Cancer Association of Zimbabwe launches cervical cancer awareness campaign

Mutsawashe Mashandure
Herald Correspondent
The Cancer Association of Zimbabwe (CAZ) has launched a week-long free cervical cancer awareness campaign to spread the message that the disease can be cured if detected early.
The exercise began on Monday and will run until the end of October.
CAZ is conducting the free cervical cancer screening and treatment exercise in partnership with UNICAF and Croco Motors who donated sanitary pads, chemotherapy drugs and diapers to assist individuals diagnosed with cancer.
Speaking in an interview on Tuesday, the association’s general manager, Mrs Juniour Mavu said the initiative was designed to raise awareness on the importance of early detection.
“I think this is an opportunity for women to come for cancer screening because early detection is the best way to treat cancer,” she said.
“Those diagnosed should not lose hope. Cancer is not a death sentence but a challenge that can be overcome. With advancements in medicine, cancer can be treated, managed, and even cured.
“Early detection, targeted therapies, and innovative treatments offer new avenues for healing. Chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery can shrink tumors, destroy cancer cells, and restore health.”
Speaking at the same eventm Croco Motors’ communications officer Ms Mellisa Katunga said the cervical cancer awareness campaign is aimed at saving women’s lives.
“We launched this initiative in early October to inform women that cancer is treatable. Women are vital to our society, and we must care for them,” she said.
One of the beneficiaries of the free screening, Mrs Bertha Ngirandi urged other women to take advantage of the campaign to be screened.
“I am nervous but determined to face whatever comes next. Knowledge is power, and screening is the first step towards healing,” she said as she waited for her results.