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Michael Magoronga, [email protected]

HEALTH experts have called for the scaling up of public awareness on breast cancer, one of the deadly diseases in the world, saying if detected early, the disease can be successfully treated and lives can be said.

In an interview on the sidelines of the official launch of the Pick-Pink Campaign in Kwekwe to mark the official campaign against breast cancer, Cancer Association of Zimbabwe (CAZ) fundraising and events officer, Ms Linda Mazorodze, stressed the need for regular screening and testing to ensure early disease detection and cure.

The organisation joined forces with TM-Pick n Pay and CABS to roll out the campaign, which is running throughout the entire month of October.

The initiative is meant to raise awareness of the importance of early cancer detection as well as to support cancer patients in Zimbabwe.

October is set aside as the ‘Breast Cancer Awareness’ month to educate and sensitise people about the disease that has claimed thousands of lives globally over the years.

The campaign is being launched across the country with zumba dances, road runs and other physical activities being conducted to encourage Zimbabweans to live a healthy life.

Last Sunday, the team was in Kwekwe where hundreds of people thronged TM-Pick n Pay parking lot for a two-hour zumba dance led by popular physical trainer, Zoro.

In an interview, Ms Mazorodze said people should normalise being tested regularly so that the disease can be detected early.

“We encourage people to get tested regularly so that the diseases can be detected early. Our theme this year is: ‘Find it, fight it and win the battle’ and it is in this vein that we encourage everyone to be tested on a regular basis because if it’s detected early, it can be cured,” she said.

Mrs Mazorodze said monitoring one’s diet and regular exercise were also crucial in the fight against breast cancer and other types of cancers.

“Some of the cancers can be prevented through things that we can control like our diet. We encourage people to quit smoking,” she said.

“Whether you chew or snuff it, it is dangerous to their health. Also limit too much fat and eat a lot of vegetables and fruits.

“At least do something, run, walk or some exercise to keep one fit. Also avoid obesity as it is also dangerous in this fight.”

The campaign started off in August where the organisation was engaged in raising awareness against all cancers but October has been set aside specifically for breast cancer.

TM-Pick n Pay marketing manager Ms Paidamoyo Mazo said they have already launched the campaign in a number of cities.

“We have launched in Kariba where we started off with Lake Harvest run, we also went to Masvingo, Gweru and Kwekwe. We are now targeting more branches in Harare and Bulawayo,” she said.

Ms Mazo said they have partnered with CABS to raise funds, which will be donated to buy medication for cancer patients.

“We are in partnership with CABS who are pledging a certain amount of donation for every transaction made on their POS machine in TM-Pick n Pay supermarkets.

“As TM, we have been so passionate about raising awareness about cancer hence we have joined forces to raise awareness about cancer,” she said.
Funds will be channelled to CAZ, a charitable organisation that strives to raise awareness on cancer prevention, early detection, management and collectively reducing the burden of cancer in Zimbabwe.