The ManicaPost
CANCER, in its many types, has become such a global public health concern that requires concerted and collective efforts in tackling it.
During the entire month of October, people from across the world came together in solidarity to show support for people affected by breast cancer.
However, with October now in the rear view mirror, calls for regular, coordinated approaches to combat the disease continue to grow louder.
To that end, leading integrated media house, Zimbabwe Newspapers (1980) Limited remains unwaveringly committed in the fight against cancer and supporting those affected by the disease.
Family newspaper The Manica Post and Manicaland’s favourite radio station, Diamond FM, are part of the Zimpapers Group.
To spearhead the cancer fight, the company has over the years been holding the Zimpapers Cancer Power Walk.
The walk enters its seventh edition this year and will take place in six provinces across the country.
For Manicaland, the event will be held at Manicaland Motoring Club in Mutare, while similar others will take place in Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Masvingo and Kariba.
Tomorrow (Saturday), the walk will start at 6am, and activities after that will include zumba, aerobics, medical checks and counselling sessions.
We can lend a hand to this noble cause by coming out in our droves in support of efforts to fight cancer.
This is part of Zimpapers’ corporate social responsibility initiatives.
The giant company is steering the drive towards cancer-free present and future generations in collaboration with Island Hospice.
Several other partners, numbering nearly 20 corporates, are supporting the initiative.
With all proceeds going to charity, this is a huge step in raising money to help fund life-changing and epoch-defining research on cancer.
People living with cancer need support.
Treatment may include radiation therapy, chemotherapy or other drug therapies.
Patients may also require palliative care.
Palliative care aims to improve a cancer patient’s quality of life by alleviating symptoms of the disease.
ln addition to slowing down the spread of cancer, palliative treatment can relieve pain and help manage other symptoms.
This requires that we pool resources and pull together in the same direction for high impact activities such as the annual Zimpapers Cancer Power Walk.
Such initiatives make a huge difference as they can help heal the world of cancer and other diseases.
This also significantly reduces the strain on our healthcare system.
The ultimate goal is to raise awareness and sensitise society on cancer and how to prevent the disease.
Such noble causes deserve emulation.
We can all be champions in this worthy cause, with every part we play going a very long way in achieving the desired goal of reducing the burden of cancer in our communities.
Cancer affects men, women and children and is one of the major causes of death among us.
People are, therefore, encouraged to get tested as early diagnosis is key in beating cancer.
Prevention is better than cure.
Living a healthy lifestyle profoundly reduces the risk of getting cancer.
Good dietary habits and regular exercise can keep cancer away.
People should also avoid alcohol and smoking.
It is important for corporates and individuals to come on board in fighting cancer as this is a shared concern and collective responsibility.
Reducing the cancer burden is possible and this requires concerted efforts and effective action.
Let us think pink and join the Zimpapers Cancer Power Walk in support of the fight against the disease.
