She took time to reflect on the struggles faced by cancer patients, as the country joins the world in marking World Cancer Day this week. Motshegwe, who was diagnosed with bone cancer at just 16 years old, says the country’s health system has failed her at critical moments of her battle with the disease. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Mmegi Online, she shared her personal struggles and concerns about the system’s shortcomings. “In my opinion, the health system is not doing enough to help cancer patients; there is a delay in urgency when it comes to cancer cases. A lot of people go to hospitals with cancer symptoms, but it takes too long for the doctors to think about the possibility of cancer," said Motshegwe. She explained that patients often wait too long for a diagnosis, and even when cancer is confirmed, the treatment process is far from smooth.
“For example, in our medical system, a patient might be booked for chemotherapy, but when they get to the hospital, they are told there is no medication or that there are shortages," the survivor remarked. Motshegwe also highlighted lack of critical education about cancer in Botswana and that many people are not educated enough to recognise the early signs of cancer. "Most people don’t really know what cancer is,” she said. Reflecting on her own experience, Motshegwe recalled her initial disbelief after being diagnosed.
