AT least 33% of women who underwent cervical cancer tests in the country in 2009 had the disease, a recent research by the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe has revealed.Report by Simbarashe Manhango
Speaking at the Cervical Cancer Awareness Day last week, a senior official with the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe Lyn Mbunzwana urged women to seek early screening to enable the detection of the disease in its initial stages.
“Cervical cancer is currently the deadliest disease killing most black women. A lot has to be done to bring awareness to women on the need to seek early screening for abnormalities related to this illness,” she said. “It can be cured if diagnosed and treated early, hence we are urging women to seek counselling and testing early.”
The Cervical Cancer Awareness Day is marked on September 28 every year. On Friday, TM Supermarkets in conjunction with Cancer Association of Zimbabwe, launched the TM Cancer Awareness Campaign in Harare.
TM Supermarkets operating officer, Bisset Chimhini, said the objective of the campaign was to disseminate information to the public on various forms of cancers, their signs and symptoms — with a special focus on cervical cancer. He also added that they were raising funds towards rehabilitation of Tariro (Zororo) Hostel in Harare, which provides free home-based care to 30 cancer patients.
It caters for both male and female patients.
“Our intention is to give back to the society through corporate social responsibility and bring cancer awareness and aid to different communities,” said Chimhini. “The overall purpose is to provide alternative solutions and create an environment that is conducive to cancer victims.”
The campaign, which was initially launched on September 28, is running in different TM outlets across the country.
