The ManicaPost
Tendai Gukutikwa
Health Reporter
MENTAL health issues are more common among people diagnosed with breast cancer, hence the need to incorporate counselling in all cancer treatment stages, a local health expert has said.
In an interview, a Mental Health Counsellor under Crotex Health, Mrs Hillary Chakonda said since breasts symbolise beauty, motherhood and vitality, a woman’s self-esteem is usually reduced when they undergo a mastectomy (surgical removal of breasts), hence the need for counselling.
She said mental health support is essential for breast cancer patients as they often face psychological difficulties during and after treatment.
“This is because they face many challenges and uncertainties related to their condition, treatment and prognosis. They may experience anxiety, depression, stress, fear, anger or grief, which can affect their quality of life and well-being.
“As soon as one is diagnosed with breast cancer, there is need for them to seek counselling because they usually end up falling into depression.
‘‘The whole process should be accompanied by counselling so that the patient knows that she is still the same woman that she was before the breast cancer,” said Mrs Chakonda.
She said counselling helps patients to cope with the emotional impact of their diagnosis and recovery.
Meanwhile, in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Crotex Health will be offering level one free breast cancer screening at their clinic in Mutare starting on Monday until the end of the month.
“We will also be educating women on how they can do self-examination so that the moment they see a lump or something they do not understand on their breasts, they rush to see a doctor,” said Mrs Chakonda.
The Manica Post conducted a survey among Manicaland women on how they view regular breast cancer screening, awareness as well as the mental health of the patients and those around them.
The majority of the women said they have personal or family experiences with the disease and value breast cancer awareness as a preventive measure.
Ms Erica Dhliwayo (35) said her aunt, who was also her guardian, died of breast cancer when she was only 16 and her life changed drastically after that.
“We found out that she had breast cancer when it was already advanced. She suffered so much because of low self-esteem and thinking that her husband no longer loved her.
‘‘It was a hard time for the family. The emotional and physical effects of the disease killed my aunt,” she said.
Ms Dhliwayo said as a result, she visits her doctor regularly for breast cancer screening.
Miss Maria Mundangepfupfu of Sakubva said while none of her relatives have been diagnosed with breast cancer, she believes that spreading awareness of the disease is important.
“I have seen many women suffering from this condition emotionally and physically, and some losing their lives.
‘‘It is a serious health issue that affects, not only the patients, but also their families and communities,” said Miss Mundangepfupfu.
Breast cancer is a disease that affects millions of women and their loved ones and Zimbabwe is not spared.
The World Health Organisation states that as of the end of 2020, there were 7.8 million women alive who were diagnosed with breast cancer in the past five years, making it the world’s most prevalent cancer.
Symptoms of breast cancer can include a breast lump or thickening, often without pain change in size, shape or appearance of the breast dimpling, redness, pitting or other changes in the skin change in nipple appearance or the skin surrounding the nipple (areola) abnormal or bloody fluid from the nipple.
People with abnormal breast lumps should seek medical care, even if the lumps do not hurt.
