World Cancer Day commemorated

KHAYALETHU MPOFU | Friday February 5, 2010 00:00

According to the International Union against Cancer (UICC), 'Cancer is a term that encompasses a complex group of more than 100 different types of cancerous diseases.' On February 4, World Cancer Day, the UICC launched the campaign 'Cancer can be prevented too', focusing on how the risk of developing cancer can significantly be reduced through simple measures: such as stopping tobacco smoking , limiting alcohol consumption, avoiding excessive sun exposure, and lastly maintaining a healthy weight through eating the right food as well as exercising.

The problem of cancer in Botswana is increasing due to lack of awareness of the various kinds of cancer and the simple yet effective ways to prevent it, Kelly Murphy the Executive director of Cancer Association of Botswana (CAB) says, 'Research indicates that 40% of cancers can be prevented and that in Botswana, many people are diagnosed at the latter stages of cancer. Therefore the challenge is to raise awareness of prevention and early detection of cancer in Botswana.'

Each year, over 12 million people receive a cancer diagnosis and 7.6 million die of the disease. In remembrance of all the sufferers and victims of the disease, World Cancer Day 2010 focused, through the UICC and its members to raise awareness of cancer prevention. Cancer affects many different parts of the body ranging from the skin to the brain, however in Botswana the four most common cancers are cervical cancer, oesophagus cancer, Kaposi Sarcoma, and lastly breast cancer. 'The different types of cancers are unique, with their own causes, symptoms, and methods of treatment. As with all groups of disease, some are more common than others,' says Kelly.

CAB is an organisation that assists in helping cancer sufferers around Botswana through the following means: Interim cancer care program, counselling, and motivational speaking from cancer survivors.

Cancer cases in Botswana are growing rapidly due in part to the correlation between AIDS and certain types of cancer of the major type such as cancer of the skin known as Kaposi Sarcoma, 'The Cancer Association of Botswana is coping with the increasing number of cancer patients and the greater need for awareness of prevention and early detection with support from the local community,' says Kelly.

As a result of this the community has bandied together in various efforts like fund raising, counselling and volunteering for the various programs that CAB offers to cancer patients such as awareness programs, care programs, support programs and lastly reach and recovery.

Non-communicable diseases such as cancer through different partnerships from the global level to the community will help raise awareness of different types of cancer and methods of preventing and treating them. Achievements in prevention and control of cancer and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) will have a major positive impact, not only on international health but also on global development.

'Partnership will be essential for the success of the NCD Action Plan,' commented Dr Ala Alwan, Assistant Director-General for Non-communicable Diseases and Mental Health at WHO. 'The Plan specifically calls upon international partners, countries and WHO to promote partnerships for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases. The Global Non-communicable Disease Network - NCDnet - was created to directly support this objective. Partners are working together to advocate collectively, increase resource availability and facilitate country-level action.'