The Malawi Housing Corporation (MHC) says it has lost two employees to cancer this year, prompting renewed efforts to educate its workforce on the importance of early detection and timely treatment.

The corporation’s Public Relations Officer, Ernestina Lunguzi, disclosed the figures during a cancer awareness campaign held on Thursday as part of activities marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Lunguzi said the institution had in total lost about four employees to cancer over the past years, based on its records, underscoring the need for continued health education among staff.

She said the corporation was encouraging employees to undergo screening and seek medical attention promptly whenever they notice unusual symptoms.

“Losing people to cancer is a serious concern, which is why these awareness activities are important. We want our members of staff to understand the importance of early screening so that, if cancer is detected, they can access treatment in good time,” said Lunguzi.

The awareness campaign covered breast cancer and other forms of the disease, with medical personnel engaged to provide information to employees across the corporation’s offices in different regions.

Lunguzi said MHC would continue conducting health awareness activities in line with its policy on communicable and non-communicable diseases to promote the wellbeing of its workforce.

Meanwhile, Associate Professor Dr Lily Kumbani of the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences’ School of Maternal, Neonatal and Reproductive Health urged both men and women to be alert to changes in their breasts and seek medical attention when they notice anything unusual.

Kumbani said breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in Malawi, after cervical cancer, adding that men can also develop the disease because they have breast tissue.

“When breast cancer is detected early, the treatment outcome is generally better. That is why both women and men should understand the importance of checking their breasts and seeking medical care promptly if they notice anything unusual,” she said.

She encouraged people to visit health facilities for clinical breast examinations if they notice lumps or other changes, saying early assessment can help them receive appropriate care.

The campaign forms part of MHC’s efforts to improve cancer awareness and encourage employees to take proactive steps towards protecting their health.