03 Nov 2025

The nation has been called on to unite in the fight against suicide cases, prostrate and testicular cancers as well as lifestyle risks faced by men today.

The call was made by Lobatse District Commissioner, Mr Mpho Mathe during an event to mark end of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and to also usher in Movember, an annual event meant to raise awareness and funds for men’s health issues.

Mr Mathe also handed over the baton to Lobatse Town Council’s town clerk, Ms Lenamile Taolo, to kick-start Movember at Lobatse Junction Mall on Friday

He said men tended to avoid visiting healthcare facilities when not well and as such, he encouraged women to actively support men by reminding them to visit healthcare facilities for early screening of non-communicable diseases.

Early detection, he stressed, could prevent severe complications or death.

Upon accepting the role to lead district activities for men’s health awareness in Movember, Ms Lenamile Taolo emphasised the importance of women’s encouragement and support in getting men to seek early screening for non-communicable diseases.

She said Movember was the time for action, as men often delayed seeking care.

Planned activities for Movember themed: Changing the Face of Men’s Health, include a charity football tournament, workplace screenings, faith-based organisation activations, youth clinic discussions and a Lekgotla la Borre social gathering.

Meanwhile, still at the same event, one of the breast cancer survivors, Ms Kagiso Lonkokile, shared her ordeal with the disease, saying it started after noticing small lumps in her breasts.

With history of cancer in her family, she said she began to suspect that it could be cancer.

Her mother, she said lost her life to cancer while her sister and father received cancer diagnosis.

Later on, she said a medical doctor confirmed her suspicion.

Following her diagnosis, she revealed that she relied on her trust in God and remained determined to fight, refusing to believe she would also die from cancer.

Ms Lonkokile, underwent chemotherapy, describing the period as tough when she lost her hair, but completed it by God’s grace.

She later underwent surgery in which doctors removed one of her breasts.

She expressed gratitude to be alive and said she also went through radiotherapy to clear any possible traces.

She stated that battling cancer was difficult, saying it was crucial for one to strictly follow medical advice to improve chances of survival.

She added that maintaining a proper diet and a healthy lifestyle was vital for recovery and long-term health. ENDS