As we embrace the month of February, we are reminded that it is National Cancer Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about cancer prevention and the importance of early detection.
Talk Cancer Zim (TCZ), as a leading cancer awareness organisation, is committed to providing crucial information and support to empower individuals to take charge of their health and reduce their risk of cancer.
Cancer remains a formidable adversary, affecting millions of lives each year. According to the Zimbabwe Cancer Country Profile 2020 by World Health Organisation (WHO), there was a total of 17,465 cancer cases and 12,217 cancer deaths in 2018. However, research indicates that a significant portion of cancer cases and deaths are preventable through lifestyle changes and proactive measures.
Talk Cancer Zim is there to shed light on these preventable risk factors and offer guidance on how to effectively reduce the risk of cancer.
We believe in the old adage, prevention is better than cure , these are some of the ways to reduce your risk of cancer
Tobacco control
Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke are among the most impactful steps individuals can take to reduce the risk of cancer, especially lung, throat, and mouth cancers.
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Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and consuming a nutritious diet can contribute to a lower risk of cancer.
Sun safety
Protecting the skin from harmful UV rays and avoiding excessive sun exposure can help prevent skin cancer.
Vaccination
Taking advantage of available vaccines to prevent infections that are linked to certain types of cancer, such as hepatitis B and human papillomavirus (HPV), is also a proactive measure in cancer prevention.
As TCZ, we are there to empower individuals through information and support. Health education plays a pivotal role in empowering individuals to recognise the early signs and symptoms of cancer, encouraging them to seek timely medical attention.
Health education initiatives are needed to raise awareness about the importance of cancer screening and early detection. Empowering communities with knowledge about cancer prevention, risk factors, and the significance of regular screening can lead to a proactive approach in managing the disease.
We recognise the critical role of early detection in the fight against cancer. Screening tests can identify certain cancers at an early stage when treatment is most effective.
Through our organisation, Talk Cancer Zim we aim to provide access to information about recommended screenings and the importance of regular check-ups with healthcare providers.
In addition, we are dedicated to advocating for policies that support cancer prevention and early detection, as well as advancing research to uncover new strategies for reducing the burden of cancer.
As Zimbabwe, westill face the challenge of centralising cancer screening and diagnostic services in the capital, Harare.
However, over the years there has been a remarkable improvement in cervical cancer screening reaching the grassroots level though a lot now still needs to be done to improve access to screening for the other priority cancers, cervical, breast and colon cancer.
Access to screening and diagnostic facilities has been predominantly concentrated in Harare, posing a significant barrier to individuals in remote regions and other urban areas.
This geographical disparity has created obstacles for individuals living in remote areas and urban areas other than Harare, where access to cancer healthcare services is limited.
Decentralising cancer screening and diagnosis equipment to other cities is essential in ensuring that all Zimbabweans have equal access to these services.
The lack of accessibility to screening and diagnostic facilities in other areas has contributed to late-stage cancer diagnosis, resulting in poorer prognosis for patients. By decentralisation, every Zimbabwean would have the opportunity for early detection and timely intervention, ultimately increasing their chances of survival.
Remember early detection and treatment saves lives.
As we come to the end of National Cancer Prevention Month, Talk Cancer Zim encourages everyone to take a proactive approach to their health.
By implementing healthy lifestyle choices, staying informed about cancer prevention, and advocating for policies that support prevention efforts, we can collectively work towards a future with fewer cancer diagnoses and improved outcomes for those impacted by this disease.
It is imperative for us as a country to prioritise the decentralisation of cancer screening and diagnostic services.Additionally, sustained efforts in health education and awareness campaigns are crucial in promoting a culture of early detection and proactive healthcare-seeking behavior among Zimbabweans.
The collective effort to expand access to cancer screening and health education will undoubtedly contribute to reducing the burden of cancer in Zimbabwe.
By providing equal opportunities for early detection and intervention, we can make significant strides in improving cancer outcomes and saving lives across the nation.
Together, let's stand united in the fight against cancer, and let's use National Cancer Prevention Month as a catalyst for positive change in our lives and our communities.
Together, we can makea tangible impact in the fight against cancer and strive for a future where early detection and empowerment through education are available to all Zimbabweans, regardless of their geographical location.
Together we can beat cancer.
