Since 2020, breast cancer accounts to 17.8 percent of the new cancers and the second most common cancer in Batswana women. Breast cancer is also the second most common cause in cancer related deaths in females, with cervical cancer being the leading cause.
According to the Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital Oncology Unit Manager, Bontshetse Baaitse about 65 percent of women in Botswana present with advanced stages of breast cancer upon diagnosis.
“Breast cancer ranks among the top three cancers in Botswana, along with cervical and prostate cancers. More cases are being diagnosed due to better awareness and access to oncology services. However, many patients still present at advanced stages that is stages three or four. This drastically reduces the patients’ treatment success and survival rate. Breast cancer is treatable only if it is detected early,” pointed out Baaitse.
“With a five-year prevalence of 52.45 per 100 000 population in the United States of America only 13 percent of the women are detected with advanced stages of breast cancer, compared to 65 percent of Batswana females.”
With such a grim picture painted, treatment is mainly concentrated in Gaborone whether in public or private hospitals. This makes it expensive doubled with many long and tiring hours on the road to access chemotheraphy, radiotheraphy or surgery in the capital city.
Currently Botswana does not have a national cancer control plan in place, it is still being discussed at the Ministry of health. Considering the escalating numbers of women dying to late detection of breast cancer, government needs to put in place screening protocols at all national health facilities.
“There are no screening protocols in place at national level. Such protocols must be put in place as early as yesterday. At the moment most of the breast cancer patients are detected through opportunistic activities such as the October Breast campaign awareness month or through organized and arranged activities,” highlighted Sebathu Chiyapo Clinical Oncologist Consultant.
He said beyond the breast cancer awareness month, support groups such as Fighters Support group, Journey of Hope and Cancer Association are the only ones who are tasked with awareness and screening of breast cancer.
“These support groups are very important players in the lives of breast cancer patients and survivors. They have a critical role in advocacy and we need more of such organisations in Botswana as they are more in touch with patients offering the much-needed support. These support groups have survivors of breast cancers or other cancers who can relate very well with patients undergoing treatment or battling with the disease,” stated the Oncology Unit Manager.
“The call of action for the Government of Botswana is to empower communities through education and dialogue on breast health. Also, to support and encourage regular screening for all women as well as to strengthen access to cancer diagnosis and treatment across districts. And to stand in support of survivors and patients to reduce stigma and offer hope. “
Chiyapo called on women from the age of 40 years and above to consider mammogram screening, monthly breast cancer self-check examinations and clinical examinations whenever they visit a health facility.
“Early detection saves lives. Seek medical advice if there is a family history of breast cancer. Also eat a balanced diet of veggies and fruits, maintaining a healthy body weight and exercise regularly at least 30 minutes daily. These are measures to prevent and reduce the risk of cancers.”
