The spread of Breast Cancer in Botswana is so high that it might just topple HIV/AIDS as the number one killer of citizens, according to expert opinion. Breast cancer is “the cancer originating from breast tissue, most commonly from the inner lining of milk ducts”.
It happens to both men and women.
Judging from the statistics given to this paper, Breast Cancer is said to be the second most common killer in the country after HIV/AIDS.
A volunteer at the Cancer Association of Botswana (CAB), Sharon Nunyoro, said that one can never really rely on the statistics because they only show the number of recorded cases and excludes unrecorded ones.
“It’s quite possible that breast cancer kills more people than HIV/AIDS; a hindrance to knowing just how many cases exist lies in the fact that awareness for breast cancer issues is limited when compared to HIV/AIDS,” said Nunyoro.
October is the International Month for Breast Cancer Awareness and CAB said that it has a line-up that ensures that the month is fully utilized. Nunyoro said that they have Champagne breakfast every Friday of October from 7am until 10am.
On Saturdays they have a stall at Riverwalk Mall from 11am to 2pm where they have brochures and give out information about cancer. She said that they also give presentations to different organizations on request.
CAB accepts interested volunteers from all walks of life, especially from schools as well as international volunteers.
Currently, they have one from World University services of Canada.
Men and women are always advised to check themselves for signs and symptoms of breast cancer.
The first sign is usually the presence of a lump that is different from the rest of the breast tissue. For earlier detection of the diseases one can request a mammogram test from their doctor.
Other indications include changes in breast size or shape, skin dimpling, nipple inversion or single nipple discharge.
It’s said that both men and women can reduce the risk of getting breast cancer by reducing their alcohol intake, reducing their tobacco inhaling, exercising more, giving birth before the age of 30 and breastfeeding their babies.
The older one gets, the higher the risks of breast cancer.
