When public health enthusiasts talk about Africa, the first thing that comes to their minds is AIDS, malaria or tuberculosis.  Admittedly so, these communicable diseases are real threats, but lurking in the midst is another threat that is often overlooked: non-communicable diseases (NCDs). These classic NCDs include heart disease, diabetes and cancer; but in tribute to everything pink, let’s talk about breast cancer. In October, bring out those pink tops, shoes, heels (and football cleats)! It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Malawi!

In 2008, there were 715,000 new cancer cases reported in Africa, and nearly 76% of them died as a result (IARC, 2010). Experts report that if cancer continues to receive less priority because of limited resources and lack of awareness, then cancer rates will double by 2030. Among all cancers affecting women in Africa, breast cancer is ranked first as the most common cancer (IARC, 2010). Not surprisingly, it is also ranked second among the top causes of death due to cancer among women in the Southern Africa region.

In Malawi, located at the intersection of Kamuzu Procession Road and M16, is one proof of evidence that breast cancer awareness is gaining ground. Blandina Khondowe, 33 year old former Miss Malawi, is on the only billboard in Lilongwe that is taking a stand against breast cancer. She paints a hopeful future for women in Malawi when she says, “there can be life after breast cancer…so get screened.” It is a public health message that is duly warranted, but as a colleague of mine says, “no one really pays attention (to breast cancer) because it is not actively killing people.” Arguably, she makes a good point, especially when people are still dying from AIDS; however, this does not diminish the fact that people are also dying from cancer – a preventable and treatable illness.

Another indication that this movement is real comes at the heels of the first annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk that took place on 18 October of 2014 in Lilongwe. The walk was hosted by the Centre for Medical Diagnostics, which is the major arm for cancer diagnostics in Malawi and other local partners. It was a successful event, drawing more than a hundred people including children, men, women and breast cancer survivors. The five kilometer walk commenced from the Parliament Building and ended at the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre. The festivities kicked-off at Koko Bean Cafe where participants learned the importance of early detection, listened to stories of resilience and courage from breast cancer survivors, and indulged in delectable cakes and sweets.

Global Health Corps (GHC) Fellows in Malawi, Aisha Twalibu and I, participated in this momentous effort to raise awareness around breast cancer. We harnessed Twalibu’s craft and passion for baking by raising money through a bake sale that raised almost 8,000 Malawi Kwacha ($18USD) for the organizer’s charity of choice, Cancer Survivor Quest in Malawi. The event was GHC Malawi’s first public engagement activity, and it served two purposes: to raise awareness and money for breast cancer awareness, and to recruit prospective GHC fellows for the 2015-2016 application cycle. Among the dozens who stopped by the table to buy sweets and to learn about the program were two current Malawi fellows, Umba Zalira and Dorothy Mkwezelamba.

Additionally, a short video was made highlighting GHC Malawi Fellows (2014-2015) participation at the first annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk in Malawi. Check it out below!

Reference:

Ferlay J, Shin HR, Bray F, Forman D, Mathers CD, Parkin D. GLOBO-CAN 2008, Cancer Incidence and Mortality Worldwide: IARC Cancer-Base No.10 [Internet]. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. 2010; Available from: http://globocan.iarc.fr.

Leave a Reply