Breast cancer has affected many women and men in
According to latest figures published by the Zimbabwe National Cancer Registry (ZNCR), breast cancer accounts for 8 percent of the most frequently occurring cancers among Zimbabweans of all races in 2017.
At 13.5 percent, breast cancer was noted as one of the leading causes of cancer among Zimbabwean black women.
Yesterday, a major new collaborative effort, the Global Breast Cancer Initiative, was launched by the
The objective of the initiative is to reduce global breast cancer mortality by 2.5 percent per year until 2040.
This will avert an estimated 2.5 million deaths.
The new Global Breast Cancer Initiative complements other
"In recognition of International Women's Day,
"Although we have seen substantive progress in reducing breast cancer mortality in many high-income countries during the last two decades, little progress has been made in low-and middle-income countries," said Dr
Added
The premature deaths and high out-of-pocket expenditure that arise when breast cancer services are unavailable or unaffordable result in social disruption, impoverishment, family instability and orphaned children and also threaten economic growth,
According to
Through the Initiative,
Three pillars: health promotion, timely diagnosis and comprehensive treatment and supportive care
"Global partners, experts and other organizations will be convened through the Initiative to map existing activities, develop roadmaps, and establish multisectoral working groups to address health promotion and early detection, timely breast cancer diagnosis, and comprehensive breast cancer treatment and supportive care," said Dr
Health promotion, the first pillar, will include public education about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, risk reduction strategies (such as avoiding obesity, limiting alcohol intake and encouraging breastfeeding), and reducing the stigma associated with breast health that exists in some parts of the world.
Although breast tumours do not change in days or weeks, cancer survival rates begin to erode when delays to initiate treatment are greater than three months. Current delays in some settings and among certain vulnerable populations can be more than a year. Basic diagnostic services are feasible in all settings, so long as they are well-organized and lead to timely referral for specialist care.
Comprehensive treatment and care for breast cancer treatment should include access to surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy as well as rehabilitation support for women following treatment and palliative services to reduce pain and discomfort.
A technical package to support implementation
An evidence-based technical package will be provided to countries, linked to online learning platforms and other types of support, and rolled out over the next year. The package will incorporate existing
For example, the "Technical Specifications of Radiotherapy Equipment for
Country engagement, including the participation of nongovernmental organizations and input from people
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