10 Points to become “Cancer Smart” and save lives
FIGHT CANCER IN 10 MINUTES
In our mission to fight cancer more effectively in Namibia, the Cancer Association of Namibia (WO30) presents a 10 question=10 minute information session to our people.
Q: What is CAN?
A: The Cancer Association of Namibia is a registered Section 21 company not for gain with the Ministry of Trade and Industry, as well as a registered welfare organisation (WO30) at the Ministry of Health and Social Services.
CAN was established in 1968 by Dr Abraham Bernhard May (Dr AB May) a specialist medical doctor and former mayor of the City of Windhoek. The Dr AB May Cancer Care Centre (named after him) at Windhoek Central Hospital was also founded by Dr May, while CAN funded the first nuclear department equipment at this State centre and till today still supports the Ministry of Health in this regard.
Q: What does CAN do?
A: CAN has at its primary mission to create awareness and educate on cancer, serve as buffer between the public, health ministry and medical fraternity with regard to cancer. CAN also renders a welfare service to those afflicted by cancer. We have several “pillars” on which we build to better the fight cancer in Namibia: Awareness and Education through talks, outreaches, events and media; Patient Financial Assistance, Psychosocial Care, Screening through the National Cancer Outreach Programme; Research and Data by administrating the Namibia National Cancer Registry; Interim home care at the House Acacia for adults and the CHICA Interim Home for childhood cancer patients; and, training and development remains a critical component of our investment in Namibia: CAN provides access to training of not only its own staff, but also State and private care givers to better understand the field of oncology.
Q: Where does the donated money go?
A: During the 2016/17 Financial Year the annual operational expenditure of the Cancer Association of Namibia amounted to N$7 047 805.00; and the income derived from projects, donations and memberships was N$7 125 458.00. For the 2017/18 Financial Year our anticipated outflow is budgeted at N$9 867 370.00. Additional to this, the budgeted capital outflow includes the development and establishment of the CAN Erongo Regional Office and Clinic at Swakopmund at an estimated investment of N$500 000; and the purchase of a patient transport vehicle at N$450 000.00. The Patient Financial Assistance Programme extended support of N$1 818 311.00 during the last financial year. Administration costs allowing the association to continue with operations was recorded at N$892 869.00. The Namibia National Cancer Registry cost in excess of N$193 000. The investment value made in respect of the National Cancer Outreach Programme exceeds N$2,1 million. The newly established CHICA Interim Home was an investment of N$3,680 million.
The nett surplus from projects and additional investments over the years annually is reinvested as per the constitution of the association to ensure the sustainability of CAN for future generations.
Q: What is cancer?
A: Cancer is a disease caused by an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in a part of the body. Cancer can start any place in the body. It starts when cells grow out of control and crowd out normal cells. This makes it hard for the body to work the way it should. Cancer is not just one disease. There are many types of cancer. Cancer can start in the lungs, the breast, the colon, or even in the blood. Cancers are alike in some ways, but they are different in the ways they grow and spread. Cancer can be treated very well for many people. In fact, more people than ever before lead full lives after cancer treatment.
Q: How can I help prevent cancer?
A:
- Don’t use tobacco products.
- Eat a healthy diet: Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables; Avoid obesity; If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation; Limit processed meats.
- Maintain a healthy weight and be physically active.
- Protect yourself from the sun.
- Get immunized for Hepatitis B and HPV – and practice safe sex.
- Get regular medical care and know your body to pick up if there are irregular lumps, growths, sores or abnormal bruising, discharge or pains.
Q: Is there a link between HIV and Cancer?
A: Yes, the three cancers that are closely linked to HIV-infection are known as “acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-defining cancers” or “AIDS-defining malignancies”: Kaposi sarcoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and cervical cancer. As cancer is closely related to a weakened immune system, the HIV-infection breaks down the protection wall (immune system) of the human body that can lead to these cancer types. A diagnosis of any one of these cancers in an HIV-positive patient marks the point at which HIV infection has progressed to AIDS.
Q: How does cancer present?
A: Because cancer is the collective name for more than 300 different cancerous disease types, they all present differently. Know your body and when you have persistent fatigue (feeling tired), swollen glands (lymph nodes), bruises and cuts not healing, lumps in the breast, abnormal discharge from the penis or cervix (with regard to penile cancer or cervical cancer) and urinary tract irregularities (prostate cancer), and sudden and persistent weight loss, contact your doctor or the Cancer Association of Namibia.
Q: Where do I go if I am worried about cancer?
A: Contact the Cancer Association of Namibia for advice or visit your physician. Get a second opinion if you feel unsure about the feedback you have received. Your health is YOUR priority and quality health care is your right!
Q: Can cancer be treated?
A: Yes! Cancer can be treated through a selection of procedures and medication. The best results in a full recovery from cancer is an early diagnosis and treatment plan. A healthy diet and lifestyle change will assist in boosting the immune system to help fight cancer together with medication. Cancers that are highly aggressive are more difficult to treat though. For the entire journey of cancer treatment, the mind plays a crucial role. To stay positive in such circumstances are trying, but a good mental fight, fights cancer harder! The Standard Bank Family Support Centre of the Cancer Association of Namibia was established exactly for this reason and CAN prides itself in taking the hands of cancer patients and their families to fight caner psychologically in addition to the medical treatment.
Q: How can I make contact with CAN?
A: Contact the Cancer Association of Namibia at www.can.org.na
<http://www.can.org.na> ; help@can.org.na <mailto:help@can.org.na> ; 061 237740 or visit the CAN head office at 90 John Meinert Street in Windhoek West. We have regional volunteers and soon a CAN Erongo Centre. We are here for you.