02 Nov 2026

Early detection for early of breast cancer can increase survival rate. 

This was said by Gumare Primary Hospital family physician, Dr Ditiro Goitsemang at a breast cancer awareness event organised by Okavango District Council recently.

Breast cancer is the second prevalent among women in Botswana after cervical cancer.

Dr Goitsemang said according to statistics a total of 424 women in Botswana were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024, and most were diagnosed when the disease was at advanced stages.

She encouraged people to seek medical attention whenever they detected lumps in their breasts, bloody or smelly discharge from nipples or discoloration of breasts.

“Learn to know your breast, to press them and squeeze nipples to check for any signs of breast cancer,” said Dr Goitsemang noting that young women were now increasingly diagnosed with the disease compared to the past when it was common in elderly women aged 40-years and above. 

She explained that all women were at risk of breast cancer, as well as people with obesity, while smoking and drinking alcohol increased risks of all types of cancer. Cases of breast cancer detected in men were rare, said Dr Goitsemang. 

 Okavango District Council deputy chairperson, Mr Brian Samoka, said the disease not only affected individuals but communities, countries and the world and was among the leading causes of death.

Mr Samoka urged the community not to stigmitised breast cancer patients. Instead, he said people should render support and that everyone must be a cancer ambassador and encouraged early screening to increase survival rate. ENDS