The ManicaPost
Tendai Gukutikwa
Health Reporter
AS part of the global campaign to raise awareness about breast cancer, women have been encouraged to go for routine breast cancer screenings on a regular basis.
October is World Breast Cancer month, a time to raise awareness and support for the fight against the disease.
Local health facilities in Manicaland are offering free breast cancer screenings, with Island Hospice at the forefront.
As a result, health professionals have challenged local women to make use of the free services.
While presenting on the importance of having regular screening at the recently held The Manica Post Ladies Summer School, Mrs Chengetai Chibwana of Island Hospice encouraged women to take care of their health by visiting their doctors regularly for physical examinations.
She said regular breast cancer screenings are important to detect any signs of cancer early and get the best treatment possible.
Mrs Chibwana also said women should live by the motto ‘Know your normal in order to detect the abnormal’.
“Our breasts are unique to each of us, and they can change over time due to factors such as age, hormones, pregnancy and breastfeeding.
“That is why it is important to be familiar with how our breasts look and feel so that we can notice any unusual signs or symptoms that may indicate a problem.
“By knowing our normal, we can detect our abnormal early and seek medical help promptly. Early detection of breast cancer can improve the chances of successful treatment and survival,” she said.
According to medical experts, cases of breast cancer are on the increase.
Mrs Chibwana urged people to be vigilant and proactive in preventing and detecting breast cancer.
She also emphasized the importance of self-examination and awareness of risk factors.
“There are warning signs that should make you see the doctor for a medical examination.
“One of them is pain in one of the breasts or armpit, dimpling of the breast, a lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area, a change in the size or shape of the breast, nipple discharge or tenderness, or the nipple being pulled back into the breast,” she said.
Mrs Chibwana said these signs do not necessarily mean that one might have breast cancer, adding that they should be checked by a doctor.
“Early detection and treatment can increase your chances of survival and recovery,” she said.
Mrs Chibwana discouraged patients from visiting faith healers instead of medical doctors when it comes to breast cancer, saying such practices could delay diagnosis and treatment.
“Breast cancer is a complex disease that requires a multi-disciplinary approach involving surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormonal therapy and targeted therapy. Therefore, it should be emphasised that faith healers are not qualified or trained to provide any of these interventions, and relying on them could put patients at risk of serious complications or death,” said Mrs Chibwana.
She urged patients to seek evidence-based care from accredited health facilities and to follow the recommendations of their oncologists.
“To prevent, not just breast cancer, but every other cancer, one should eat a balanced diet, avoid smoking, exercise regularly, avoid multiple sexual partners and have regular check-ups by a doctor,” she said.
The health professional also taught the women who attended the Ladies Summer School how to physically examine their breasts for traces of breast cancer.
She also encouraged them to eat a balanced diet to prevent the disease.
