Tinaani Nyabereka
Gweru -Network of Men Living with HIV (ZMN+) has called for the closure in the prostate cancer care gaps in Zimbabwe.
The call was made during the commemoration of World Cancer Day on February 4 with this year’s theme being “Closing the care gap” and will run for the next three years from 2022 to 2024.
However, last year’s theme was centered on bridging the knowledge gap for health services especially providers and the investment gap.
Beat Non Communicable Diseases Zimbabwe Network director and national secretary for ZNM+ Jacob Ngwenya said there need to amplify voices in bridging the care gaps against cancer.
“As men we are just standing aside and watching our peers struggling with prostate cancer and majority of them succumbing to death because of the cancer. If you check, the print, electronic and social media are very much awash with cervical and breast cancer campaigns to combat the two cancers but not prostate. I am not advocating for a shift but inclusivity in service provision.
“The Ministry of Health and Child Care and other private players have done very well to provide services for cervical and breast cancer. As men living with HIV, we call for a policy shift that will also see prostate cancer given the attention it duly deserves. Prostate cancer knows no boundaries, it is affecting men everywhere in Zimbabwe (both in rural and urban areas)”, he said.
Ngwenya added that the fight against cancer doesn’t have any social status as it affects everyone.
“This type of cancer (prostate cancer) is found in men who are 40 years old and above. As men ages, the prostate gland which is responsible for the production of spears grows big and blocks the urethane which is responsible for carrying urine or damages the body’s urinary control mechanism which leads to lack of urine control.
“Usually after growing big, cancerous cells start growing and in worst case scenario the cancer spreads to other parts of the body.
“Prostate cancer screening is very expensive in the country as it involves some tests and ultra sound scans which are beyond the reach of many men.
“Those who are formally employed and are on medical aid have better survival chances than those without. Women get free cancer screening for cervical cancer but men have to pay to be screened for prostate cancer.
“Rolling out of prostate cancer awareness is long overdue as many men are losing their lives slowly but sure. Men should also change their attitudes towards health and embark on good health seeking behavior. Masculinity backed by ascribed gender roles have seen a lot of men dying from curable diseases.
“So we are taking it to our own hands to enlightening our fellow men on changing their perception towards health so that they reduce their risky behaviors. We also remind them that women’s health is in their hands and they need to ensure response to safeguard the health of others,” he added.
