Copyright mwnation
In a show of community resilience and proactive health advocacy, three cancer groups are marking Breast Cancer Month with a new initiative of turning cervical cancer advocates into multi-cancer health educators. The three organisations, Tikondane Women’s Group Cancer (TIWOGC) of Chikwawa, Women Coalition Against Cancer (Wocaca) of Lilongwe, and the Blantyre-based Breast Cancer Care Foundation (BCCF), have partnered under the theme “Every Story is Unique and Every Journey Matters.” The partnership aims to address breast cancer as a pressing public health concern. TIWOGC is a grassroots non-profit organisation based in Chikwawa and led by cervical cancer survivors. Chairperson Falesi Wajomba said in an interview the initiative was designed with the understanding that women who survive cervical cancer are also vulnerable to breast cancer. “The group has taken the lead in educating communities about breast cancer risks and prevention. Our target is to reach as many women as possible because many do not know much about breast cancer,” she said. Wajomba added that the initiative would help women make informed health decisions and encourage open conversations around breast and cervical cancer. Further, she said such discussions would empower women to take charge of their health and seek medical care early. On her part, Wocaca executive director Maud Mwakasungula said TIWOGC recognised the need to integrate breast health education to expand their reach and support more vulnerable women. She explained that leveraging survivors’ lived experiences was a powerful strategy to improve awareness. “Survivors, speaking from personal experience, can more effectively break down the fear and cultural barriers often associated with cancer than traditional health messaging,” she said. Under the partnership, BCCF is providing specialised training to TIWOGC members, equipping them with knowledge and skills to become effective community health educators. BCCF programme coordinator Beverley Bhima said the trained women would raise breast cancer awareness using traditional communication methods that resonate with local communities. “It will promote early detection through self-examination and dispel myths surrounding the disease. “With breast cancer accounting for 30 percent of cancers globally and affecting one in eight women, the programme aims to save lives through timely medical attention and continuous education,” she said. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer worldwide and one of the most prevalent in the country, demanding increased awareness and early detection efforts.
