Colorectal Cancer Joins Zimbabwe’s Top Killers — Minister Sounds Alarm on Screening
Colorectal cancer has surged into Zimbabwe’s top four most common cancers, Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora announced in Parliament on Wednesday.
He urged citizens aged 40 and above to undergo routine screenings, citing sedentary lifestyles, dietary shifts, and rising consumption of processed foods as key drivers.
Responding to Finance Committee chair Clemence Chiduwa’s inquiry on national policy, Dr Mombeshora said,..
“We generally encourage individuals over the age of 40 to undergo annual check-ups for various diseases, including cancer. For colon cancer, we advocate for a colonoscopy at 40 years, and if no abnormalities are detected, a follow-up after three years.”
He added that Zimbabwe now offers modern blood tests using tumour markers to support early diagnosis.
With colorectal cancer now joining cervical, breast, and prostate cancers as Zimbabwe’s leading threats, Dr Mombeshora emphasised that early detection is critical.
He said cancers identified early can be effectively treated through surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy.
While the screening policy is in place, many hospitals lack the capacity to implement it effectively.
Dr Mombeshora admitted that colonoscopy services are mostly confined to provincial and central hospitals with trained specialists, while district hospitals lack both equipment and qualified personnel.
To close the gap, the government is using revenue from the Sugar Tax — introduced in January 2024 to strengthen cancer care infrastructure.
Phase one targets treatment equipment, while phase two will focus on diagnostic machines including CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasound scanners.
“We hope to complete tenders by the end of the year to ensure all provincial and central hospitals are equipped,” he said.
As reported by 263chat.com, the Ministry’s strategy signals a broader shift in public health priorities, with non-communicable diseases now at the forefront.
Opposition lawmakers challenged the government’s pace.
MP Takudzwa Makumire said, “This suggests that the Government lacks urgency in solving this problem. How long will it take to procure the equipment?”
Dr Mombeshora defended the timeline, explaining that cancer treatment machines are highly specialised and expensive, with a single unit costing up to US$5 million.
He assured Parliament that the government remains committed to expanding access to screening and treatment services.
With cancer cases rising across the country, health experts warn that delayed action could cost lives.
As colorectal cancer joins Zimbabwe’s most common cancers, the urgency to strengthen early detection and equip hospitals nationwide has never been greater.
