VP urges women to seek early cancer screening

First Vice-President Jane Ansah has asked women to seek medical attention as soon as they notice unusual changes in their breasts, warning that delays in cancer detection can make treatment more complicated.

The VP made the call on Saturday in Lilongwe during a Breast Cancer Awareness Brunch organised by Diaries of Young Ladies, a women’s grouping promoting breast cancer awareness in Malawi.

Ansah said early detection is critical to improving treatment outcomes, encouraging women to visit health facilities for screening if they notice lumps or other unusual changes in their breasts.

She also called for a change in attitudes towards cancer, saying the disease should not be regarded as a sin or a curse, but as a medical condition requiring appropriate treatment.

“It is important for people, when they notice differences, especially with breast cancer, such as changes in the breast or a lump, to go for screening to determine whether it is cancer or just a growth which is not cancerous,” said Ansah.

She said cancer detected early was easier to treat than cases diagnosed at advanced stages.

Ansah urged patients to combine medical treatment with their faith in God, saying spiritual belief could provide hope and strength without replacing professional medical care.

“At the same time, cancer is a disease. It is not sin; it is not a curse. So people should go to the hospital alongside believing that God heals,” she said.

Breast cancer survivor Charity Mwafulirwa echoed the call, urging women to take the disease seriously by seeking medical examinations and conducting breast self-examinations to identify unusual changes.

Mwafulirwa, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2022, said the costs could put essential services beyond the reach of many patients, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment.

Kamuzu Central Hospital director Amos Msekandiana said the facility, which houses the National Cancer Centre, was making progress in treating various forms of cancer, including breast cancer.

Meanwhile, Diaries of Young Ladies vice-president Vera Banda said the organisation would continue its breast cancer awareness campaign beyond October, which is internationally recognised as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

During the event, participants raised K48 million towards a target of K100 million for the initiative.

Malawi records more than 19 000 new cancer cases annually, according to figures cited in the report, up from just over 10 000 in 2009. More than 13 000 people die from cancer each year, underscoring the need for stronger prevention, early detection and access to treatment.

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