ZAMBIA recorded over 12,000 new cancer cases in 2018 out of which 7,380 deaths were recorded, says Health minister Chitalu Chiluya
Dr Chilufya said during the same period under review 3,000 new cervical cancer cases were recorded , followed by Karposis sarcoma at 1, 700, prostate cancer 1,230 and breast cancer cases stood at 900.
According to ZANIS, Dr Chilufya said this in a speech read for him by North Western Province Minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu during the national commemorations of the World Cancer Day in Solwezi yesterday under the theme: ‘I am and I will.
Dr Chilufya further announced that government was going to construct two more cancer treatment centres in Southern and Copperbelt provinces to expand the prevention and control of the disease, says health minister Chitalu Chilufya.
He said that the decentralisation of cancer services was aimed at improving access to quality health services by all.
The planned new cancer treatment centres were in addition to the 84 cervical cancer screening sites also set by government across Zambia in its quest to enhance cancer services.
Speaking earlier, World Health Organisation (WHO) country representative Nathan Bakyaita said thousands of lives could be saved with proper cancer prevention, early detection, access to proper treatment and care.
Dr Bakyaita called on all stakeholders at all levels to create an environment in which cancer risk factors were reduced.
“The Zambian government should be commended for its commitment and partnership with cooperating partners which he said has resulted in increased access to cancer services,” he said.
And Senior Chief Mujimanzovu of the Kaonde speaking people called on communities to utilize the cancer services that government was bringing closer to obtain early diagnosis and treatment.
The traditional leader said that out of 1,049 women screened for cancer at Solwezi General Hospital, 71 were found with the disease in its early stages, 41 had fully developed cervical cancer and also regretted the death of six women from the disease.