21 Nov 2016

Diagnosis of Cancer does not entail the end of life, chairperson of Cancer Association Botswana (CAB), Mr Thebe Baile has said.

Speaking during the Cancer Gleam of Light event in collaboration with Limkokwing University of Creative Technology on Saturday, Mr Baile pointed out that one could still overcome Cancer.

Mr Baile stated that the battle against Cancer was being won and those diagnosed should have hope that they were in a challenging situation, only to get better.

He quoted an Irish proverb which says, “Hope is the physician of each misery” noting that the proverb stands true to people infected and affected by Cancer.

Mr Baile said there was hope in the fight against Cancer and that patients should know that they could still live healthy, happy and productive lives.

He encouraged all care givers to provide care with hope, saying “hope does not disappoint”. However, he voiced his disappointment over people who still consider Cancer as a misery to the society.

Mr Baile explained that CAB had a mandate to reduce the impact of Cancer in Botswana, facilitated medical care and provided counselling and support to those affected.

Nevertheless, he stated that CAB alone could not manage, emphasising a need for various societal groups to volunteer and provide the much needed support whether in kind or financially.

He applauded Limkokwing University students for giving back to CAB, saying they were a living testimony of a caring nation.

For her part, a Cancer survivor, Ms Lebani Mazhani stated that Cancer was not a death sentence but a life changing and challenging experience. Ms Mazhani mentioned that she was diagnosed with Cancer of the salivary gland at the age of 23 when she had her whole life ahead of her.

She said she went through radiation and chemotherapy and has had her salivary glands removed adding that she had limited saliva production meaning there were certain food she could not eat.

Ms Mazhani, a graduate from University of Botswana with an LLB mentioned that because of limited saliva production, her mouth is not protected from acids and sugars. Nevertheless, Ms Mazhani pointed out that “Cancer is a journey, a life changing situation that one has to endure if they find themselves in the route”.

She stated that dealing with Cancer was not easy adding that “the pain, confusion and hopelessness are very real,but still hope means holding on to the pain knowing that the pain would end”.

However, she encouraged Cancer patients to go through the painful treatment options available, despite the side effects as they offer the best treatment for one to emerge a survivor.

Ms Mazhani also encouraged the care givers to had a positive supporting mind.

“Sponsorship for Cancer is low. There is no support and it is a disheartening situation,” she stated. She urged people to take their time to visit Cancer patients even if they do not know them, adding that the majority of the patients do not make it only because of lack of support.

Ms Mazhani is still undergoing treatment as her Cancer was not yet in remission.

A representative of the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Dr Malebogo Pusoentsi also called for support from individuals adding that 80 percecnt of healing does not happen in communities if they were inclusive enough.

“Only 20 per cent happens in hospitals,” she said. BOPA