Barminco is breast cancer aware
Barminco Mining Company enlisted the support of Journey of Hope Botswana (JOH) to help its staff members commemorate Breast cancer awareness month that just ended, in an effort to increase awareness of cancer in the workplace.
During their visit to Barminco Head office in Block 10 Gaborone, JOH, a non-profit organisation that promotes breast cancer awareness nationwide, demonstrated techniques of self-examination.
Speaking at the event, representative of JOH, Onica Lenkutwane said breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women. She urged women to normalise touching their breasts to detect lumps that may develop in their breasts and get checked immediately.
She said although breast cancer affects more women, statistically there are few men who also get breast cancer. As a result, men are also advised to also do regular checks at least once a month. Lenkutwane also demonstrated the “Touch, Look and Check” technique, to teach people how to self-test for breast lumps.
She however said there are some lumps in the breast that might not be associated with breast cancer, “a breast cancer lump does not move around it stays fixed in one position and sometimes the breast thickens without a lump,” she explained.
Other signs of breast cancer include: reddish brown or blood discharge and a change of direction of the nipples. She says a breast ultrasound check should be done at least once a year, as early detection of cancer can help prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body before it gets difficult to control.
Journey of Hope Botswana has in the past collaborated with both government and the private sector to try and spread the message. Communications and Community Relations officer at Barminco, Gaone Mogae described the commemoration as an educational engagement and relevant to their workplace as most employees are women.
She said they recently got staff members gym membership to keep them active as a sedentary lifestyle is also detrimental to their health.