By Melisa Munzvandi
BEITBRIDGE is set to join the rest of the world in commemorating Pink October, the global breast cancer awareness month observed every October to promote early detection and support those affected.
Beitbridge Women’s Quota Councillor Brenda Maworere revealed the plans in an interview with Ziya News Network. She said Zimbabwe is commemorating this year under the theme, “Every Story Is Unique, Every Journey Matters.”
Councillor Maworere said the municipality is adopting a new grassroots strategy after last year’s boardroom campaign failed to reach many women.
“We are adopting a different strategy this year, not like we did last year in the boardroom,” she said.
She said the campaign will now go directly to the people, targeting churches, kuchina chema dzimai and workplaces to reach a wider number of women.
“Our goal is to reach a greater and massive number of women,” she said. “We have no money but that strategy can help us to reach more women.”
Councillor Maworere said the programme will be inclusive of young people, noting that they play a critical role in disseminating information within families.
“Yes it is inclusive of the youths, remember they are also growing up, they also have older sisters and aunts and mothers at home, who may not be privy to the vital lessons and information which will be delivered,” she said.
She said they hope to be assisted by health professionals to offer practical demonstrations.
“We are hoping we will have the help of trained health workers, nurses and even a doctor who will help us teach on how to spot, check on breast cancer,” she said.
Breast cancer is a disease where cells in the breast grow out of control and form a lump or tumour. If not detected and treated early, it can spread to other parts of the body.
Health experts say while it is more common in women, men can also develop the disease.
“Breast cancer is not only for women, men can also get it although cases are fewer,” a health official said.
Councillor Maworere said their thrust aligns with the Ministry of Health and Child Care’s three pillars for this year. The first pillar is early screening and routine integration.
According to the Ministry, breast cancer remains the second most common cancer among women in Zimbabwe, and early detection saves lives. Clinical breast examination has now been integrated into routine services such as family planning and antenatal care.
Members of the public have been urged to conduct monthly self examinations and visit health facilities when they notice abnormalities.
The Ministry said warning signs include a lump in the breast, changes in size, nipple discharge and skin redness or dimpling.
The second pillar is standardised and authorised screening by qualified personnel, while the third focuses on collaboration and equity to reach rural and marginalised communities.
The Ministry warned that unauthorised screening programmes will be stopped to prevent misinformation.
It is working with the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe and the National AIDS Council to distribute information materials.