107-year-old granny takes Breast Cancer test

Journey of Hope Botswana (JOHB) has completed their annual cross country tour whose purpose is to raise breast cancer awareness and testing of breast cancer in villages and towns across Botswana. Spokesperson of JOHB Onica Lekuntwane said that after nine days of giving breast cancer awareness talks, demonstrating how to self-examine breasts at home, palpating chests and screening using Ultrasound and Mammography, the group of volunteers reached their target of 2500 people and even exceeded it. Lekuntwane said their most memorable test was of a 107-year -woman in Tonota, known as Mme Mma Sam Dishebo of Tholo Ward. She became the oldest patient JOHB has had the honour of serving. Dishebo attributed her long life to keeping fit by sweeping her yard every morning. Lekuntwane noted that this is a lesson for all, as a healthy lifestyle is important to fight non-communicable diseases like cancer. Lekuntwane said breast cancer normally affects women but its ripple effect transcends one’s family and friends therefore it was heartwarming to see people supporting one another in these awareness campaigns. “The first thing that impressed me was the number of men who sat patiently through the awareness talks and asked pertinent questions.” When the team arrived in Gaborone on Saturday in a convoy escorted by members of the Ulysses Riding Club, they were 55 people short of reaching their target of 2500 breast examinations. “When we announced this, during the arrival ceremony at Town Lodge in Gaborone, hands shot up in the air as the sponsors, supporters, hotel staff and guests volunteered to have their breast examinations done right there.” Lekuntwane said, adding that they were overjoyed by this as it allowed them to reach their target. The hotel graciously offered a room, and that is how the team managed to reach 2501 men and women.“Through the generosity of Bokamoso Private Hospital, all the samples collected during the trip have been sent to the lab for testing.” Lekuntane said the results will be ready in a week’s time and will indicate if the breast issues identified are cancerrelated or not. “We continue to receive breast related enquiries every day, and will continue to do what we can to assist.” Their journey still continues as they are now working towards the breast cancer awareness month in October. For the past two years, Journey of Hope could not conduct their annual ritual of going to areas which do not have the best access to medical facilities that can detect and administer treatment to breast cancer patients.