As October unfolds, marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a crucial conversation is emerging: breast cancer screening is not just a woman’s issue.

Mr. Vuli Ndlovu, Group Chief Executive Officer of Cimas Health Group, has urged men to prioritise breast cancer screenings.

This call to action challenges long-held misconceptions that this disease solely affects women, highlighting the importance of awareness and early detection across all genders.

Mr Ndlovu made the remarks on Friday when Cimas hosted the Cimas Pink-Tober Breast Cancer Breakfast Meeting at their Borrowdale Office in Harare.

“Breast cancer remains a significant health challenge, but early detection can save lives. We are committed to providing accessible health solutions and educating our communities to ensure every woman has the opportunity for early diagnosis and treatment,” Mr Ndlovu said.

“Health experts confirm that men are also at risk of developing breast cancer. While male breast cancer is rare, men, especially older ones, should remain vigilant and get regular check-ups.”

Mr Ndlovu further highlighted the importance of early diagnosis, stating that breast cancer, when detected early, is treatable. He however, notes that if diagnosed at a later stage, cancer can become much more difficult to treat, as it may have already spread to other organs.

The Cimas Pink-Tober Breast Cancer Breakfast Meeting, which brought together cancer patients and survivors to share their personal journeys, is one of the initiatives Cimas has organised as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month commemorations.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed globally every October to raise awareness about the disease.

Doctor Webster Kadzatsa, a specialist oncologist was the guest speaker at the breakfast meeting held under the global theme, “No One Should Face Breast Cancer Alone.”

Mr Ndlovu said as part of their commitment to fighting breast cancer, Cimas Health Group is offering free breast cancer screenings for all Cimas members at its clinics across the country, as well as at selected Blue Zone facilities where Cimas clinics are unavailable.

“Cimas Health Group remains committed to tackling cancer and related ailments challenges by offering accessible screening services and promoting education on the importance of early detection for both men and women,” Mr Ndlovu noted.

“Throughout October, Cimas Health Group will be having campaigns aimed at educating the public about breast cancer, the importance of regular screenings, and early diagnosis.”

Mr Ndlovu said Cimas members does not only receive breast cancer screenings during the month of October highlighting that, this service is also available throughout the year.

He said if a Cimas member tests positive, they may be eligible for cancer treatment benefit up to the global limit of their plan, depending on their package and membership duration.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, with around 2.3 million new cases annually. It accounts for one in eight cancer cases among both sexes and a quarter of all cancers in women.

Alarmingly, 70% of breast cancer-related deaths occur in resource-constrained settings.

In response to this global challenge, WHO launched the Global Breast Cancer Initiative (GBCI) in 2021, aiming to reduce mortality rates by 2.5% annually by 2040, potentially saving 2.5 million lives.

The initiative focuses on three key pillars: health promotion for early detection, timely diagnosis, and comprehensive breast cancer management.

Despite efforts to raise awareness, WHO notes that barriers within health systems and low levels of public knowledge contribute to the underutilisation of early detection services, leading to latestage diagnoses and poor outcomes.