Shining a Light on Cancer: Knowledge, Prevention, and Love

Betty Soonga
4 hours ago
4 min read

Radiant Hope Cancer Foundation Zambia believes that hope is based on knowledge and community. Fear of the unknown is common when faced with a cancer diagnosis. Today, we want to provide you with three important pillars of strength: studying the early warning signs, understanding prevention, and discovering how to assist one another.

Cancer affects far too many of our families, neighbours, and communities throughout Zambia. However, with knowledge and early action, we can shift the narrative. This is more than simply medicine; it's about equipping ourselves with knowledge and surrounding our loved ones in a circle of steadfast support.

1. Learn the Early Warning Signs: Your Body's Whisper

When anything is wrong with your body, it often sends signs. Learning to recognise these symptoms can save a life. Whilst these symptoms may be caused by illnesses other than cancer, they should never be disregarded. Please visit a healthcare expert if you observe any of the following consistently:

Unexpected Weight Loss: Losing weight without trying might be a warning indicator.
Unusual Lumps or Swellings: Any new lump, particularly one in the breast, testicles, armpits, or neck, should be examined.
Skin alterations include a persistent sore or a mole that changes size, colour, or form.
Persistent Cough or Hoarseness: A cough that lasts several weeks or produces blood.
Changes in Bowel or Bladder Habits: Chronic constipation, diarrhoea, or the presence of blood in stool or urine
Unexplained bleeding can occur between periods, after menopause, or in vomit.
Unexplained Sores: A sore that fails to heal in a reasonable period is pretty commonly reported as one of the first signs of being unwell with cancer.
Changes in the skin: Our skin tends to indicate what is going on in the body, some of the changes are early indications and symptoms of cancer.
Symptoms in Children: Cancer in children might manifest as odd swelling, a high temperature that isn't reduced by rest, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue that does not go away with rest. The earliest indications of cancer may be insignificant, such as repeated illnesses or changes in children's activities.
Persistent indigestion or difficulty swallowing.
Lasting Fatigue: Severe exhaustion that does not ease with rest.

Remember: You know your body best. If something feels different, trust that feeling and seek medical advice. Early detection saves lives.

2. Understanding Prevention & Screening: Taking Proactive Steps

While not all cancers can be prevented, we can significantly reduce our risk. Prevention and screening are acts of self-care and love for our families.

Healthy Living Choices: Embrace a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit processed foods and red meat. Avoid tobacco in all forms and limit alcohol consumption. Protect your skin from the sun with SPF.
Know Your Family History: Understanding your family's health history can help you and your doctor assess your risk easily.
Vaccination: Vaccines like the HPV vaccine protect against the viruses that cause cervical, anal, oropharyngeal (throat), penile, vulvar, and vaginal cancers
Screening is Key: Screening tests can find cancer before symptoms appear.
- Cervical Cancer: Regular Pap smears and HPV testing are crucial for women.
- Breast Cancer: Practice breast self-awareness and discuss clinical exams and mammograms with your doctor.
- Prostate Cancer: Men should discuss PSA testing with their healthcare provider.
- Colorectal Cancer: Screening tests are recommended from age 50, or earlier if at high risk.

At Radiant Hope, we are committed to increasing access to screening and education across Zambia. Knowledge removes fear and empowers action.

3. How to Support a Loved One: The Power of Presence

When someone you love is diagnosed with cancer, you may feel helpless. But your support is a powerful medicine. Here’s how you can help:

Listen More Than You Speak: Very often, they don’t need advice, just a safe space to share their fears and frustrations without judgment.
Offer Specific Help: Instead of "Let me know if you need anything," say "I’m going to the market, what can I bring you?" or "I’m free on Tuesday to drive you to your appointment."
Provide Practical Support: Help with meals, childcare, cleaning, or school runs. These small acts lift a huge burden.
Respect Their Journey: Everyone copes differently. Follow their lead on how much they want to talk about their illness.
Support the Caregiver: The primary caregiver also needs respite. Offer to sit with your loved one so they can rest.
Just Be There: Your quiet presence, a shared cup of tea, or watching a favourite show together can provide immense comfort.

At the Radiant Hope Cancer Foundation Zambia, we walk this path with you. From awareness campaigns in our communities to supporting patients and families through treatment, our mission is to ignite hope through action.

You are not alone. Let’s continue to learn, to screen, and to hold each other up. Share this information with someone you love. Together, we can face cancer with knowledge, courage, and radiant hope.