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Final year Masters students in Oncology and Palliative Care at the University of Botswana (UB) led a Cancer Awareness Campaign on the 5th of November 2025 at Odi Matebeleng Village, educating the community and promoting early detection and prevention of cancer.

The students organised the campaign during the Cancer Awareness Day as part of their community outreach project held under the theme: “Together Against Cancer: Know It, Fight It, Beat It.” The community received general health screening services such as blood pressure checks, blood sugar testing, body mass index (BMI) assessment, temperature monitoring, demonstrations and educational materials on various health topics such as nutrition, hygiene, promoting heathy lifestyles, HIV testing and cancer screening and education. The campaign attracted various health institutions such as Tebelopele, Diagnofirm, Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital (SKMTH), District Health Management Team (DHMT), Anti-Tobacco Network, Bomaid and Fighters Support Group.

Speaking at the occasion at Oodi, Kgosi Tuelo Ntlhoiwa expressed gratitude towards UB and health professionals for bringing health services to the community. He said public education on health issues such as cancer was critical to the community to recognise early signs and symptoms. He said public education enabled the community to seek treatment at an early stage. He added that educating people on risk factors reduced chances of infections and modified lifestyle.

Giving a keynote address, SKMTH Manager Oncology and Palliative Care Nurse, Mr Bontshwanetse Baaitse, said common cancer infections found in Botswana included cervical cancer and breast cancer, most common among women. Mr Baaitse further stated that other commonly diagnosed cancers included prostate and oesophageal cancers, primarily affecting men while Kaposi’s sarcoma remained significant particularly in the context of HIV.

He noted that lifestyle factors such as tobacco, alcohol, unhealthy diet and lack of exercise, led to risk of several cancer infections. He added that genetic and family history, HIV and weak immune system as well as late health seeking and limited screening were contributing factors towards cancer infection in Botswana.

In addition, Mr Baaitse said cancer treatment depended on the type of cancer, stage and person’s overall health. He mentioned that cancer was treated using methods such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy and palliative care.