Gynaecologists to lead cancer discussion

From Daily News 

HARARE - Top gynaecologists have joined hands to educate Zimbabweans as 32 out of every 100 women are affected by cancer diseases in the country.

Parirenyatwa Hospital head of gynaecological department Professor Chirenje and Sunanda Ray will descend on Book Café this Tuesday to speak on the importance of early regular check-ups and available treatment avenues for cervical cancer. 

“The (free) public discussion will be held under the theme ‘Cervical Cancer: Awareness & Survival’ to raise awareness of the need for early diagnosis, counselling, what is available to women of Zimbabwe, and to discuss the urgent need for life-saving information to reach ordinary women everywhere. The discussion is an initiative of Tanyaradzwa Cancer of Zimbabwe, set up by waitress Talent Yakado to help educate and support affected women,” said Pamberi Trust administrator Penny Yon.

Janet Manuhwa and Talent Yakado will line-up to give their chilling accounts on how they beat the disease.

The discussion platform by Pamberi Trust at Book Café is supported by Hivos, Africalia and the European Union.

According to the Cancer Registry, at least 5 000 people are diagnosed of general cancer every year.

Health experts say many women have been presenting themselves late for treatment due to lack of awareness and poverty.

Government is even struggling to provide affordable treatment to cancer patients.

Cancer Association of Zimbabwe (Caz) is on record attributing high incidences of cervical cancer cases and fatalities to poor government support.

According to the Zimbabwe National Cancer Registry cervical cancer accounted for 15 percent of all cancer deaths in 2010.

Mavu said despite the general lack of consciousness, poverty has taken a toll on the increase of cancer deaths in the country.

Cancer expert Anna Nyakabau said most of the deaths are preventable if patients present themselves at an opportune time.

Every two minutes in the world, according to the expert, there is a woman dying of cervical cancer.

Reports show that by race, cervical cancer leads among black Zimbabwean women, while skin cancers dominate among non-black women.

Similar to HIV transmission, any woman who is sexually active is vulnerable to cervical cancer.

This year’s cancer campaigns are running under the theme “Early Detection Saves Lives”.

Wilkins, Edith Opperman in Mbare, Highfield and Warren Park are some clinics that currently over free cervical screening. - Wendy Muperi