October = Pink = Breast Cancer Awareness

Breast cancer remains a significant health challenge in Namibia, with over 550 women diagnosed annually. Sadly, many of these diagnoses occur at advanced stages, resulting in poor prognoses and high mortality rates. Metastatic breast cancer, in particular, is a growing concern, highlighting the need for urgent and sustained intervention.The Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) has taken a leading role in addressing this crisis through awareness campaigns and screening initiatives.In 2017, CAN formalised its efforts with the launch of the National Cancer Outreach Programme (NCOP). This initiative was designed to bring cancer screening services to rural communities, focusing on early detection. The NCOP aims not only to raise awareness about breast cancer but also to train healthcare workers to identify symptoms early and refer patients for further treatment. This dual approach helps improve the overall response to breast cancer in underserved regions, increasing the chances of early intervention.In 2023, CAN took another major step by collaborating with the Dr AB May Cancer Care Centre at Windhoek Central Hospital and donor-partner Roche to launch the Namibia Breast Clinic initiative. This initiative, driven by the expertise of Drs. Marcia Venter and Annelle Zietsman and CAN chief executive Rolf Hansen was established in response to the increasing number of advanced breast cancer cases.The first breast clinic opened in February 2023, and additional clinics have since been set up in Windhoek, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Oshakati, Onandjokwe, Keetmanshoop, Mariental, Rundu and Katima Mulilo.These clinics, supported by local healthcare teams and the oncology unit at Windhoek Central Hospital, have already made a noticeable impact by providing vital screening and diagnostic services. The involvement of financial partners like Standard Bank Namibia, which joined Roche in 2024, has further strengthened these efforts.Breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer in Namibia, with 553 cases reported in 2022. If urgent public interventions are not implemented, projections by GLOBOCAN estimate that new breast cancer cases could rise to over 1 100 annually by 2050.CAN continues to encourage regular screenings as the most effective means of early detection and is dedicated to expanding access to life-saving services countrywide.

October = Pink = Breast Cancer Awareness

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-04-02

Please login to leave a comment

October = Pink = Breast Cancer Awareness

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-04-02

Please login to leave a comment

Login