Udie, Zambia
My Journey from Survivor to Advocate in Zambia
When I was first diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma at the age of 23 in 1989, Zambia had no cancer hospital, no radiation therapy options, and no oncology specialists. My treatment options were severely limited, but I was fortunate that my former employer-sponsored my treatment in Germany. There, I encountered a completely different reality, where early detection, advanced treatment, and patient support were the norm, not a privilege. This experience was life-changing, but it also left me with a lingering question: Why should access to quality cancer care depend on where you live?
Fast forward to 2015, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. This time, I witnessed firsthand how far Zambia had come. I received treatment at home, at the Cancer Diseases Hospital (CDH)—a facility that simply didn’t exist when I was first diagnosed. The ability to get care in my own country was a significant step forward, but I also observed the ongoing challenges that patients still face every day. Long waiting times, shortages of essential medicines, and financial barriers continue to put too many lives at risk.
Patient-Centered Care: The Missing Link
Cancer is more than just a disease; it is a personal journey that impacts every aspect of a patient's life. Access to early detection, timely treatment, financial support, and emotional care can significantly influence a person's chances of survival and quality of life afterwards. This World Cancer Day, with the theme “United By Unique,” we acknowledge that while each cancer experience is unique, every patient deserves the best possible care.
In Zambia, many patients continue to face delays in diagnosis, which can hinder the effectiveness of treatments. Financial difficulties often lead some to abandon their care altogether, and limited access to modern therapies means that some treatments are simply unavailable. Furthermore, survivors, like me, often encounter a lack of structured follow-up care and support systems to help them rebuild their lives after treatment.
Despite this, we must also celebrate progress:
✅ The Cancer Diseases Hospital, which continues to provide life-saving care despite challenges.
✅ Two new cancer centers in development, bringing treatment closer to more communities.
✅ Rehabilitation of the radiation department, improving access to vital therapy.
✅ MOUs with partners like the ATOM/UICC Coalition, enhancing access to affordable medicines.
Beyond Treatment: What Needs to Change?
To truly put patients first, we need bold action in several key areas:
🔹 Early Detection & Awareness: Too many people seek care too late because of lack of awareness or access. We need nationwide screening programs and education campaigns to promote early diagnosis.
🔹 Financial & Policy Support: Cancer care is expensive. More patients would survive if we had stronger government funding, insurance options, and financial aid programs to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
🔹 Healthcare Workforce & Training: We need more trained oncologists, nurses, and radiotherapists, as well as better capacity-building programs for existing healthcare workers.
🔹 Survivor & Caregiver Support: Post-treatment care matters. Many survivors struggle with long-term side effects, mental health challenges, and financial strain. We must build rehabilitation programs, survivorship care plans, and psychological support services for patients and their families.
My Commitment: Fighting for a Better Future
In 2009, I set up the Zambian Cancer Society to support cancer patients and their caregivers irrespective of age, gender or type of cancer. As a two-time survivor and advocate, I refuse to accept that cancer care should be dictated by geography, income, or resources. I remain committed to pushing for:
✔ Better access to early detection and treatment
✔ Stronger advocacy for cancer policies and funding
✔ Greater partnerships to expand treatment options
This World Cancer Day, I stand with every patient, survivor, caregiver, and advocate to demand better—because cancer care should be about survival, dignity, and the right to a healthier future.