…Chief Bereng Seeiso pleads with men to screen for prostate cancer
Letsatsi Selikoe
IN the quiet village of Phamong, in Mohale’s Hoek, a poignant reminder of the importance of cancer screening was echoed by Chief Seeiso Bereng Seeiso, the Principal Chief of Matsieng. This as he eulogized the late Chieftainess Nthati Bereng, who lost her life to the devastating disease.
Chieftainess Bereng succumbed to cancer on 22 May 2024 at the age of 55.
She was diagnosed with a lump on her breast in August 2022 and has been on treatment since then. Her passing serves as a stark reminder of the importance of early detection and treatment for cancer.
Her official burial was held in Phamong, her hometown, on Saturday. Several government officials including Deputy Prime Minister Thomeng Majara, Minister of Law and Justice Richard Ramoeletsi, Senate President Mamonaheng Mokitimi and several principal chiefs attended.
Speaking on behalf of His Majesty King Letsie III, his young brother Chief Seeiso paid tribute to the deceased’s remarkable qualities.
He described her as a hardworking and wise individual who always addressed issues with intelligence and conviction, rather than mere words. Her passing has left a gaping void in the community, but her legacy serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of prioritizing one’s health.
On 3 February this year, Chieftainess Bereng – who was a senator – launched her organization, Principal Chief Nthati Bereng Foundation, with the intention to contribute towards the national fight against cancer.
During the launch in Thaba Bosiu, she said it was imperative to prevent cancer because it was a chronic illness which was not only costly to manage but also painful to treat.
She revealed she had spent over M30 000 on tests alone, before she could start her chemo treatment.
Her story is a testament to the devastating impact of cancer on individuals and families.
Chief Seeiso’s words were particularly poignant as they addressed the issue of prostate cancer, a disease that affects many men in Lesotho.
His powerful words resonated with the community, emphasizing the need for men to take control of their health by seeking regular checks and getting medical attention before its too late.
According to statistics from the Lesotho Cancer Registry, cancer is a growing public health concern in the country, with breast cancer being the most common type affecting women. However, prostate cancer is also a significant threat to men’s health, with an estimated 1 in 10 men being diagnosed with the disease.
The World Health Organization (WHO) also indicated that Lesotho has one of the highest rates of cancer mortality in Africa. Its 2018 report indicated there were 1,142 new cancer cases in Lesotho, with an age-standardized incidence rate (ASR) of 35.4 per 100,000 population, with breast cancer being the most common (24.4%), followed by cervical cancer (18.2%), lung cancer (14.2%), colorectal cancer (10.3%), and prostate cancer (8.5%).
Chief Seeiso lamented the fact that many men were dying to this silent killer, which could be treated if detected early. He thus implored men to seek regular check ups for early detection of the disease.
“The fear of knowing the truth about their health is a major obstacle. It is crucial that men overcome this fear and take proactive steps to safeguard their well-being,” Chief Seeiso said.
By taking a more proactive approach, men could significantly reduce the risk of succumbing to prostate cancer and other diseases.
“The country has limited access to cancer treatment facilities and specialized healthcare services, making it even more crucial for individuals to take proactive steps to prevent and detect cancer early.
“As we bid farewell to Chieftainess Nthati Bereng, we are reminded of the importance of prioritizing our health and well-being. Her legacy serves as a powerful reminder that we must not take our health for granted and that we must take proactive steps to protect ourselves from the scourge of cancer,” he said.
“It is crucial that we take control of our health and seek medical attention if we experience any symptoms or concerns. By doing so, we can reduce our risk of succumbing to prostate cancer and other diseases, and ensure that we live long, healthy lives.”
Also addressing mourners, Ms Mokitimi praised Chieftainess Bereng’s tireless efforts, noting that she was an exemplary representative of Lesotho at the Pan-African Parliament.
For his part, Mr Ramoeletsi, who is also a member of the Senate, recalled the goodness of the late heroine.
“I remember my first days in the House of Senate, when she took the time to sit down with me and other leaders from Mohale’s Hoek to discuss how we could work together to improve our community. She was a force to be reckoned with, and her dedication to our people was unwavering.
“One of her greatest concerns was the poor state of the road from Seeka to Keane. She fought tirelessly to get the project off the ground, despite the previous government’s lack of action. I recall her tears of frustration as she spoke about the allocated funds that were never utilized.
“But I also remember her determination, and I took it upon myself to share her concerns with our leader, Ntate Sam Matekane. He saw the value in her vision, and this year, we were proud to include the project in our budget. We will see this project through to its completion, and it will be a testament of ‘Me Nthati’s unwavering commitment to our people.
“She also spoke about the importance of water and network towers in our community. These are issues that affect us all, and we are committed to addressing them. Her legacy will continue to inspire us to work towards a better future for our people,” Mr Ramoeletsi said.
