30 Oct 2017

The District Health Management Team (DHMT) in the South East District on October 27 held a joint commemoration on breast cancer and mental health campaigns.

The commemorations were meant to raise awareness about the two diseases which are said to be increasing in the country.

A medical doctor from South East DHMT, Dr Botsang Mosime said almost everyone was affected by the two diseases, adding that it was either friends, relatives or family members who were affected.

However, he said there were certain lifestyles which people had adopted thereby exposing them to the diseases.

He cited alcohol consumption, obesity, lack of regular exercising, drugs and substance abuse and smoking among the habits that could contribute to the problems.

Dr Mosime also added that breast cancer could be treated if detected early and that it could be avoided through healthy living.

With regard to mental health, he regretted that patients were discriminated and stigmatised in most cases.

He pleaded with the community to stop stigmatising people with mental health problems and calling them derogatory names.

Chief technical officer from the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Ms Kebonye Mopako said breast cancer was the most common cancer in women worldwide, both in developing and developed countries.

She said cases of breast cancer have been increasing steadily in the country.

“This is why during this month it is relevant that we increase awareness of breast cancer among our communities,” he added.

She stated that a lot still had to be done as many people were left behind when it came to cancer issues, and that it was important for the health system to stand up and close the gap.

Ms Mopako further said mental health remained a problem in the country, saying the theme of the commemoration: Mental Health in the Workplace, was appropriate because employers needed to recognise the scale of poor mental health in the workplace and take steps to reduce the risk of the workplace being a contributor.

She said employers who put in workplace initiatives to promote mental health and support employees with mental disorders saw gains not only in the health of their employees, but also in their productivity at work.

“A negative working environment on the other hand may lead to physical and mental health problems,” she concluded. ENDS