World Cancer Day Commemoration

source: Republic of Botswana (6/2/10) TAUTONA TIMES no 1 of 2010
The Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President
"Democracy, Development, Dignity, Discipline and Delivery"


C6) 1/2/10 World Cancer Day Commemoration

Ministry of Health will on February the 4th commemorate the World Cancer Day under the theme "Cancer can be prevented too". This theme is in line with the World Cancer Campaign which emphasizes that most cancers can be prevented through modification of unhealthy lifestyles.

Cancer is a global health problem and a leading cause of death around the world. In Botswana cancer is the second leading cause of death after HIV/AIDS and TB. From 1998-2008, 11363 cases have been registered. The top common cancers are skin, cervix, breast, oesophagus, eye, lymph nodes, blood, liver, prostate and bronchus.

The increase in the number of cancer cases could be attributed to the shift in lifestyle patterns. Batswana are seen to adapt into affluent lifestyles with indulgence in unhealthy lifestyle such as tobacco use, excessive alcohol use, physical inactivity and unhealthy diets.

The good news however is that World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that of these cancers, more than 40% of them can be prevented by simple measures which include:

* Stopping tobacco use
* Avoiding second hand smoking
* Limiting alcohol use
* Avoiding excessive sun exposure
* Healthy diets
* Regular exercises
* Preventing infections causing cancer

The Ministry of Health recognizes the impact of cancer in the nation and hence avails various services to control, prevent and treat cancer. Screening and early diagnosis services are available country wide. The Ministry of Health is currently partnering with other stakeholders such as Cancer Association of Botswana and Gaborone Private Hospital to provide adequate cancer care to the nation.

For more information please contact Dr. Malebogo Pusoentsi 363 2107/ 363 2661