17 Nov 2021

This year’s Movember commemoration themed Changing the face of men’s health will be celebrated in Tsabong on November 19.

Movember, derived from the words Moustache and November, is a global movement in which ordinary men take on the brave task of growing a moustache for charity in a bid to raise awareness about men’s health issues specifically prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men and mental health.

This year’s annual event will be held on International men’s Day. Though being a relatively new trend locally, it has already gained an immense following with Batswana getting to know and appreciate this cancer awareness initiative.

In an interview, Cancer Association of Botswana (CAB) representative, Ms Matlagomang Gare said since Movember was an annual event aimed at raising awareness on men’s health issues, as CAB, they had chosen to raise awareness on prostate cancer.

Ms Gare indicated that prostate cancer was one of the most common types of cancers in men.

Sadly men were generally reluctant to seek medical attention, resulting in the condition being detected late and limiting the impact of treatment and the chances of long-term survival.

She further stated that prostate cancer occurred in the prostate gland, which produces the seminal fluid that nourished and transports sperm.

“Furthermore, symptoms of prostate cancer include an increasing need to pass urine, straining while passing urine and a feeling that the bladder has not fully emptied,” she explained.

Ms Gare advised men to seek medic al attention as soon as there were changes in their urinary habits.

She said the main objective of the event was to give men hope and courage that even after being diagnosed they could still live a happier, healthier and longer life.

“We as CAB continue to support and encourage men to go for testing as cancer affects them too,” she said.

Ms Gare stated that as an organisation, they were dedicated to reducing the impact of cancer on all affected by increasing awareness and education to promote healthy lifestyles.

They are also striving for early detection of cancer through health promotion programmes and by facilitating access to medical care.

“Our support goes beyond the commemoration months, by giving courage and hope to those affected and infected in the country through counseling, promoting healthy lifestyles by assisting with palliative equipment such wheelchair, frames and crutches, amongst others,” she said. Ends