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By Judith Matanire
Cimas Health Group has called on men to prioritize breast cancer screenings, challenging the outdated belief that only women are affected by this disease.
As October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Mr. Vuli Ndlovu, Chief Executive Officer of Cimas, made this urgent appeal at the Cimas Pink-Tober Breast Cancer Breakfast Meeting held at the company’s Borrowdale office on Friday, emphasizing the importance of awareness and early detection for all individuals. “Breast cancer remains a significant health challenge, but early detection can save lives,” Mr. Ndlovu stated.
He emphasized Cimas’s commitment to providing accessible health solutions and educating communities, ensuring that every woman has the opportunity for early diagnosis and treatment. He underscored the misconception that breast cancer is a women’s issue, saying, “Health experts confirm that men are also at risk of developing breast cancer. While male breast cancer is rare, men, especially older ones, should remain vigilant and get regular check-ups.”
The Cimas Pink-Tober Breast Cancer Breakfast Meeting aimed to bring together cancer patients and survivors to share their personal journeys and experiences, highlighting the importance of support and community in battling the disease. The event was held under the global theme, “No One Should Face Breast Cancer Alone,” with specialist oncologist Dr. Webster Kadzatsa serving as the guest speaker.
Mr. Ndlovu reiterated the importance of early diagnosis, stating that breast cancer, when detected early, is highly treatable. However, he cautioned that if diagnosed at a later stage, the disease becomes significantly more difficult to treat, as it may have already spread to other organs. This stark reality reinforces the need for awareness and proactive health measures among both men and women.
Cimas Health Group has pledged to support this cause through various initiatives throughout October, which is recognized globally as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As part of their commitment to fighting breast cancer, Cimas is offering free breast cancer screenings for all members at its clinics across the country, as well as at selected Blue Zone facilities where Cimas clinics are unavailable.
“Cimas Health Group remains committed to tackling cancer and related ailments by providing accessible screening services and promoting education on the importance of early detection for both men and women,” Mr. Ndlovu noted. He further emphasized that screenings are not limited to October, stating that Cimas members can access breast cancer screenings throughout the year.
In addition, Mr. Ndlovu explained that if a Cimas member tests positive for breast cancer, they may be eligible for cancer treatment benefits up to the global limit of their plan, depending on their package and membership duration. This initiative reflects Cimas’s broader mission to improve the well-being of Zimbabweans through innovative health solutions.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an essential time to raise awareness about the disease, and statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) highlight the urgency of this mission. According to WHO, breast cancer is the most common cancer globally, with around 2.3 million new cases reported annually. It accounts for one in eight cancer cases among both sexes and represents a quarter of all cancers in women. Alarmingly, 70% of breast cancer-related deaths occur in resource-constrained settings, where access to early detection and treatment is often limited.
In response to this global health challenge, WHO launched the Global Breast Cancer Initiative (GBCI) in 2021, aiming to reduce mortality rates by 2.5% annually by 2040, which could potentially save 2.5 million lives. The initiative focuses on three key pillars: health promotion for early detection, timely diagnosis, and comprehensive breast cancer management.
Despite ongoing efforts to raise awareness, WHO notes that barriers within health systems and low levels of public knowledge contribute to the underutilization of early detection services. This often leads to late-stage diagnoses, resulting in poor health outcomes for patients.
The Cimas Pink-Tober Breast Cancer Breakfast Meeting serves as a critical reminder of the importance of awareness, early detection, and community support in the fight against breast cancer. As Mr. Ndlovu concluded, “By promoting education and encouraging screenings, we can make a significant impact in the lives of many and reduce the burden of this disease in our communities.” Nhau/Indaba
