GABORONE - Women should go for regular medical checkups to ensure that they are cancer free, says the executive director of Cancer Association of Botswana, Kelly Murphy.

Murphy made the call during a walk, dubbed the stiletto walk, whose objective was to raise awareness on breast cancer.

She called on women to stand up and take charge of their health, adding that early detection of breast could guarantee cure.

She noted that they were doing everything in their power to ensure that women around the country get all the necessary information about the disease. She said they were about to open other centres outside Gaborone, but where they did not have offices public hospitals and clinics remained accessible as they too havethe right people and equipment. However, she explained that younger women were showing more interest by visiting the association and going for medical check ups than women who were 40 years and above.

She noted that the objective of the walk was to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer since October is Breast Cancer Month.

Murphy noted that the walk was on its second year running and they were gong to make it an annual thing so that people get used to the idea.

She said this year more people came compared to last years walk.

The theme of the walk was high heels and anything pick.

One of the survivors of breast cancer, 40 year old Leungo Motshidisi said a lot of people especially women should stand up and join in the fight against breast cancer.

Ms Motshidisi said people should visit health centres, listen to the radio or even watch TV, since she first learnt about the disease during a TV programme where they explained how one could self examine themselves.

It was in 2007 after watching a TV programme that I went to bed and I examined myself. I then realised that I had this small lump inside me, it was shocking but I had to be strong so that I can overcome this, she said.

Motshidisi explained that it took courage and support from family members to overcome something like this, and like Murphy she encouraged women to hurry to clinics and hospitals to be checked.

However, she emphasised that given relevant information people could learn how to examine themselves, so that they can detect any changes earlier.

She encouraged women to join in activities like the walk and workshops so that they could know more about the disease. BOPA