Everyone Can Get Cancer-MP Kenewendo
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Monday October 30, 2017 15:09
Kenewendo, who was the chief walker, said this during the 11th Annual Stiletto Walk 2017 at the Rail Park Mall over the weekend. The event was held under the theme, ‘Big or Small, Save ’Em All.’ “Check for lumps in your breasts. If you feel a lump seek medical help. Refrain from thinking that cancer is a disease for certain people. I know many people have the mentality that cancer is the disease for people in European countries. That is wrong. Cancer affects everyone, poor or rich,” she said.
Kenewendo added that just like this year’s theme states, it is important for people to save their breasts. She said if diagnosed early, breast cancer can be treated. She pointed out that all breasts despite their size, face a danger of cancer.
The MP urged the gathering to spread the message across the country more especially to elderly women, as they are prone to getting breast cancer. She further applauded breast cancer survivors for beating cancer and encouraged breast cancer patients who are still battling it to stay strong.
Giving her testimony, Mpho Kgaodi who is a cancer survivor, said she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012. She said she had a lump in her right breast.
“The lump was tested and it was confirmed that it was cancerous. At the time, my cancer was in stage two. I went through chemotherapy. Chemo treatment was the most painful,” she said. Kgaodi added that she was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time in 2013. At the time it was in the first stage. She said the cancer started with a very sharp pain on her breast but because she knew her body, she felt that something was not right and decided to consult her doctor who confirmed it was cancer.
“Let’s keep walking. Let’s have hope. Together we can. Whatever you go through, your family will help you through it. Surround yourself with love. I thank the Cancer Association Botswana (CAB) and the Ray of Hope for teaching me about cancer and how I should change my lifestyle for the better. Keep shining,” she encouraged the gathering.
The Ray of Hope member gave the audience a demonstration on how to check for lumps. She said it was crucial for participants to know the three techniques of checking breast cancer. She said it was important for every woman to check her breasts.
“Breast cancer is one of the leading cancers in the Botswana. Its increase has been found on women who have reached menopause.
Check your breasts once every month. For women who are still on their menstruation cycles, check your breasts a week after menstruation once a month,” she said.
She explained that when checking for lumps on breasts, an individual must start from the armpit going round the breast and also check behind the nipple as the lump could hide in any part of the breast.The event also had a price giving ceremony, zumba and fitness activities.