More than 80 percent of people with cancer in Zimbabwe reach health institutions too late, and experts acknowledge that the disease is now a major cause of morbidity and mortality with more than 7 500 new cancer cases and more than 2 500 deaths are recorded annually.
The country joined the world in commemorating World Cancer Day on February 4 under the slogan: “Closing the Care Gap.”
According to statistics from the Cancer Society of Zimbabwe (CAZ), the most common cancers among Zimbabweans of all ethnicities are cervical cancer (21 per cent), prostate (11 per cent), breast cancer (8 per cent) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (5 per cent). One percent), esophagus (four percent), Kaposi’s sarcoma (four percent), colon and rectum (four percent), stomach (three percent) and liver (three percent).
In a statement, Information, Research and Evaluation Officer, Mr Lovemore Makurirova said as the country commemorates the day, members of the public should be reminded that cancer is not far-fetched as much can be done in the areas of prevention, early detection, treatment and cure. Care.
“Cancer is now recognized as a major specialty Cause of morbidity and mortality in Zimbabwe with more than 7 He said that 500 new cancer cases and more than 2,500 deaths are recorded annually.
“Cancer is still on the rise in Zimbabwe. Most reported cancer cases are diagnosed late. In fact, 80 percent of cases are reported too late to health institutions resulting in reduced chances of successful treatment and high cost of treatment.
“Early detection and appropriate treatment not only improves prognosis but also reduces the cost of treatment.”
Mr. Makurirova
He said Decentralization of cervical cancer screening services by the government and its partners who have more than 100 facilities across the country has been key in reducing the spread of the disease.
“There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about cancer among the general Zimbabwean population. These myths and misconceptions act as barriers to cancer prevention, early diagnosis and treatment,” he said.
“The most common myth is that cancer cannot be treated with conventional treatment methods, and this leads to delayed onset of cancer.
“Although it is not confirmed yet, it cannot be doubted that some cancer patients fall prey to some individuals who claim to cure cancer using treatment methods that are not yet approved.
“Therefore, we urge our beloved cancer patients to ensure that they get the right treatment advice from certified medical practitioners.” Announce
