24 Feb 2022

Knowledge on cancer related issues  is necessary because it can help keep the disease at bay..

Speaking during the commemoration of World Cancer Day in Mahalapye on Wednesday, Mahalapye West MP, Mr David Tshere said screening and early detection of cancer had less drastic effects than when found at an advanced stage.

He encouraged the public to make use of available initiatives that included cervical cancer screening and know your breast campaign.

He raised concern over limited access to primary prevention and early detection, coupled with delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Mr Tshere said the limited access to palliative care and pain relief as well as shortage of specialists in medical and radiation oncology, pathology, medical physics and other essential areas, compounded the gaps which were worsened by COVID-19 pandemic, a situation that had resulted in shifting resources.

This resulted in service disruption and an overall level of uncertainty, which had affected other health issues.

He said collaborative efforts by all stakeholders could help address the challenges.

Health care services regarding cancer, he said, must be made easily accessible to all citizens regardless of where they were and urged government to adopt the Alma Ata Declaration of 1978 that emphasised health for all in both primary and secondary health care.

Mahalapye Hospital acting hospital superintendent, Dr Kagiso Tshegetsang said taking care of cancer patients needed a multi-disciplinary approach which was not only focused on individuals but all stakeholders involved, from caregivers, health care providers and parastatals.

He said caregivers of cancer patients faced many challenges and should be given the support they needed, be it psychological or financial which was where parastatals came in.

Childhood Cancer Association of Botswana founder and chairperson, Mr Kebaabetswe Sethong who is also a father to a cancer survivor said it was not easy to get primary health care services on cancer due to delays among them lack of specialists.

He said such services should be made accessible throughout the country as it was the case with HIV/AIDS and pleading with government to employ more specialists.

Mr Sethong said care givers needed counselling and psychological support since they go through a lot in taking care of their children suffering from cancer.

He also pleaded with government to build shelters for people suffering from cancer and their caregivers so that they were closer to health services. Ends