Zimbabwe launches Hope for Lungs Project to combat lung cancer

Zimbabwe is taking a significant step towards addressing lung cancer with the launch of the Hope for Lungs Project, a comprehensive initiative aimed at improving early diagnosis and treatment access for the disease. The project, funded by the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation in collaboration with the Jointed Hands Welfare Organisation, seeks to reduce the incidence of lung cancer and enhance the quality of life for patients.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), lung cancer is among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths globally, with approximately 1.8 million fatalities annually. In Zimbabwe, lung cancer claims around 800 lives each year out of an estimated 1,200 new cases, 80% of which are attributed to tobacco smoking.

An inception meeting held in Kadoma recently brought together stakeholders from the Ministry of Health and Child Care, healthcare professionals, and partners to kickstart the project.

Dr. Dennis Tobaiwa, Executive Director of the Jointed Hands Welfare Organisation, outlined the project's focus on policy development, risk assessment, and precise quantification of lung cancer's burden in Zimbabwe.

"The goal is to improve access to early diagnostic services for lung cancer. We aim to develop policies, assess risk factors, and measure the true burden of the disease to implement targeted interventions," he said.

Expected outcomes include an enhanced policy framework to strengthen healthcare systems, promote equitable access to diagnostic and treatment services, and improve cancer management nationwide.

Dr. Justice Mudavanhu, the Ministry of Health and Child Care's Director for Non-Communicable Diseases, emphasized the need for targeted interventions, citing the centralization of cancer treatment and a lack of specialists as significant challenges.

"Cancer remains a specialized area, mostly confined to central-level facilities, with limited services at the district level, which forms the backbone of our healthcare system," he said.

Dr. Mudavanhu highlighted that 80-90% of cancer patients in Zimbabwe are diagnosed at advanced stages (3 or 4), significantly reducing treatment success rates. Tobacco remains the single largest risk factor, accounting for 80% of lung cancer cases.

The Ministry plans to launch a national cancer control plan next year to guide comprehensive interventions, including initiatives like the Hope for Lungs Project.

The Hope for Lungs Project will target approximately 2.5 million people across seven districts, focusing on high-risk groups such as miners, smokers, and individuals exposed to passive smoking.

Renowned oncologist Dr. Anna Mary Nyakabau emphasized the importance of early detection and awareness to combat stigma and improve treatment outcomes.

"Increased awareness and early detection are crucial. When lung cancer is detected early, it is more likely to be curable through surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy. This project will help reduce the stigma associated with cancer and improve survival rates," she said.

Zimbabwe faces a significant tobacco use problem, with approximately 864,292 male and 37,181 female smokers. Adult smoking prevalence is at 8.5%, with men accounting for 18% and women 0.7%.

Each year, about 8,696 Zimbabweans die from smoking-related illnesses. Tobacco use contributed to 6.4% of male deaths and 2.3% of female deaths in 2021, accounting for 4.5% of all deaths in the country.

By addressing the root causes of lung cancer and enhancing early detection, the Hope for Lungs Project aims to transform cancer care in Zimbabwe. Through collaboration, awareness, and policy development, the initiative aspires to bring hope and better health outcomes to communities nationwide.