Cancer survivors celebrated
ELLANIE SMIT
WINDHOEK
With cancer survivors celebrated on Friday, deputy health minister Esther Muinjangue said the cancer burden continues to grow both locally and globally.
This, she said, is exerting tremendous strain on the physical, emotional and financial well-being on individuals, families, communities and health systems.
Speaking on Cancer Survivors Day, Muinjangue said cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, accounting for an estimated 9.6 million deaths, according to statistics from the World Health Organisation in 2018.
“In Namibia to date, there are a total of 2 200 new cancer cases and 1 238 deaths.”
She said lung, prostate, colorectal, stomach and liver cancer are most common in men, while breast, colorectal, lung, cervical and thyroid are most common among women.
Prostate and breast cancer
In Namibia, prostate cancer is the most prevalent in men at 19.7%, followed by Kaposi sarcoma, lip and oral, as well as colorectal cancer.
In women, breast cancer tops the list with 27.6%, followed by cervical, Kaposi sarcoma, colorectal and ovarian cancer.
Muinjangue explained that cancer is a large group of diseases that can start in almost any organ or tissue of the body when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, and go beyond their usual boundaries to invade adjoining parts of the body and/or spread to other organs.
“Thus, the need for awareness of any form and collaborative preventative measures are imperative, through early detection of
cancer and management of patients who develop cancer.”
Social workers needed
She said in the management of cancer, social workers in particular play a vital role in working with children and their mothers, the youth, the ministry and adult patients in linking them to community resources.
She, therefore, stressed the need for social workers in the ministry.
The aim of Cancer Survivors Day is to celebrate those who survived cancer and to be an inspiration for those recently diagnosed, a gathering of support for families and an outreach to the community.
“This day is a day for everyone. It provides an opportunity for all people living with a history of cancer to connect with each other, celebrate milestones and recognise those who have supported them along the way.”
Muinjangue said the day also draws attention to the continuing challenges of cancer to promote more resources and research that will enable stakeholders to improve survivors’ quality of life.
She pointed out that cancer is a treatable illness, which has seen many patients recover and go back to their normal lives.
WINDHOEK
With cancer survivors celebrated on Friday, deputy health minister Esther Muinjangue said the cancer burden continues to grow both locally and globally.
This, she said, is exerting tremendous strain on the physical, emotional and financial well-being on individuals, families, communities and health systems.
Speaking on Cancer Survivors Day, Muinjangue said cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, accounting for an estimated 9.6 million deaths, according to statistics from the World Health Organisation in 2018.
“In Namibia to date, there are a total of 2 200 new cancer cases and 1 238 deaths.”
She said lung, prostate, colorectal, stomach and liver cancer are most common in men, while breast, colorectal, lung, cervical and thyroid are most common among women.
Prostate and breast cancer
In Namibia, prostate cancer is the most prevalent in men at 19.7%, followed by Kaposi sarcoma, lip and oral, as well as colorectal cancer.
In women, breast cancer tops the list with 27.6%, followed by cervical, Kaposi sarcoma, colorectal and ovarian cancer.
Muinjangue explained that cancer is a large group of diseases that can start in almost any organ or tissue of the body when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, and go beyond their usual boundaries to invade adjoining parts of the body and/or spread to other organs.
“Thus, the need for awareness of any form and collaborative preventative measures are imperative, through early detection of
cancer and management of patients who develop cancer.”
Social workers needed
She said in the management of cancer, social workers in particular play a vital role in working with children and their mothers, the youth, the ministry and adult patients in linking them to community resources.
She, therefore, stressed the need for social workers in the ministry.
The aim of Cancer Survivors Day is to celebrate those who survived cancer and to be an inspiration for those recently diagnosed, a gathering of support for families and an outreach to the community.
“This day is a day for everyone. It provides an opportunity for all people living with a history of cancer to connect with each other, celebrate milestones and recognise those who have supported them along the way.”
Muinjangue said the day also draws attention to the continuing challenges of cancer to promote more resources and research that will enable stakeholders to improve survivors’ quality of life.
She pointed out that cancer is a treatable illness, which has seen many patients recover and go back to their normal lives.
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