Health advocates have called for stronger coordination among government, health institutions, and civil society to step up Malawi’s fight against breast cancer in the country.
Cancer continues to claim hundreds of lives every year despite growing awareness and improved treatment facilities.
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Cancer Survivor Quest’s founder, Chikhulupiliro Ng’ombe has told Nthanda Times in an interview that the country has made progress in raising awareness and providing treatment but lacks a unified strategy to ensure continuity of care and support for survivors.
“We are making strides, but they are still small strides. What we need now is a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach that brings together government, partners, and communities to fight breast cancer from all angles,” said Ng’ombe.
Ng’ombe described breast cancer as a “silent killer” that develops gradually, often going unnoticed until it is too late.
He noted that while cases are increasing at an alarming rate, access to diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up services remains limited.
“There’s still much that needs to be done. We appreciate the treatment services available at the Cancer Centre in Lilongwe, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, and a few other hospitals that are making efforts to address cancer cases.
“However, the biggest challenge remains the capacity to handle the growing number of patients. We simply don’t have enough facilities, and even more worrying is that aftercare support is almost non-existent,” said Ng’ombe.
Despite progress in raising awareness and improving access to treatment, Malawi’s fight against breast cancer continues to be weakened by poor follow-up care and limited psychosocial support for survivors.
Ng’ombe said many women are left to cope alone after undergoing treatment, with little structured help for recovery or reintegration into society.
“Once treatment is completed, most patients are left on their own. There is very little follow-up or emotional support, especially for women who undergo mastectomy. Some end up using unsafe, improvised methods just to feel normal again.
“Cancer is not just a medical issue, it affects social and emotional wellbeing too. That’s why the fight must involve everyone, not just health professionals,” he said.
Ng’ombe emphasized that the fight against breast cancer goes beyond the health sector.
“This is not just a medical issue, it is also a social and emotional one. Families and communities must rally around survivors instead of isolating them,” he said.
According to the 2025 report ‘Strengthening Breast Cancer Control in Malawi’, the country records about 1,600 new cases and 950 deaths from breast cancer every year.
This year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month is being commemorated under the theme “Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters,” encouraging survivors to share their experiences and inspire others to seek early screening and treatment.
