October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month. To explore key issues around prevention, advocacy, and education, Onita Sibanda (OS) speaks with Patience Ruvimbo Tambi (PRT), a youth ambassador and passionate health advocate
OS: Welcome to tonight’s edition of The Weekly Guest Show!
I’m excited to be joined by Patience Ruvimbo Tambi as we dive into a crucial conversation, ‘Rethinking Cancer Awareness for a New Generation.’ Welcome to the show, Patience. Kindly introduce yourself.
PRT: Good evening, everyone, and thank you for having me!
My name is Ambassador Patience Ruvimbo Tambi. I’m a passionate high school student, public speaker, ZUNA ambassador, and youth advocate. I focus on issues like cancer awareness, drug and substance abuse prevention, and youth empowerment through grooming, education, and creative expression.
OS: Thank you so much, Ambassador Patience!
It’s inspiring to have such a passionate and driven young leader with us tonight. We’re excited to hear your insights as we rethink how cancer awareness can reach and empower the new generation.
Patience, as a young leader and ZUNA Ambassador, what inspired you to take such an active role in raising awareness about cancer, especially among young people?
PRT: My inspiration came from seeing how cancer affects not just individuals but families and communities, regardless of age. I realized that young people aren’t invincible, and awareness must start early. I wanted to be the voice that says, “Prevention and early detection begin with us.” I believe in the saying “catch them young.”
OS: That’s such a powerful and deeply thoughtful perspective, Patience.
Many young people often see cancer as a disease that affects only older adults. How do you work to challenge that misconception and make cancer awareness relevant to your peers?
PRT: Absolutely, that misconception is common, and that’s exactly why awareness is important. I challenge it by showing my peers that cancer doesn’t discriminate by age. I use relatable platforms like school talks, social media, and creative performances to share facts, stories of young survivors, and the importance of early detection. I make it clear that the choices we make now, from lifestyle to awareness, impact our future. When young people see one of their own leading the conversation, it becomes real to them, and I strongly believe that the walkathon I am hosting is also a big step in challenging the misconception.
OS: That’s incredibly inspiring, Patience. You’re not just raising awareness, but you are changing narratives.
PRT: Thank you very much!
OS: You’ve used your voice through public speaking, poetry, and debates. How do you think creative expression can help spread awareness and inspire action on issues like cancer prevention and early detection?
PRT: Poetry, debates, and public speaking make heavy topics easier to understand. A powerful poem or speech can make someone do what I call the 3 Ms.
These are Mira (Shona), Mirror (English), and Mirrah (Swahili). This means stop, reflect, and act. So creativity makes someone understand deeper about the things surrounding them as compared to statistics.
OS: That’s such a brilliant and creative way to put it, it’s a powerful reminder that change often begins with introspection.
How do you think schools and communities can better support cancer education and wellness programs for students?
PRT: My point exactly; if you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change.
They should integrate cancer awareness into wellness programs and host regular health talks. Schools can partner with health experts and survivors to give firsthand education that is both empowering and factual. Cancer awareness should also be part of the G and C syllabus.
OS: Absolutely, Patience, that’s a practical and powerful approach.
PRT: Yes!
OS: You also campaign against drug and substance abuse. How do you see the link between healthy lifestyle choices and reducing the risk of diseases like cancer?
PRT: Even history tells us that firsthand information is one of the best sources for information.
There’s a strong connection, and it deeply worries me every single day as I watch my brothers and sisters succumbing to the ravages of drugs and substance abuse.
Drug and substance abuse weaken the body and increase health risks. Promoting healthy habits, like clean living, exercise, and mental well-being, goes a long way in reducing preventable cancers.
#Add a vibe, save your life, say no to drugs, and say yes to healthy living.
OS: That’s such a powerful message, Patience. The connection between drug abuse and long-term health risks, including cancer, is real and often overlooked. Your passion shines through, and the call to action is clear.
I love the line: Add a vibe, save your life. It speaks directly to the youth in their own language. Let’s keep amplifying that message.
PRT: Thank you!
OS: You often speak about self-respect and personal grooming as part of holistic wellness. How do you connect these ideas with health awareness and self-care among youth?
PRT: When you value yourself, you take care of yourself. Grooming is not vanity; it’s an act of self-love. It builds confidence and reinforces the importance of hygiene, self-checks, and regular medical screening. Regular medical screening then reinforces the idea of early detection.
OS: Well said! Your message really ties confidence to health awareness in such a relatable way.
What do you see as the role of media houses such as The Besana Mail?
PRT: Media is a powerful partner in awareness. Outlets like The Besana Mail amplify youth voices, challenge stigma, and help educate the masses. You help turn our efforts into a national conversation. That’s priceless.
The fact that I get to raise awareness and inspire people my age goes to show how important the role of media is.
OS: Thank you, Patience! Honestly, having a platform that backs youth voices and breaks down stigma makes all the difference. I’m just glad to be part of the conversation and hopefully inspire others along the way.
What are your last words?
PRT: To the youth – your voice matters. To the community – empower us with platforms and information. And to everyone listening – health is wealth. Let’s keep walking, talking, and fighting together. Whether its cancer, drugs, or doubt, let your voice speak loud and your purpose shine brighter.
#Stay woke, stay kind, stay healthy, and lead with your heart.
OS: Well said! This message captures everything we stand for: unity, awareness, and purpose. Together we can keep breaking the silence, challenging stigma, and lifting each other up. Grateful to walk this journey with passionate voices like yours.
Big thank you to Patience for joining us and sharing such powerful insights. Your voice is a gift; we appreciate you.
PRT: Once again, thank you for having me.
