Early Detection is Key in Cancer Treatment

Do you know the story of the baobab tree? How it balloons into one of the biggest trees on earth and becomes a towering giant making it difficult to uproot when it is fully grown? But before it reaches that level it starts as a seedling and you can imagine then how easy it is, to remove it.

This is so true with virtually all cancers whether childhood or adult. Early presentation to health facilities, detection, and treatment is key.

That was the central message at the Breast Cancer Awareness campaign organised by Capri Appliances held at Pink Capri warehouse situated along Harare Drive where various health personnel took turns to emphasize the importance of early detection and treatment in combating cancer.

Speaking at the meeting KidzCan nurse and health coordinator outlined the work of KidzCan Zimbabwe and implored them to practically do something about the cancer scourge.

“We are KidzCan Zimbabwe, we deal with childhood cancer for children aged 0-18 years. Even if a child reaches 18 while on our books, we do not abandon them. We walk with them until they complete treatment.

“Our services include, providing a loving and caring environment through offering bus fares, admission packs, diagnostic imaging, chemotherapy drugs, psychosocial support, and nutritional support for children suffering from cancer.

“We need to walk the talk, please act when you see a problem. Our problem is to see a problem and watch it as it grows.

“Then eventually try and push the elephant to the Doctors and expect miracles when it is already late. You know children are voiceless, we are their voices,” said Kawadza

Kawadza lamented the low figures of survival rate in low—to medium countries which is estimated at about 20-25% which she attributed to lack of awareness and implored everyone to do something about cancer in children.

Speaking at the same meeting Dr Dzapata, an oncologist at Parirenyatwa said it was critical that everyone gets screened for breast cancer so as to nip cancers in the bud.

“The example of the baobab is for you and me, it is always easy to fight off all cancers before they are fully grown.”

Dr Ndudzo added her voice to the health call by urging all to take a holistic approach when it comes to health and gave the definition according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

“We need to adopt good health-seeking behaviour and ensure that we get checked frequently in all areas to ensure we pick any anomaly early enough,” said Ndudzo.

The most key health-related behaviours for chronic disease prevention are never smoking, getting regular physical activity, consuming no alcohol or only moderate amounts, maintaining normal body weight, and obtaining daily sufficient sleep. Add to this, regular checks.