Cimas Health Group Chief Executive Officer, Vuli Ndlovu
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
Leading private medical aid society and health service provider Cimas Health Group, will carry out massive campaigns aimed at educating the public on breast cancer, Chief Executive Officer, Vuli Ndlovu has said.
The awareness campaigns are part of the group’s initiative as part of the Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is observed globally every October to raise awareness about the disease.
Ndlovu revealed this on Friday as Cimas hosted the Cimas Pink-Tober Breast Cancer Breakfast Meeting at their Borrowdale Office in Harare.
The Cimas Pink-Tober Breast Cancer Breakfast Meeting, which brought together cancer patients and survivors to share their personal journeys, is one of the initiatives Cimas has organised as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month commemorations.
“Throughout October, Cimas Health Group will be having campaigns aimed at educating the public about breast cancer, the importance of regular screenings, and early diagnosis.”
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), “breast cancer is a disease in which abnormal breast cells grow out of control and form tumours. If left unchecked, the tumours can spread throughout the body and become fatal.
“Breast cancer cells begin inside the milk ducts and/or the milk-producing lobules of the breast.”
WHO further reports that breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, with around 2.3 million new cases annually.
It (breast cancer) accounts for one in eight cancer cases among both sexes and a quarter of all cancers in women.
And it is added that 70 percent of breast cancer-related deaths occur in resource-constrained settings.
During the breakfast meeting, Ndlovu also called on men to undergo breast cancer screenings, challenging the misconception that breast cancer only affects women.
“Breast cancer remains a significant health challenge, but early detection can save lives.
“We are committed to providing accessible health solutions and educating our communities to ensure every woman has the opportunity for early diagnosis and treatment.
“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.” He also emphasized the importance of early diagnosis, stating that breast cancer, when detected early, is treatable.
He however revealed that if diagnosed at a later stage, cancer can become much more difficult to treat, as it may have already spread to other organs.
Ndlovu said as part of their commitment to fighting breast cancer, Cimas Health Group is offering free breast cancer screenings for all their 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 challenges by offering accessible screening services and promoting education on the importance of early detection for both men and women.”
He added that Cimas members do not only receive breast cancer screenings during the month of October highlighting that, this service is also available throughout the year.
Ndlovu stated that if a Cimas member tests positive, they may be eligible for cancer treatment benefit up to the global limit of their plan, depending on their package and membership duration.
Doctor Webster Kadzatsa, a specialist oncologist was the guest speaker at the breakfast meeting held under the global theme, “No One Should Face Breast Cancer Alone.”
