, although rare, can help foster a more inclusive approach to the issue.
Men can play a significant role in promoting health education within their families and communities, helping to destigmatise discussions around women’s health issues. By creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable discussing breast cancer, we can break down barriers and improve overall awareness.
As we observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, let us reflect on the collective responsibility we share in combating this disease. We must advocate for better healthcare services, empower women through education, and foster a supportive community for those affected by breast cancer.
The path ahead may be challenging, but with continued awareness, advocacy, and compassion, we can make strides in the fight against breast cancer in Zimbabwe. Together, we can ensure that no woman faces this disease alone and that every life is valued and supported.
Let this October be a month of hope, action, and solidarity in our shared commitment to ending breast cancer.
Harare Bureau
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.
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.
“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 helps as in raising awareness about the importance of early detection,” said principal director Curative Services, Dr Sydney Makarawo.
Breast cancer according to the World Health Organisation 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 up 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, 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,” says.
Dr Makarawo says cancer treatment services must be decentralised to strengthen primary health care.
Zimpapers’ group public relations and corporate affairs 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.
“We are glad that as Zimpapers we are able to play a part in raising awareness and this Cancer walk is also held to honour all those who have bravely fought cancer and in memory of those who died.
“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.
The World Health Organisation states that about 1, 38 million new cases of breast cancers are recorded globally, each year resulting in 458 000 deaths.
The organisation 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.
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Online Reporter