About BCT
The Breakthrough Cancer Trust Zambia (BCT) is a support group that was born out of a need to provide pre and post-surgical care to vulnerable women in Zambia suffering from breast and cervical cancer, as well as counseling and support to their family members. The Trust, was established in 2001 by the late Ursula Hickey in partnership with the late Maureen Lewanika, the late Gigi Spyron, Elizabeth Pemba, Mary Vantra and Rosalyn Mulenga. At the time of our formation, BCT Zambia was the only one of its kind in the nation. Statistics available at the time of registration revealed that breast and cervical cancer were the most prevalent diseases suffered by Zambia women and in most cases lives were lost due to the late presentation of patients to the hospital or clinic for early detection and preventative care.
The Trust is managed by members on a voluntary basis. These volunteers are compassionate and committed to rendering their time to the cause of breast and cervical cancer awareness. Membership is drawn from survivors, relatives & friends of survivors, medical professionals, well-wishers, and general advocates for cancer awareness.
Goals and Objectives
BCT was formed because the Zambian populace had a scant amount of knowledge and access to information about breast and cervical cancer. Our goal as a Trust is to:
- Promote education of early detection and breast cancer screening through ongoing cancer awareness campaigns;
- Source and distribute cancer medications free of charge;
- Partner with the Cancer Diseases Hospital and oncologists to provide cancer screenings;
- Provide free/subsidized mastectomy prosthesis breast forms and bras; and
- Offer counseling to cancer patients, their families and friends from trained Reach For Recovery counselors.
Our gains since our inception are that we grew from operating out of the Radio Phoenix Headquarters, which was the office premises of the late Ursula Hickey’s husband Errol Hickey, to adopting Ward B21 at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH). We renovated the ward with the help of well-wishers and by canvassing for funds from corporate sponsors. The Trust continues to maintain this ward, which can accommodate up to thirty five (35) patients. Whilst the BCT head office is located in Lusaka we have already established seven (7) satellite branches throughout Zambia and are planning to open more in the future to increase the number of people that can be educated through our awareness campaigns.
