11 Jun 2014

The Cancer Association of Botswana has celebrated 16 years of existence.

Established in 1998, the association is a leading service provider in supplementing existing services through provision of health promotion programmes, facilitating access to health services for cancer patients and offering support and counseling to those affected by the cancer.

Speaking at the anniversary event, chairperson, Mr Terence Balie said he was grateful that they had come this far, however that their organisation still had a lot of work to do.

“We are dedicated to raising funds towards the support of cancer management, care and control in Botswana and we are looking to expand and provide services to all areas of Botswana.”

He said that there are projects that they are currently working towards including opening an office in Francistown, where they will be able to provide services to the people there.

Dr Malebogo Pusoentsi from the Ministry of Health assured the public that cancer was curable if diagnosed early and that 80 percent of cancer patients were still surviving.

“The government can only do so much; the rest is up to the organizations and the citizens. I encourage Batswana to get tested and make life style changes that will help decrease their chances of getting cancer such as smoking and drinking because cancer is a reality in Botswana.”

She further added that although the total number of new cancer cases increases every year, there is still hope at the end of the day if more people get diagnosed early.

“I would like to thank the Cancer Association of Botswana for its contribution because you have reached places that the ministry cannot reach and we encourage you to continue to do the work that you are doing,” said Dr Pusoentsi. Ends