That Lump Could Be Cancer, Get Tested!
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Monday October 16, 2017 16:25
Even though the general public is taught about breast cancer every year on October, many people are still unaware of the importance of getting tested for cancer and getting treatment early. The lump on or under a breast could be cancer so it is crucial to get tested as soon as possible.
When giving her testimony at the Itse Mabele A Gago campaign held in Princess Marina Hospital (PMH) on Friday, breast cancer survivor Mphoentle Dimbahongho said she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 when she was a student at the University of Botswana.
“My mother died of cancer. I learnt a lot about cancer when I was nursing her. I read a lot about cancer. When I felt a lump on my breast, I decided to get medical assistance immediately. When I went to the clinic, the tests confirmed that I had cancer and it was on the second stage,” she said.
She said her breast was too big and the doctors could not remove the lump and they decided to remove whole breast. Dimbahongho added that she lost her hair to chemotherapy and the chemo was unbearable but she took it anyway. Despite going through that terrible ordeal, her determination to complete her studies did not stop as she continued with her studies.
“My lecturers tried to persuade me to take a break till I recovered, but I refused. I was determined to win this. I fought two battles, which are the cancer and finishing my degree. As if that was not enough, I had chemotherapy the same time with my father who had his in South Africa. Despite all odds, I passed my degree with flying colours,” she said.
However, she pointed out that in 2010 she had persistent pains in her chest and the remaining breast that was hanging alone caused it. The doctors then suggested that the breast had to be reduced into a smaller size and she underwent surgery. She was later diagnosed with cancer on the remaining breast in 2011 where the lump was removed. Later in 2012, she had another lump which was also removed.
Her second breast was removed in 2013. She said she had a lump on her neck in 2016 and it was removed even though it was not cancerous. She said when she thought she had beaten cancer, she was told she had cancer on her chest and was told to go through her 10th surgery and she refused because her body could not take any more surgery.
“I changed my lifestyle. I stopped eating refined food. I ate healthy food, more especially traditional foods. In July when I went for a scan, my doctor told me that I am cancer free. I am taking my prescriptions. I will continue doing so till my doctor tells me to stop. I urge the public to stop eating unhealthy and fatty foods and exercise regularly to keep fit,” she said.
She added that her battle with cancer inspired her to write a book that raises awareness on breast cancer.
In an interview with The Monitor, Dr Tlotlo Ralefala said breast cancer was increasing in Botswana. She said 1.6 million cases of breast cancer were registered in the world in 2012 where half of them died. However, she pointed out that most of their patients sought medical attention when the sickness was at an advanced stage.
“We have both early and advanced stages. We are not sure if this is attributed to lack of knowledge or being afraid of being stigmatised.
“Some think having cancer is the end of life, and that is why we have decided to raise awareness on breast cancer,” she said.