The Tamoxifen project was an initiative that was brought up to help disadvantaged patients access this drug named Tamoxifen. Tamoxifen is a medication commonly used in the treatment of certain types of breast cancer, it is normally given after chemotherapy for about 5 -10 years, monthly. Cancerserve in partnership with Novartis, a pharmaceutical company based in Slovenia agreed to purchase the drug at a discounted rate of +- usd$5 for a month’s supply as opposed to the current market rate from retailers of +_ usd$30-$40 per month. On Friday the 28th of October 2022, Cancerserve managed to donate Tamoxifen breast cancer medication to cover 380 disadvantaged patients for the next 24 months to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals (PGH) Radiotherapy Centre.

The Maisha Cancer Treatment Fund is an ongoing project between Eco-Cash Holdings and Cancerserve that began in 2019. With a goal is to raise awareness about Cervical, Breast, Prostate, and Colo-rectal cancers, the partnership has seen Zimbabweans being educated about the cancers and possible treatment solutions. Funds raised through this partnership have seen cancer patients at Zimbabwe’s public cancer hospitals, namely Parirenyatwa Group of Hospital ,Harare and Mpilo hospitals being supported through their treatment plans.

The general public access cancer-related text messages by subscribing and registering on the Maisha Cancer Tips platform *147# select cancer tips. Cancerserve receives a percentage of the money from the subscriptions monthly which is channelled towards buying patient medication. The partnership between Cancerserve and Maisha has enabled the purchase of cis-platin chemotherapy medicine used during the radiation treatment process of cervical cancer.

In line with Cancerserve mission to enhance patient care experience in collaboration with the existing stakeholders Karanda Mission hospital located in Mount Darwin was identified as the initial destination for a cancer awareness cancer treatment access outreach destination. This gives the opportunity to reach out to the disadvantaged rural community. Cancerserve aims to replicate Karanda services to other needy provinces in a phased manner according to need. An annual initiative of fundraising, multidisciplinary outreach clinic, donation of medication and food hampers was initiated in 2019 to assist disadvantaged cancer patients. This initiative has been supported by various stakeholders that include, PCD, Greenwood Pharmaceuticals Wholesalers, Dairibord, Lions Gunhill Club, Providence Human Company, ECONET VAYA, MAGG, Parirenyatwa hospital, Mary Ann Oncology ,Board members, Talk Cancer, Second Chance and GENAU Laboratories.

October is internationally recognized as breast cancer awareness month. Cancerserve annually joins the rest of the world in commemorating this day by conducting a Zumbathon. The organisation runs extensive breast cancer awareness campaigns with organisations like Thrift Fit and Stephen Margolis Resort. The Zumbathons have been a key part of boosting the Tamoxifen Access Project Fund. Additionally, over the years Cancerserve has successfully forged a partnership with First Capital Bank in conducting a breast cancer Zumbathon to support the cancer cause.

Cancerserve through its awareness programs observed that men’s health awareness is a component that has been left out in recent years and it is an inclusive approach in trying to achieve the organisation ’s strategic intent of reducing the incidence of cancer in Zimbabwe. To keep the men engaged and informed Cancerserve has been conducting Soccer tournaments where services like free prostate cancer screenings have been done. Other services include free BMIs and consultations. The soccer tournament is an annual event which takes place in November, the month set aside for the recognition of men’s health. This event is a fundraiser where all proceeds go towards assisting disadvantaged male cancer patients.

This popular Annual Cancerserve event co-hosted with Lancet Laboratory and other partners is a platform for a ‘Power Talk’, Narration of Lived Experiences by Cancer Survivors and unpacking of some cancer myths and misconceptions by high powered cancer health professionals. It serves as a platform for open cancer conversations.

The Christmas cheer program is an annual event where disadvantaged cancer patients at Public Cancer Treatment centres receive nutritional foodstuffs hampers as a Christmas gift. Parirenyatwa Radiotherapy Centre has been the major beneficiary of this program. The organisation has worked with various stakeholders to bring a smile to cancer patients during the festive season. Cancerserve is working on engaging other partners so that we can be able to donate to other cancer hospitals.