Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart has called for mental health support to be a core component of breast cancer care, stating that a patient’s emotional well-being is as critical to recovery as their medical treatment.
Speaking during the Bulawayo City Council’s breast cancer awareness campaign held on Wednesday at the Large City Hall, Cllr Coltart noted that while medical treatment remains central to fighting the disease, the psychological toll it takes on patients is often overlooked.
The Mayor said anxiety, depression, and emotional fatigue affect both patients and their caregivers, making it essential to integrate psychosocial support into every stage of cancer care.
“Mental well-being is as essential as physical health, yet it is often overlooked, especially for those already battling chronic illness like breast cancer,” Cllr Coltart said.
“A breast cancer diagnosis is a life altering event, and the emotional toll it takes is significant. It is crucial to recognise that physical health and mental health are not separate, but rather two sides of the same coin.”
Cllr Coltart highlighted that many people diagnosed with breast cancer experience
depression, anxiety, isolation and other mental health challenges as they navigate their diagnosis and treatment.
“For caregivers and loved ones, the mental burden is equally heavy. Mental health challenges are often invisible, yet they affect millions,” he said.
“The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that four percent of Zimbabweans live with depression and 2.8 percent experience anxiety disorders.
“Between 2015 and 2019, the Zimbabwe Republic Police recorded 2 563 suicide cases, a heart-breaking reminder that emotional pain can be deadly when left unspoken.”
Cllr Coltart said healing must be a holistic process and this year’s theme speaks to the individual nature of each person’s experience with breast cancer.
“We must create a space where it is okay not to be okay. Where individuals feel supported in expressing their feelings without judgement. Breast cancer calls for equitable, high-quality care for all embedded with psychosocial support,” he said.
The mayor noted that although breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers
worldwide, early detection, better treatment, and greater awareness have improved survival rates.
He also called on the need for improved access to screening, affordable care and support throughout the treatment journey to ensure that greater strides are achieved.
“We must continue to push for accessible mammography services, community outreach and education, not just during October, but all year-round,” he said.
“As the City of Bulawayo, we are in a unique position to bridge the gap. Let us commit to embedding mental health support into every stage of cancer care. Let’s train frontline workers to recognise emotional distress and respond with empathy.
“We must create safe spaces where patients and families can speak openly about their struggles without stigma. Our community health workers must be encouraged to carry not just medical tools, but also messages of hope and psychological support.”