ZOP boosts breast cancer awareness for disabled women

ZANZIBARI: THE Zanzibar Outreach Programme (ZOP) has pledged to ensure that women with disabilities receive breast cancer education to empower them to take swift action when early warning signs of the disease appear.

The coordinator of ZOP’s third phase breast cancer campaign, Ms Fatma Mustafa Zubeir made the remarks while conducting cancer screening and awareness at Dr Ali Hassan Mwinyi Secondary School at Bububu area, Urban District, Unguja.

She explained that women with disabilities have often been left behind in health campaigns, particularly on issues like breast cancer, which continues to pose a growing threat in the country.

Recognising this gap, ZOP has made it a priority to reach women with disabilities and raise awareness about breast cancer.

“It is not easy to find students with disabilities in every school, as many are still confined at home, denying them access to essential health education,” she said.

Ms Zubeir also emphasised the importance of regular health checkups and encouraged the public to reduce their intake of fatty, salty and canned foods to prevent various diseases, including cancer.

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Assistant Headteacher at the school, Ms Fatma Ali Sharif said the visit was both informative and transformative.

She urged parents of children with disabilities to seek medical attention early when symptoms appear, noting that breast cancer is treatable if detected early.

Ms Maimuna Abdallah Daudi, a student with a disability who attended the session, said most people with disabilities lack sufficient knowledge about breast cancer.

A total of 45 students were screened during the session, with one student showing early signs of the disease.