20 Oct 2024

While Breast  Cancer is most common among women in Botswana men are not  immune to it, despite the relatively low cases with less than one per cent a year.

As such a nurse at Modikwana Ward health post in Serowe, Mr Eric Nthoiwa said it was advisable for both genders to go for annual general check-ups, as this would help in early detection of the disease.

He said this during a Breast Cancer awareness workshop on Thursday.

He said Breast Cancer was the second most common cancers in Botswana following cervical cancer.

Mr Nthoiwa further said lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of exercise and consumption of processed foods high in sugar, fats, and artificial flavours were linked to an increase in Breast Cancer cases.

He also advised Batswana to introspect  their lifestyle,  diet, urging them to resort to traditional food instead. Women, he further said, should familiarise themselves with the signs and symptoms of Breast Cancer.

Attendants were also advised to take note of early symptoms such as unequal growth of their breast, lumps in the breast or armpit, irritation or dimpling of breast skin, puckering of the nipple or pain in the nipple area and nipple discharges such as blood among other signs.

Mr Nthoiwa encouraged all to do this self-examinations every month. For her part a matron at Sekgoma Memorial Hospital, Ms Ruth Olebetse said every October, communities around the country come together to recognise Breast Cancer Awareness Month;  a national campaign that promotes breast cancer awareness, education, screening, fundraising and more.

She said Breast Cancer Awareness Month is also a time to honour those who are livingwith breast cancer. ENDS