By Thabisani Dube
Zimbabweans’ dietary habits are increasingly putting them at risk of developing cancer, warns Lovemore Makurirofa, the Information, Research, and Evaluation Manager for the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe (CAZ).
As cases of non-communicable diseases, including cancer, continue to rise, he stresses the urgent need for people to rethink their food choices and lifestyles.
“Our bodies function as systems, and what we consume determines how well that system works. If we feed ourselves with excessive sugar, salt, and processed foods, we weaken our immune system and increase the risk of cancer,” he said.
Excessive salt intake, he warns, is not only linked to cancer but also contributes to life-threatening conditions such as hypertension and heart disease. High sugar consumption increases the risk of obesity and diabetes, both of which are associated with a greater likelihood of developing cancer.
“We also encourage people to limit their intake of red meat,” he added. “According to the World Health Organisation, animal fat is considered a cancer risk factor. We are not saying people should stop eating red meat entirely, but it should be consumed in moderation.”
Beyond diet, obesity is another major concern.
Makurirofa warns that being overweight does not only heighten the risk of developing cancer but also complicates its management.
“Obesity makes cancer much harder to deal with,” he said.
“It increases the risk of developing the disease and also brings other health complications like diabetes and high blood pressure, which can make treatment more difficult.”
To combat this, he urges Zimbabweans to regularly exercise and maintain balanced diets, emphasising the importance of small, frequent meals rather than large portions of starchy foods.
Makurirofa also raised concerns about food contamination, noting that carcinogenic chemicals used in farming can find their way into the human body, increasing the risk of cancer.
“We want people to eat food that is grown in a healthy environment, free from chemicals that can cause cancer. This is why certain chemicals are restricted in farming. Traditional foods like small grains, which are grown naturally without harmful additives, are much safer and healthier options,” he said.
He believes that adopting a diet rooted in traditional African eating habits—focused on whole, unprocessed foods—can significantly lower cancer risks.
“If we go back to eating natural foods like our ancestors did, we can avoid many of these health problems,” Makurirofa emphasised.
With cancer awareness being a key focus, the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe continues to play a vital role in education and support. The organisation is preparing for a World Cancer Day lecture at the end of the month.
“We will be discussing prevention, early detection, and treatment options,” he said.
CAZ also provides free cancer screening, counseling services, and patient support groups, in addition to assisting with medication access for eligible patients.
As Zimbabwe faces a growing crisis of non-communicable diseases, experts are calling on the public to take action.
“Prevention is always better than treatment. Small but consistent changes in diet and lifestyle can make a huge difference,” Makurirofa stressed.
He urged Zimbabweans to eat less processed food, cut down on sugar and salt, drink more water instead of fizzy drinks, and incorporate more exercise into their daily routines.
“If we take charge of what we eat today, we can improve our health outcomes tomorrow,” he said.
