03 Nov 2025

 Women over 40 years are urged to undergo an annual mammogram for early detection of breast cancer.

The appeal was made by the District Community Health Nurse, Ms Shirley Kejelepula during a Breast Cancer awareness campaign organised by the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture in Letlhakeng on Friday.

Ms Kejelepula also encouraged women to regularly perform breast self-examinations to identify any unusual changes, emphasising that any abnormalities should prompt them to seek medical evaluation.

She further advised the community to maintain a healthy diet and engage in regular physical exercise to reduce the risk of cancer.

Additionally, she encouraged breastfeeding mothers to breastfeed their babies for up to two years, explaining that the practice could lower the chances of developing breast cancer.

“Mothers who breastfed for a longer period had a lower risk of breast cancer,” she noted.

A community mobiliser at a stop smoking support group, Mr Tswelelo Baalotswe warned that smoking increased the risk of getting cancer and other non-communicable diseases.

Mr Baalotswe explained that smokers were exposed to harmful chemicals such as butane and formaldehyde, which negatively affected all organs in the body.

He also said smoking also narrowed blood vessels, making smokers more susceptible to illnesses like high blood pressure, asthma and diabetes.

An official from the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture, Mr Kgotso Oteng, stated that cancer patients needed support.

He emphasised that regular exercise and a proper diet were essential in combating cancer.

Mr Oteng explained that reducing cancer risks also helped government in cutting overwhelming costs toward cancer treatment.

He said early detection was critical. ENDS