Let's unite against cancer

The Monitor Editor | Tuesday October 11, 2022 06:00

Lelatisitswe’s speech coincides with a time in which the world is celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October.

The month focuses on creating awareness of identifying cancer early when it's easiest to deal with.

The cancer burden in Botswana has been increasing at an alarming rate. Between 2005 and 2018, the Botswana National Cancer Registry (BNCR) recorded over 27,000 cases, a figure that Lelatisitswe said is worrying given Botswana’s small population.

What is even dreadful to him is the annual prevalence rate. “An average of 1,400 cancer cases are diagnosed per year with the vast majority (70%) being diagnosed late when there is little chance for cure and treatment. This is a cause for alarm,” the concerned assistant minister said. The rise of cancer cases has been largely attributed to minimal prevention and support services, long delays in cancer detection and diagnosis, deficiencies in the availability of cancer medication, and shortages of workers in speciality-trained healing.

Two of the most important strategies for preventing deaths from breast cancer are early detection and treatment. Getting regular screenings is the most reliable way to find breast cancer early.

Throughout the month, we'll see people wearing pink ribbons or other pink clothing and accessories to honour those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and memorialise friends and family who have been lost to this disease.

The colour pink has come to be recognised as a reminder of this special focus. We believe this effort to raise awareness and funds for research will help lead to earlier detection and better treatments for a disease that has claimed too many of our loved ones. We all should do our part to give attention to this serious health problem, nationally, and in our communities.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month should not be viewed as a topic to be considered for a few weeks of October, and then ignored for the remaining 11 months of each year. While many people who get breast cancer do so in part because of genetics, there are lifestyle choices that can lead to contracting the disease. Smoking, drinking, and not exercising are at the top of the list for making oneself susceptible to breast cancer.

We encourage everyone to live a healthy lifestyle and take steps to keep cancer at bay. We also encourage regular screening and checkups with health facilities. The more the word is spread about the dangers of breast cancer, odds are that someone unaware may discover information that will help them avoid the horrible condition.