22 Aug 2017

Breast cancer is not equal to a death sentence, and the sooner it gets detected the better, says the coordinator of Journey of Hope Botswana, Ms Andrea Kampmann.

Speaking during a breast cancer screening session at Serowe Clinic on Saturday, Ms Kampmann said people were still afraid to test for breast cancer because of fear that what they felt in their breasts could turn into cancer.

Journey of Hope, a non-profit making entity comprising of volunteers, is determined to promote breast cancer awareness. It is in its eighth year of travelling across the country raising awareness about breast cancer.  

Ms Kampmann said the turnout was good as they screened over 200 women and referred 18.

She noted that when they screen, they usually get about 10 per cent of the people with breast issues, explaining that they get results for their slides from Bokamoso Private Hospital.

Ms Kampmann said they advise women to touch, look and check their breasts once a month. She said if they were familiar with their breasts, they would be able to feel if there was something unfamiliar.

“When such occurs they should take their issues to the clinic. We are concerned that when people pick such they are afraid to sick medical attention with the fear that they are having cancer, but the sooner the better.”
 

The coordinator said her team includes volunteers, four nurses and a doctor, adding that they were winning the war against the disease as they were getting better each year.

 She also noted that some of their volunteers were survivors.

The group’s spokesperson, Ms Onica Lekuntwane said despite their low mobilisation for the Serowe event, the turnout was good.

She said the time allocated for their screening was usually short to accommodate all their clients.

She noted that out of the 200 screened, they recorded 18 referrals and recommended five for ultra sounds.

She also noted that two had nipple discharges and that nine needed reassurances.

Ms Lekuntwane also said breast cancer was in the top three problematic cancers, followed by cervical and esophagus cancer.

One of the attendants, Ms Tebogo Moseki said the screening was helpful as she has been having a lump in her breast, and was booked to see a doctor at Sekgoma Memorial Hospital.

The mother of two said she was happy to learn that if they discovered something, Journey of Hope would support her with transport and accommodation.

She said it was also a relief to learn that once diagnosed, one received treatment immediately.

The team proceeded to Palapye after Serowe. ENDS