Staff Writer
The Cancer Association of Zimbabwe (CAZ) is negotiating with prison authorities to have two cancer patients reintegrated into the Karposi Sarcoma clinic at Parirenyatwa Hospital.
This came after the breast, cervix and prostate cancer education and screening services outreach programme to inmates by CAZ with support from Delta Corporation.
In a statement CAZ confirmed there were two inmates who were living with Karposi Sarcoma, a type of cancer which needed attention.
Kaposi sarcoma is a disease in which cancer cells are found in the skin or mucous membranes that line the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, from mouth to anus, including the stomach and intestines. These tumors appear as purple patches or nodules on the skin and/or mucous membranes and can spread to lymph nodes and lungs.
“There were two Karposi Sarcoma prisoners identified during the outreach program whom CAZ is negotiating with prison authorities to have them reintegrated into the Karposi Sarcoma clinic at Parirenyatwa Hospital,” CAZ said.
A total of 401 both male and female inmates were screened during the successful outreach program while mobilization was reportedly good in the five prisons.
CAZ undertook the screening services to inmates and staff prison at Chipinge, Mutare Farm and Remand, Little Kraal, Nyazura and Rusape prisons in which Prison guards and their dependents also benefited from the breast, cervix, and prostate cancer screening.
According to CAZ the enefits of integrating breast screening into cervical cancer screening programs was that the association killed two birds with one stone.
“This has an added advantage of detecting cancers early. Early detection saves lives. CAZ would like to take this opportunity to thank Delta Corporation for generously supporting CAZ to fulfil its vision and mission. Your support is greatly appreciated and made a positive impact to the vulnerable population,” CAZ said.
The Cancer Association of Zimbabwe (CAZ) is a non-profit making organization formed in 1961 and a registered welfare organization (W/O 63/68) with the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare.
Cancer survivors and volunteers established CAZ to support each other morally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually after a cancer diagnosis.
From inception, CAZ has continued to grow in providing cancer support services to cancer patients and their families including cancer awareness and screening programs.
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