By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Women in Beitbridge have been encouraged to make regular breast cancer screenings and self-checks a priority as part of efforts to fight one of the leading cancers affecting women in Zimbabwe.
This came out on Wednesday during a breast cancer awareness session held as part of the Women’s Quota budget consultations.
The event was organised by Women’s Quota councilors Brenda Maworere and Angeline Tauya, with the aim of uplifting and empowering women through health education.
This year’s global theme for Breast Cancer Awareness Monthis “No one should face breast cancer alone.”
Addressing the gathering, the District Medical Officer Limos Samhere, said breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in the country.
He said it is especially common to those aged between 35 and 65 years.
“Early detection remains the most powerful tool in the fight against breast cancer,” Samhere said.
“Every woman should make it a habit to examine themselves regularly and seek medical advice without delay if feeling abnormal.”
Samhere stressed that while age is a major risk factor, breast cancer can also affect younger women, making regular self-examinations and annual check-ups at health facilities crucial for all age groups.
Maworere urged women to take responsibility for their health, saying empowerment begins with taking care of oneself.
“For us to fully participate in leadership and development, we must be healthy and strong,” she said.
Tauya echoed the message, encouraging women to support each other and seek help early.
“When women are informed and proactive about their health, we save lives,” she said.
Maworere and Tauya have pledged to intensify awareness campaigns across Beitbridge throughout the month to ensure more women access information and screening services.