Zimbabwean woman battles rare and painful breast condition

A 36-year-old woman from Shamva, Mashonaland Central, is living with a rare and debilitating breast condition that has left her physically burdened and socially isolated. Her breasts have grown abnormally large, bleed frequently, and now hang so low that she fears they may soon reach her knees or even grow to a meter in length.

Marbel Manyaura, originally from Hwedza, now lives under the care of a local headman Tekedza in Kandava, Seke, along with her sister, Ottilia Kachanzi (45). She explained that her condition started when she was 18 years old, when her breasts began to grow disproportionately compared to her age mates.

"We were seven children raised under Headman Marimira in Shamva. Our parents passed away. My breasts started growing unusually when I turned 18. The real trouble began in 2023, when they started swelling painfully and hanging extremely low. They're nearly a meter long now and I fear they may end up dragging on the ground," said Manyaura.

She revealed that her husband Edmond Hwande left her due to the condition, shortly after they had their first child.

"My condition worsened when our first child was three years old. My breasts began swelling and hanging heavily. I couldn't breastfeed, so we had to buy milk for both children. I bleed a lot from the breasts—more than 5 litres of blood sometimes," she said.

The pain makes it impossible for her to wear a bra, and the weight of her breasts forces her to lie down most of the time.

"I can't work because of the weight. If I bend over, they nearly touch the floor. Both my children—one aged three and the other seven months—have no clothes or food. Their father left us because he couldn't handle the condition."

Manyaura sought help at Karanda Mission Hospital in Mt Darwin, where she was told she needed US$250 for medical care—money she does not have.

"I now spend most of my time lying down due to the pain and weight. I returned to Shamva but now live with my sister in Seke because I have nowhere else to go."

Her condition has also subjected her to public ridicule.

"People laugh at me. Some call me a ghost's wife, others say I breastfeed calves. When I walk, they point fingers at me," said Manyaura.

Her sister, Ottilia Kachanzi, confirmed the ordeal and expressed concern over her sister's deteriorating health and the children's welfare.

"She is our little sister. Because of this illness, I've taken her in along with her children. Their parents are dead, and her husband abandoned her. We're appealing for help—both for her medical treatment and for her children's needs," said Kachanzi.

Dr Abigail Jemedze, a gynecologist, said Manyaura must be examined by breast health specialists and undergo a scan and further diagnostics.

Dr Innocent Kundiona, a general surgeon, said there's a high possibility she could be suffering from breast cancer or breast ulcers, and she must urgently visit the Breast Clinic at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals.

"There's a strong chance this could be cancer. She must start by getting help at Parirenyatwa," he advised.

ZINATHA leader George Kandiyero suggested that traditional causes may also be behind the illness.

"She must seek help from both medical doctors and traditional healers because this is a strange condition. We shouldn't rule out the possibility of witchcraft," said Kandiyero.

Pastor Hazvinei Muchefa of RECFEMI Ministries in Harare said all problems stem from evil spirits and can be defeated through prayer.

"This woman's condition is heartbreaking. All struggles are caused by evil forces. Through prayer, nothing is impossible with God," said Pastor Muchefa.