The Ministry of Health has called for heightened cancer screening and awareness as Zambia continues to record numbers of cancer cases and deaths annually.

Cancer Diseases Hospital Health Promotions Officer, Chosha Mulungu, says Zambia records about 16,000 new cancer cases each year, with more than 9,000 people dying from the disease, underscoring the urgent need to strengthen early detection and community awareness.

Mr Mulungu says the Ministry of Health and Cancer Diseases Hospital cannot address the cancer burden alone, hence the need for partnerships with organisations such as House of Hope Africa, to take screening and health information closer to communities.

Mr Mulungu was speaking during a health expo organised by House of Hope Africa in Mtendere East, where members of the public were offered free cancer screening and health education.

He said the National Cancer Control Strategic Plan goes beyond treatment and focuses on awareness and early detection, which he said are critical to improving treatment outcomes.

Mr Mulungu stated that partnerships with organisations such as House of Hope Africa provide an important platform for reaching people who may not have adequate information about cancer and other non-communicable diseases.

He further attributed the rising cancer burden to lifestyle factors, including unhealthy diets, smoking and alcohol consumption.

“Let me mention that cervical cancer remains the leading type of cancer among women, followed by breast cancer, while prostate cancer is the leading type of cancer among men,” he said.

Meanwhile, House of Hope Africa Founder, Michael Mesiti, said the organisation has been working with Cancer Diseases Hospital for nine years, supporting patients and caregivers.

Mr Mesiti said the health expo, held as part of Cancer Awareness Month, is providing cervical, prostate and breast cancer screening, alongside other medical services.

Source: https://www.lusakatimes.com/2026/10/06/moh-calls-for-heightened-cancer-awareness-screening/