Story by Abigirl Tembo, Health Editor
Parents and guardians have been implored to prioritise their children’s health by seeking medical attention early, to improve survival chances.
A media workshop organised by Kidzcan Zimbabwe in Harare this Monday highlighted the critical role of the media in raising awareness and combating childhood cancer in the country.
Participants heard stories from survivors and healthcare professionals, emphasising the importance of early detection and treatment.
Mother of a survivor, Duvai Muzenda narrated, “My son was diagnosed with Wilms tumour when he was 11 in 2019, he was in grade 6. He started by complaining of pains on his side. We took him to the hospital, tests and scans were done. When we took back the results we were referred to Parirenyatwa and an emergency operation was ordered. They said his kidney had a cyst. The operation was done but they later informed me that they had to remove his kidney. When we came for review, we were told to see an oncologist. Kidzcan would assist with medication and transport money.
“He underwent 28 cycles of chemotherapy and 12 sessions of radiotherapy. It’s been 2 years after treatment. He is now a survivor. I would like to urge other parents to seek help early if their child is not well.”
A nurse at Kidzcan Zimbabwe, Charity Kawadza said, “Parenting have changed over the years, we are now busy with looking for money and improving our educational status. Therefore, we tend to see less and less of the children. We hear them but we don’t listen so, my advice to parents when a child complains of pain on any part of the body, take time to examine that area and listen to the kind of complaint that they have.
“Its important for people to know that cancer can present any symptoms and signs. It can be a lump that you can see or feel, it can be pain. For the younger children, even when removing a diaper examine them. Check their eyes check everywhere. Improve the health seeking behaviour for your children,”
The Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Omphile Marupi who was the Guest of Honour, challenged the media to play a pivotal role in combating childhood cancer.
“The media has the power to influence opinions, shape narratives, and bring critical issues to the forefront of national consciousness. Today, I challenge you as members of the press to take up the mantle of responsibility in the fight against childhood cancer. You are the voice that can educate, inform, and mobilise our communities. Through your reporting, you can help dispel myths, eliminate stigma, and encourage parents to present their children early for treatment, giving them a much-needed chance at survival.
“It is disheartening that many children diagnosed with cancer in Zimbabwe present at advanced stages of the disease. As a result, our survival rates are low as compared to the developed world. This is due in part to delays in seeking treatment, as many families turn to traditional healers or faith-based alternatives before seeking medical help. The earlier these children receive medical attention, the better their chances of survival. Your role, as journalists, is to ensure that accurate information reaches every corner of our nation, so that no family makes decisions in ignorance or fear,” said Dr Marupi.
With September being Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the media workshop served as a powerful platform to raise awareness on childhood cancer, encouraging early detection and treatment.
