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Botswana recently joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Cancer Day in Mochudi village under the theme ‘I am and I will’’. This year’s them is a call to action for each individual to take action towards the fight against cancer, leading to a cancer free world.

When officiating at the event, the Honourable Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Alfred Madigele stated that cancer is the second leading cause of death globally. He said that it is estimate that 1400 new cancers are diagnosed annually in Botswana with the vast majority (70%) being diagnosed late when there is little chance for cure and treatment is more expensive and uncomfortable for patients.

Madigele said that cancer and other Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD’s) are fuelled largely by factors such as tobacco, alcohol use, lack of exercise and unhealthy diets. He added that government is committed to fighting cancer “and will continue to provide health promotion, disease prevention and treatment services for Cancer and other NCD’s to all citizens”. He said in an effort to reduce the burden of cancers and other NCD’s the ministry has developed the multispectral national strategy (2018-2023) which will consolidate and focus country efforts in mitigating the burden of NCDs in Botswana. “The ministry is also committed to providing health services across the country for the prevention, early detection and treatment of various forms of cancer” he stated.

He continued to say that the ministry has also put in place screening modalities such as pap smear and see and treat for early cancer detection which are offered at 45 facilities across 26 districts. To enhance treatment outcomes he said the ministry has improved the turnaround time for pap smear to 4 to 6 weeks and young girls aged 9 to 13 years are vaccinated against cervical cancer. Itse mabele a gago is also use to raise awareness against breast cancer. Madigele encouraged men over 50 years of age to take responsibility and screen for prostate cancer Read more...