By Wendy Mkandawire
Vice President Dr. Jane Mayemu Ansah has challenged Malawians to move beyond breast cancer awareness to practical action, saying early screening and treatment save lives.
Ansah made the call on Saturday, 10th October 2026, during the “Diaries of a Young Lady” Breast Cancer Fundraising Brunch held at Sunbird Capital Hotel in Lilongwe.
In her remarks, the Vice President said while awareness campaigns are critical, they must translate into people utilizing screening and treatment services provided by government and other stakeholders.
During the event, the Vice President also paid tribute to breast cancer survivors, saying the scars left by the disease do not diminish a woman’s beauty, identity, or worth, but stand as powerful symbols of courage and resilience.
Dr. Ansah called for a multi-sectoral approach in the fight against cancer, urging government, the private sector, civil society organizations, families, and communities to join hands in strengthening awareness, expanding early detection, and providing support to patients and survivors.
She further stressed that healthcare should be treated as an essential service and not merely as a business, appealing to stakeholders to make cancer information, screening, and treatment affordable and accessible to all, especially women in rural areas.
The fundraising brunch was organized to raise funds and support for breast cancer patients and survivors under the “Diaries of a Young Lady” initiative.
