Deaf Trust Zimbabwe celebrates World Cancer Day

Zim Now Writer

Deaf Zimbabwe Trust has appealed to the government to take action in ensuring that measures that assist in the fight against cancer for deaf people are available.

DZT has made the appeal as the organisation joins the world in celebrating World Cancer Day, under the theme “Close the care gap”.

The organisation said measures taken should close the gap in terms of providing cancer information and interpreters, subsidised costs and quality care.

“Over the years, DZT has supported people who are deaf and have cancer. They face various challenges including lack of access to information in appropriate formats on cancer.

"Lack of interventions prevails as they do not get information on screening early and the high costs of treatment which are usually beyond their means as they are engaged in petty vending.

“Regular dissemination in Sign Language, pictorial and simplified formats will ensure that people with disabilities access information critical for the fight against cancer,” DZT said.

The World Cancer Day seeks to raise awareness on cancer which continues to pose a serious threat to humanity as one of the deadliest diseases.

According to the World Health Organisation, cancer accounted for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020.

The most common cancers in 2020 were breast with 2.26 million cases, lung 2.21 million cases, colon and rectum 1.93 million cases, prostate 1.41 million cases, skin non-melanoma, 1.20 million cases and stomach with 1.09 million cases.