Cancer Survivors Lead Screening Awareness Drive at Purple Bloom and Pink Ribbons Race Day

Cancer survivors and healthcare professionals took centre stage at the Zimbho Purple Bloom and Pink Ribbons race day in Harare on Saturday, using the sporting and entertainment gathering to encourage regular screening, early diagnosis and greater support for people affected by the disease.

The awareness initiative was held at Borrowdale Park Racecourse on October 24, with the Cancerserve medical personnel, survivors and members of the public joined the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality, Minister Barbara Rwodzi for the combined horse racing, fashion, gastronomy and music with cancer education.

Dr Anna Nyakabau of Cancerserve and her medical team engaged participants on the importance of understanding cancer, recognising warning signs and seeking medical attention promptly at their exhibition tent.

The presence of cancer survivors provided a powerful reminder of the importance of early intervention and support throughout diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

Participants were encouraged to go for appropriate screening, know their bodies, pay attention to unusual changes and consult healthcare professionals whenever they notice concerning symptoms.

The message was particularly significant during the October cancer-awareness period, when breast cancer screening and education receives increased attention.

The event was used to promote awareness of multiple forms of cancer, including breast, lung, prostate, colorectal, cervical, ovarian, pancreatic, liver and stomach cancers, as well as leukaemia, lymphoma and melanoma.

The campaign emphasised that cancer is not a single disease and that awareness must extend beyond breast cancer to other forms that affect women and men.

Early detection can improve the chances of successful treatment for many cancers, although the appropriate screening method and recommended intervals vary according to the cancer type, age, personal risk and medical guidance.

Members of the public were therefore encouraged to speak to qualified healthcare professionals about appropriate screening rather than wait until symptoms become severe.

Highlighted also was the emotional and practical challenges faced by people living with cancer, reinforcing the need for families, communities and institutions to provide support.

Cancer patients may require assistance with accessing treatment, attending medical appointments, managing the emotional effects of diagnosis and maintaining their wellbeing during recovery.

The involvement of survivors helped bring these concerns into a public setting where people could engage with the subject beyond clinical environments.

The Cancerserve Pink Ribbons Cup, one of the event’s feature races, provided a visible link between the sporting programme and the cancer-awareness campaign.

The race day was planned around the Purple Bloom and Pink Ribbons theme, with participants encouraged to wear purple and pink. Pink ribbons and coordinated outfits helped reinforce the awareness message throughout the event.

Minister Barbara Rwodzi attended as part of an initiative that also sought to promote health and sports tourism, while Zimbabwe Tourism Authority chief executive Dr George Manyaya was associated with the tourism drive which also attracted diplomats, including Türkiye’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Berna Kasnaklı Versteden, alongside other invited guests.

Although the event offered fashion, cuisine and musical performances, cancer awareness remained an important part of its purpose, using a public gathering to encourage conversations that are often difficult to initiate.

The central message was that awareness must translate into action: people should seek appropriate medical advice, attend recommended screening appointments and support those affected by cancer.

By bringing survivors, healthcare workers and the wider community together, the initiative sought to make cancer education more accessible and reinforce the importance of early detection and compassionate care.