Zim GBC News | Health and Environment
In a society where masculinity is often synonymous with silence, a hidden enemy is preying on Zimbabwean men. Breast cancer, widely perceived as a woman’s disease, is striking a small yet significant number of men, its danger amplified by deep-seated stigma and widespread ignorance.
As the world observes Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, health experts and survivors are sounding the alarm on this silent epidemic. While rare, the reality is stark: men in Zimbabwe face a 1 in 833 lifetime risk of developing breast cancer, with cultural barriers often leading to late diagnoses and tragically low survival rates.
Kevin Sibanda, a 65-year-old from Mabelreign, Harare, knows this struggle firsthand. What began as a simple pimple on his chest spiraled into a life-altering crisis.
“I was in South Africa in July 2015, working at a commercial bank when I first noticed the spot beneath my left nipple,” he recalls.
After dismissing it with creams, a mammogram in Zimbabwe revealed the grim truth.
“The doctor’s words made my blood run cold. She asked,
‘Do you have a strong support structure?’”
An aggressive lump required an urgent mastectomy.
“Breaking the news to my family was hard. I tried to reassure my sons, but I was terrified myself,” Sibanda admits. He endured 16 sessions of chemotherapy, a process he describes as hell.
“Everything tasted metallic, and I felt like I was in a fog. All I could concentrate on was surviving.”
His story is not an isolated case. According to Lovemore Makurirofa, the information, research and evaluation officer for the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe, “Risk factors include age, family history, and race.” He highlights the cultural stigma that deters men from seeking help, a sentiment Sibanda experienced painfully.
“Many believe it’s a woman’s disease. I was even called ‘half a woman,’” Sibanda recounts.
The consequences of this delay are severe. Michelle Madzudzo, the Talk Cancer Zimbabwe founder and president, explains,
“Because breast cancer in men is so rare, a man might ignore any symptoms and postpone seeing his general practitioner… this may mean that the cancer is already at an advanced stage when it’s diagnosed.”
This late detection has a dire outcome. In Zimbabwe, the survival rate for men diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer is shockingly low, with less than 7 per cent surviving.
Economic barriers further complicate the crisis. High healthcare costs and limited access to specialised services create critical delays.
“Men are reluctant to seek help due to traditional perceptions of masculinity,” Makurirofa explains.
In response, organisations are fighting back. Walter Vengesai, director of Padare, says they conduct community dialogues to encourage men to prioritise their health.
“We provide counselling and referrals to ensure men access the care they need,” Vengesai adds.
The call for proactive health checks is growing louder. Vuli Ndlovu, Cimas Health Group chief executive officer, has urged men to undergo regular screenings.
“Breast cancer remains a significant health challenge, but early detection can save lives,” he says.
The experience of another survivor, Douglas Muroyiwa from Mufakose, Harare, reinforces the message of hope.
“When I was first diagnosed, I was terrified. But with family support and proper treatment, I beat the disease,” he says, determined to encourage others to seek help.
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month unfolds, the message is clear: dismantling the stigma is a matter of life and death. The fight requires a collective effort to redefine strength, not as silent suffering, but as the courage to seek care.
For Sibanda, every day is a gift.
“Every year, I celebrate two birthdays: my actual birthday and the date I was diagnosed. That’s my life birthday. I was given a second chance.”
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