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."
