BREAST CANCER CASES IN MEN INCREASING

MBABANE – As the country observes the 2020 International Breast Cancer Awareness month, an increase in the number of men affected by the disease has been noted.

About five men in the country have been diagnosed with breast cancer between 2016 to 2018 and four have died of the disease, according to Cancer Epidemiologist Xolisile Dlamini. 

Dlamini said more men in the country were being diagnosed with breast cancer, which was the second most common type of cancer in the world. 

According to the cancer epidemiologist, they were noting a shift in the cervical cancer diagnosis, with more young women being diagnosed with the disease.

Integrated

Minister of Health Lizzie Nkosi noted that cervical cancer screening had now been integrated into all VCT clinics and there had been an increase in cancer awareness and screening uptake.

Furthermore, she said the chemotherapy unit at the Mbabane Government Hospital was now a full Oncology Department, providing various services even after hours and on weekends with a full medical team. Nkosi said she was grateful that the country was able to come together to commemorate the breast cancer awareness month at a critical time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

She stated that the COVID-19 pandemic had brought the world to its knees but Eswatini had remained strong and managed to maintain resilience in all programmes, including cancer-related programmes.

Nkosi said cancer continued to trouble the nation, while COVID-19 was making things worse. 

“In addition to observing all the COVID-19 protocols, we still need to remember to screen for breast cancer and other cancers,” said the minister.

She stated that the month of October was a reminder on the progress made by the country in the fight against cancer and also to look onto what more needed to be done. 

 In addition to screening, Nkosi said leading a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and seeking early healthcare, were some sensible ways to minimise the risk of cancer.  

Nkosi urged the nation to remember to add a touch of pink to their clothing on the Fridays of the month.

On another note, a virtual ‘Brave the breast 2020 walk’ will take place on Saturday October 31, 2020.

Meanwhile, World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Representative Dr Brian Chirombo said COVID-19 had made life challenging for emaSwati with cancer, those undergoing treatment, cancer survivors and their families and friends. Chirombo said if one had cancer, their immune system may not be as strong as it was under normal circumstances and one may be concerned about the risks associated with COVID-19. 

“The general recommendation for people with cancer is that they should continue to follow specific advice or standard precautions recommended by their healthcare providers in order to minimise risk of infection or complications, during and after treatment.”

Chirombo urged the nation not to lose focus on other health issues, including cancer and other non-communicable diseases.

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