Cancer is one of the major health concerns for women in the country, with cervical cancer being the most common type among them. Statistics indicate that about one in 14 Malawian women will develop cervical cancer in their lifetime. Our News Analyst LUCKY MKANDAWIRE talks to Women’s Coa l i t i o n Against Cance r (Wocaca) executive director and Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance Malawi chairperson MAUD MWAKASUNGULA on the country’s response to this growing public health issue.
Q1Wocaca has been at the forefront addressing cancer issues in the country, could you share the vision behind its establishment?
A1Wocaca was established by a group of women and girls whose lives were profoundly affected by cancer, either directly or indirectly. Our vision is to create a society free from the burden of cancer, where women, girls, and their families can lead healthy and fulfilling lives. This vision is rooted in addressing the disproportionate impact of reproductive cancers on Malawian women and promoting a community empowered with knowledge, resources, and access to healthcare services.
Q2How would you assess the fight against cancer in the country?
A2Efforts to raise awareness, improve early detection, and expand treatment facilities have made notable progress, but cri t ical gaps st i l l ex i st . These include limited access to specialised healthcare, particularly i n r u ra l a rea s , i nadequate funding for cancer programmes, and shor t age of oncolog y professionals. However, there are promising signs of progress, especially with government ’s commitment to addressing these challenges. Despite the hurdles, the growing recognition of cancer as a public health priority and the government’s efforts to invest in infrastructure and human resources signal a positive shift toward more comprehensive cancer care and greater access for all Malawians.
Q3What are the gaps in terms of policies and frameworks that need urgent attention to effectively address the challenges posed by cancer?
A3G o v e r n m e n t h a s a l ready demonst rated commitment and its recognition of cancer as a pressing public health issue. Let me say that addressing cancer chal lenges in Malawi requires urgent improvements in funding, healthcare infrastructure, an d wo r k f o r c e c a p a c i t y. Enhanced government and donor investment is critical to support cancer prevention, treatment and research. Strengthening healthcare systems, particularly in rural areas, is also essential for equitable access. Further, expanding training programmes for oncology specialists is important to addressing workforce shortages.
Q4Why h as Wo c a c a prioritised rural women and girls?
A4It is because they face distinct and compounded chal lenges in accessing care. Geographic barriers, such as long distances to healthcare facilities, make timely medical attention difficult. Socio-economic disparities, including poverty and limited knowledge, further hinder their ability to seek and afford care. Cultural stigma and misconceptions about cancer often prevent open discussions and early intervention. Additionally, a lack of awareness about cancer symptoms and prevention leads to delayed diagnosis, which greatly worsens outcomes. Wocaca’s focus on this demographic highlights its commitment to equity in healthcare, ensuring that at risks groups are not left behind in the fight against cancer.
Q5What p lans are to address cancer-related challenges faced by men?
A5While Wocaca primarily focuses on women and girls, we ful ly recognise the growing need to also tackle cancer challenges faced by men. Men are equally at risk of cer tain types of cancers, such as breast, prostate, testicular, and lung, which require targeted attention. In response to this, Wocaca plans to expand its outreach efforts to include initiatives that focus on men’s health. This expansion will emphasise on raising awareness about male-specific cancers, promoting early detection, and addressing the unique challenges men face in accessing cancer care.
Q6. What more needs to be done to debunk myths about the cancer?
A6. While Malawi has made some progress in raising awareness about cancer, there is still much more to be done to address the growing public health issue effectively. Efforts so far have been commendable, but we must intensify public health campaigns to reach a wider audience and ensure that cancer is understood as a critical health concern. This, also, requires using diverse media channels such as community radios, television, and social media to reach both urban and rural populations. In addition, it is key to engage community leaders, traditional healers, and local influencers to dispel harmful myths and misconceptions about cancer, creating a more informed public that is more likely to seek early detection and treatment.
Q7. What message would you like to share with Malawians struggling with cancer or those hesitant to seek help due to stigma or lack of awareness?
A7. To them I say ear l y detection saves lives. It is key that we understand the importance of regular screenings. Delay ing has led to severe consequences, so do not let fear or let stigma prevent you from taking action. Seeking medical advice early is an act of strength and self-care. Remember, jointly as a community, we can raise awareness, eliminate myths, and fight cervical cancer, and other types of cancer, with hope, courage, and determination.
