10 Oct 2025

The month of October which has come to be known as a pink month, is a period for breast cancer awareness that brings together survivors, families, and supporters to share stories of courage and resilience.

It is a time to raise awareness about the importance of prevention and routine screening for the early diagnosis of breast cancer.

Ms Pako Molosiwa aged 42, a breast cancer survivor whose journey of strength continues to inspire many, understands its significance better than most people.

She was diagnosed with Stage 3A breast cancer in February 2020, on her right breast and later underwent surgery, followed by eight cycles of chemotherapy, another 17 cycles, and 16 sessions of radiation therapy, completing her treatment in 2021.

“I was not that sickly or troubled during treatment. I exercised and kept my faith,” she said in an interview.

“A person struggling with a diagnosis needs to accept the situation in order to take treatment well,” Ms Molosiwa added.

She made it a point to ask her doctors questions throughout her treatment journey, to inform herself.

“Cancers are not the same and are not treated the same. I wanted to understand why I had to go through 17 cycles of chemotherapy while others didn’t. I did my research and learnt that cancer can come back,” she said.

It turned out that Ms Molosiwa’s curiosity was in fact an intuition to plan ahead because her cancer returned in 2024.

She did not allow herself to lose hope when she learnt of her cancer recurrence.

“Even when I was told it had come back I said, I will fight until the end,” said Ms Molosiwa.

She continues to fight and had completed another round of treatment last year.

Her recovery has been gradual, an experience that has motivated her to raise awareness and support others facing similar battles.

The knowledge she has acquired is not hers alone because she often shares her journey during corporate events and community gatherings, to help others understand the importance of awareness.

“Even outside Gaborone, there are other support groups. We meet every October to commemorate and support one another,” she said.

This year’s gathering was held on October 4 in Palapye, bringing together survivors and supporters from across the country.

Every chance I get, I encourage people and tell them that losing a breast is not the end, Ms Molosiwa said, giving herself as an example.

She said it was not easy to tell that she only had one breast just by looking at her.

Self-care she said was important hence encouraged women to check their breasts regularly, and to go for mammograms because early detection could save lives.

Ms Molosiwa, who began her treatment at Princess Marina Hospital, commended the Government of Botswana for its continued efforts in improving cancer care and providing treatment services.

Hers is a message of acceptance and resilience which she shares on social media platforms, to inspire others and give them hope, even in the face of adversity. ENDS