More Than 26,000 Lives Lost Every Day: Why Preventing Cancer Starts Long Before the Hospital

By Alain Kabinda

Every day, more than 26,000 families around the world lose a loved one to cancer. Behind every number is a story—a parent whose dreams are cut short, a child growing up without a mother or father, a young professional forced to abandon a promising career, or a grandparent who becomes another empty chair at the family table.

Cancer has become one of the world's greatest public health challenges. It is no longer a disease affecting only older people or those living in wealthy countries. Today, it touches communities across every continent, leaving behind emotional, social and economic scars that often last for generations.

According to global estimates, approximately 20.6 million people are diagnosed with cancer each year, while nearly 10 million people die from the disease. Unless governments, health systems and communities strengthen prevention and early detection efforts, annual cancer cases could climb to almost 35 million by 2050.

Health experts estimate that nearly four out of every 10 cancer cases are linked to preventable risk factors. This means millions of future diagnoses—and countless deaths—could be avoided through healthier lifestyles, stronger public health policies and timely medical care.

Speaking to Daily News in lusaka, a 28-year-old Mapalo Chongo (not her real name) first noticed a persistent lump, she dismissed it as something minor. Like many people, she believed it would disappear on its own.

"I kept telling myself it was nothing," Mapalo said. "I was busy taking care of my family and working. Going to the hospital wasn't my priority."

Weeks turned into months, and the lump grew larger. Concerned relatives urged her to seek medical attention. After a series of tests, the diagnosis came—breast cancer.

"I felt my whole world collapse," she said. "The first thing that came to my mind was that I was going to die and losing hope. I couldn't stop thinking about my child and what would happen to her."

The diagnosis brought not only emotional pain but also financial strain. Hospital visits, diagnostic tests and treatment meant travelling long distances and spending money the family had not planned for.

"There were days when I wanted to give up," said Mapalo. "Treatment was exhausting, and the financial pressure was overwhelming. But my family, my doctors and my faith kept me going."

After months of surgery, treatment and follow-up care, Mapalo received the news she had been praying for—her cancer was in remission.

"That day felt like I had been given a second chance at life, I also realised that cancer is not always a death sentence. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can save lives."

Today, she has become an advocate for cancer awareness, encouraging women and men alike not to ignore unusual changes in their bodies through the support from Cancer Society of Zambia (CSZ).

Mapalo also urged fellow men and women, "If you notice something that doesn't feel right, don't wait like I did, but go for screening. See a doctor. The earlier cancer is found, the better your chances of surviving."

"I value every day now," she said. "Cancer taught me to appreciate my family, my health and the people who stood by me. I survived, and now I want others to know that there is hope."

And speaking to Daily News Also in an interview Cancer Society of Zambia (CSZ) Communications and Administration Manager Idah Phiri said that the organisation is committed to supporting children and adults living with cancer by providing practical assistance, psychosocial support and public education aimed at improving the quality of life for patients and their families.

                                           (Ms. Idah Phiri)

According to Ms. Phiri, many patients, particularly children, require more than medical treatment. They need emotional encouragement, counselling and support to help them cope with the physical and psychological effects of the disease.

She further explained that the Society works closely with patients and caregivers to ensure they are not alone during treatment, while also raising awareness about the importance of early detection and timely access to healthcare services.

Ms. Phiri noted that families caring for children with cancer often face enormous financial and emotional challenges, making community support and partnerships essential in ensuring that young patients receive the care they need.

She added that the Cancer Society of Zambia continues to advocate for increased public awareness, regular cancer screening and improved access to diagnosis and treatment, stressing that many cancers can be successfully treated if detected early.

Ms. Phiri has called on the general public, the private sector and development partners to support cancer programmes, saying collective action is critical in reducing the burden of cancer and ensuring that every patient—regardless of age or income—has an opportunity to receive quality care.

"We want every person diagnosed with cancer to know that they are not alone," Ms. Phiri said. "Together, we can give patients hope, improve their quality of life and increase awareness that early detection saves lives."

Many cancers develop over time, influenced by behaviours and environmental exposures that people encounter throughout their lives.

Avoiding tobacco remains one of the most effective ways to reduce cancer risk. Tobacco use is responsible for millions of deaths each year and is linked to cancers of the lungs, mouth, throat, bladder and several other organs.

Vaccination also plays a critical role. Immunisation against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV)can prevent most cervical cancers and several other HPV-related cancers, while vaccination against hepatitis B significantly reduces the risk of liver cancer.

Experts further encourage people to remain physically active, maintain a healthy body weight, eat balanced diets, limit alcohol consumption and attend routine cancer screening services. Detecting cancer in its early stages dramatically improves treatment outcomes and survival rates.

Health professionals also advise people not to ignore persistent symptoms or unusual changes in their bodies. Seeking medical attention early can make the difference between successful treatment and advanced disease.

For many families, it brings anxiety, depression, uncertainty and financial hardship. Patients often face long journeys for treatment, repeated hospital visits and the emotional strain of living with an uncertain future.

Studies show that more than half of people affected by cancer experience mental health challenges, while at least 45 percent suffer financial difficulties linked to treatment expenses, transport costs and lost household income.

In some families may be forced to sell property, borrow money or withdraw children from school to meet medical expenses.

The ripple effects extend beyond individual households, reducing productivity, increasing healthcare costs and placing additional pressure on already stretched health systems.

People living in rural communities often face long distances to specialised health facilities. Others encounter shortages of screening services, diagnostic equipment, medicines or trained health professionals. Financial barriers continue to prevent many patients from seeking care until the disease has reached an advanced stage.

Public health advocates argue that no one's chances of surviving cancer should depend on where they live or how much they earn. Expanding equitable access to screening, diagnosis, treatment and palliative care is essential if countries are to reduce preventable deaths.

Reducing the global burden of cancer requires more than hospitals and doctors. Governments, employers, schools, civil society organisations and communities all have a role to play.

Strong tobacco control measures, vaccination programmes, public awareness campaigns, healthy school environments and investments in accessible healthcare can save lives before cancer develops.

Individuals, too, can make choices that protect their health—avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, attending recommended screenings and seeking medical advice when something does not feel right.

Cancer remains one of humanity's greatest health challenges, but it is not an inevitable one. With prevention, early detection and equitable access to quality care, millions of lives can be saved.

Every statistic represents a person with hopes, dreams and loved ones. Every life saved is a reminder that the fight against cancer begins long before a diagnosis—and that together, societies can build a future where fewer families experience the devastating words: "You have cancer."