HOW PINK CAN YOU GO
Journey of Hope embarks on breast cancer awareness campaign
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Through the month of October, countries embark on campaigns to raise awareness about Breast Cancer. In Botswana, for the month of October, the Journey of Hope Botswana is challenging Batswana and companies to see how pink they can go.
As part of the campaign, individuals can paint their hair, nails or dress up in pink during the month. Companies can also do their part by changing their social media logos to pink during the month. They also have an opportunity to pledge any amount to the Journey of Hope Botswana during the month. Leading the companies is Orthosurge Botswana which has pledged P10 000. Stanbic Bank Botswana has also pledged P10 000.
Speaking in an interview with this publication, Onica Lekuntwane the Coordinator of Journey of Hope Botswana explains that their main focus is to raise awareness around one of the Non- Communicable Diseases which is affecting mostly women, and men in Botswana. Lekuntwane was speaking on the sides of the just ended Avani Gaborone Resort and Casino wellness event. Avani pledged to donate 5percent from the event to the cause. She explains that, Breast Cancer is amongst the top three leading cancers in Botswana.
She explains that they want women to take charge of their breasts, and be aware of early signs of breast cancer before the signs turn to pain. It is very crucial for them to get tested before they are in pain,” she says.
Pre- Covid- 19, in October, Journey of Hope Botswana used to travel to one district through the Big Journey, where they would do breast exams, educate the public, and teach them on how to do breast exams. For the second year in a row, they will not do the tour this time. But they are still very keen to raise awareness about this silent NCD. “Even as people are dealing with Covid- 19, we are still committed to raising awareness and reaching as many people as we can,” said Lekuntwane adding that people who had NCD’s had a high mobility when they contract Covid- 19. Shedding light on the campaign, she said that those who are interested can also group themselves together, and dress up in Pink on Friday’s or even do a bit of fundraising. “Companies and individuals are welcome to pledge,” she said adding that they were also available to do a bit of awareness and give talks to interested companies/ individuals. “With this event at Avani, we are starting our month- long activities,” she said. She further highlighted that they were challenging more people to come on board. And for people to take breast health into their hands. Lekuntwane also shared that although they do not have numbers, they have been getting feedback from women who are informing them that during the Covid- 19 restrictions, they have noticed signs, and that had they taken notice earlier they might have had different outcomes. “They are informing us that had they reached
us earlier, they might have had different results,” she explains. She also highlights that woman need to take better care of themselves as cancer can spread to other organs quickly, and that once it spreads it will be difficult to manage. “Early detection is key,” said Lekuntwane. “If you notice a change in the size, shape, colour or see a nipple discharge and even a lump, seek help,” she added. Through events such as Avani Fit, she said they were hoping that people will leave behind sedentary lifestyle, which if not changed might result in NCDs.