Rural Women Face Cancer Care Crisis as Zimbabwe Pushes for Expanded Screening Services

Mrs. Bhebhe's experience highlights a pressing issue in Zimbabwe's healthcare system: the urgent need for expanded cancer services in rural areas. At 56, the Mberengwa District resident was faced with an unsettling health scare when she discovered a strange vaginal discharge, a symptom that led her to fear the worst—cervical cancer. Despite her distress, she found herself in a challenging predicament, as the nearest clinic lacked essential cancer screening facilities. This predicament is not unique to Mrs. Bhebhe. Women in rural regions across Zimbabwe are often left without timely access to vital cancer screening and treatment services. The process is fraught with delays, as evidenced by Mrs. Bhebhe's two-month wait for the visiting screening team at her local clinic. While her story had a positive outcome—she learned she was cancer-free—the emotional toll and anxiety she faced exemplify the broader health crisis affecting many in similar situations. Cervical cancer remains a significant health threat in Zimbabwe, accounting for a substantial proportion of cancer-related deaths. The Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) reports that while awareness of cervical cancer is high, with 79 percent of women having heard of it, only 13 percent have undergone a cervical examination. This glaring gap underlines the disparity in access to healthcare between urban and rural populations. HIV remains a critical risk factor for cervical cancer, with HIV-positive women being four to five times more likely to develop the disease compared to their HIV-negative counterparts. However, the good news is that cervical cancer is both preventable and treatable if detected early. Health experts recommend that sexually active women undergo screening at least every five years to mitigate their risk. In rural areas like Gwambe Ward in Plumtree, village health workers are striving to bridge this gap through awareness campaigns and occasional transport to screening facilities. However, these initiatives are limited by the availability of services and the distances women must travel to access them. As Mrs. Thangule notes, while they can facilitate some screenings, the lack of permanent facilities remains a significant obstacle. The recent Breast Cancer Awareness Month underscored the need for comprehensive cancer care across the nation. Breast cancer has emerged as a critical public health issue, with approximately 2,000 new cases reported annually in Zimbabwe. The five-year survival rate for early-detected breast cancer can reach 90 percent, highlighting the importance of facilitating access to screening. Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Professor Mthuli Ncube has acknowledged the government's recognition of this healthcare gap, stating there are plans underway to establish cancer screening facilities in rural areas. He indicated that current efforts are focused on procuring the necessary equipment and medications for cancer treatment, a step in the right direction, albeit slow. The establishment of cancer screening facilities in rural clinics is essential to alleviate the fears and uncertainties faced by women like Mrs. Bhebhe. With ongoing government commitments and increased funding through measures such as the newly implemented sugar tax, there is hope for a more equitable healthcare landscape in Zimbabwe. However, it is crucial for the government to expedite these efforts and ensure that women in rural areas are not left to face the specter of cancer alone. Improved access to healthcare services and timely screenings could save countless lives and reduce the burden of cancer in the country.