30 Oct 2016

Friends of Cancer Association of Botswana (CAB) painted the city pink on Saturday as they embarked on a 5km fun walk from Rail Park Mall to Molapo crossing and back to raise awareness against breast cancer.

The annual breast cancer stiletto walk is a brainchild of CAB which has for the past 10 years united people to walk in their stilettos in support of those affected by breast cancer.

The walk lived up to its expectation as magnitudes ascended on their stilettos to stomp down breast cancer with the theme Big or Small, Save ‘Em All. The young and the old sung the “Itse mabele a gago/ know your breasts” mantra carrying placards that relayed messages on breast cancer.

Even passersby could not help but stop and witness the noble walk with a difference that challenged men to also don their stilettos.

Prizes were awarded to outstanding participants who showed commitment by completing the walk in their stilettos.

Officiating at the walk Botswana Insurance Holdings Limited CEO, Ms Catherine Lesetedi-Letegele said such events help to raise awareness amongst the public.

She stated that 7.5 million people die every year worldwide due to cancer with developing countries being mostly affected.

She highlighted that breast cancer was the second most common cancers in Botswana following cervical cancer.

Mr Lesetedi- Letegele said fighting cancer in Southern Africa was a challenge due to the high prevalence of HIV/ AIDS which led to opportunistic diseases that included cancer.

She indicated that cancer should not be allowed to claim any lives of loved ones hence encouraging people to go for routine checks and know their breasts.

“Man y people have been diagnosed with breast cancer and they fought it and are now living testimony that breast cancer can be overcome if detected early.”

She stated that men had indicated that going for breast cancer examination can be daunting because the society believed that it was not a means disease.

She encouraged people to do self-examinations every month and watch what they eat which she said could save lives.

The CEO further commended CAB for their commitment in addressing breast cancer as they continue to serve and save Batswana. CAB patron Dr Gloria Somolekae concurred that people should eat well and reduce sugar and fat intake.

She encouraged people to stay committed to fighting breast cancer and spread the message in their homes, community, schools and work place.

She stated that as CAB they needed any form of support at the Tshiamo house where cancer patients are housed.  ENDS