05 Oct 2023

The Journey of Hope Botswana (JOHB) is tirelessly working to raise awareness about breast cancer and empower communities to take control of their breast health. 

  Founded in 2009, the non-profit organisation  has become a beacon of hope for breast cancer fighters, survivors, caregivers, and empathisers.

In an interview ,the organisation’s Public Relations Manager Ms Onica Lekuntwane said breast cancer ranked as one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women.

“However, the encouraging news is that it is also one of the most easily detectable forms of cancer, with signs often visible on the breast area. Recognising this critical need for awareness and early detection, JOHB is tirelessly striving to make a difference,” she said.

She said The Big Journey was the organisation's flagship annual event, a convoy of dedicated volunteers donning pink scooters and vehicles that travelled across Botswana to spread breast cancer awareness messages and provide free breast screenings. Ms Lekuntwane noted that the event symbolised JOHB's commitment to reaching every corner of the country to ensure that no one remained uninformed about this life-threatening disease.

While breast and cervical cancer are the most common cancers diagnosed among women in Botswana, she said, JOHB emphasised that men were not immune to breast cancer, even though the numbers were relatively low with less than 1 per cent a year. 

Globally, breast cancer remains the most prevalent type of cancer, with 2.3 million women diagnosed in 2020 according to the World Health Organization.

Given the status, October is internationally recognised as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and JOHB leverages this month to amplify its mission with the support of various stakeholders, including NAHPA, civil society organisations, and the private sector. As such, she said the #HowPinkCanYouGo? campaign initiated in 2021, encouraged individuals and corporations to actively participate in the fight against breast cancer

“As part of this campaign, corporations are invited to ‘bend the rules for a good cause’ by changing their social media logos to pink throughout October and pledge support for JOHB's awareness and screening activities,” she said.

This vibrant display of solidarity is coupled with meaningful action as the organisation urges everyone to wear pink ribbons, share breast cancer information through posters and pamphlets, learn self-breast examinations at home, get breast screenings through JOHB or at local health facilities, and adopt healthier lifestyle choices.

Ms Lekuntwane emphasised the importance of the campaign saying, ‘..the month is about empowerment and education. We urge everyone to make the necessary lifestyle adjustments and empower themselves with correct information about breast cancer because together we take breast cancer awareness throughout Botswana’.

JOHB highlighted that lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, and the consumption of processed foods high in sugar, fats, colourants, and artificial flavours were linked to the increase in breast cancer cases.

As the world marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, JOHB continues its unwavering journey towards a future free from the shadows of Breast cancer, said  Ms Lekuntwane  adding, ‘together, we make a difference.’ENDS