Scaling Up Survivor-Led Prostate Cancer Education and Survivorship Support in Botswana

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men in Botswana, and many patients face delayed diagnosis, limited awareness, stigma, and a lack of psychosocial support throughout their cancer journey. This project builds on a previously funded International Cancer Foundation pilot study that demonstrated the high acceptability and value of prostate cancer survivor narratives among patients in Botswana. The scale-up will integrate survivor-led educational videos into routine oncology and urology services across four major referral hospitals, train healthcare workers, strengthen patient counselling and navigation pathways, establish a network of survivor ambassadors, and deliver community awareness activities through radio, television, men’s health forums, and traditional kgotla meetings. By combining survivorship support, patient education, provider training, and national awareness campaigns, the project aims to improve treatment engagement, reduce stigma, promote earlier care-seeking, and establish a sustainable survivor-led model for prostate cancer care in Botswana.

– Duration: 24 months 

– Budget: 139,500 $

– Champion: Dr. Peter Vuylsteke

– Focus: Cancer Awareness and Education, Survivorship Support, Patient Navigation, Community Engagement, Health Systems Strengthening, Research

– Coverage: Botswana, including oncology and urology services at Princess Marina Hospital, Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital, Letsholathebe Memorial Hospital, and Sekgoma Memorial Hospital, alongside nationwide community awareness activities.

– Partners: Senior Independent Researcher Dr Lebogang Laletsang-Mokokwe, Botswana Ministry of Health and Wellness