When a nation of 2, 4 million inhabitants has 10 people diagnosed with cancer on average daily, urgent interventions are needed to safeguard the future of its people.
The Namibia National Cancer Registry (NNCR) administrated and funded by the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) with reviewed data emphasises the need for stronger cancer communication and treatment efforts in especially the far North (4O’s), given an average of 28% of the recorded national cancer burden derives from this area alone.
“Our statistics further show that the Erongo Region with an average of 200 out of 3 700 nationwide cases per annum recorded, need our support and efforts as well,” said Mr Rolf Hansen, Chief Executive Officer of CAN.
The Zambezi Region shows continuous high Cervical- and HIV-related cancer cases that need attention.
To this end, CAN has in 2017 opened the CAN Erongo Centre in Swakopmund in order to improve communication and screening efforts for the region, while the National Cancer Outreach Programme of CAN has a more rigorous approach to educating and screening the nation in each of the regions than ever before.
“We have established strong committees and volunteers nation-wide, partnered with the Ministry of Health and Social Services and private companies across Namibia to expand the outreaches and impact more lives,” explained Sister Christy Kavetuna, Senior Company Nurse at CAN.
The Cancer Association of Namibia explains that the best way to create awareness and educate Namibians on cancer, is through the National Cancer Outreach Programme where local schools, clinics and communities are addressed when the outreach team visits in the region. The mission is to then build capacity with local committees and volunteers in order to drive local communication campaigns that can run throughout the year. This, while local registered nurses are educated on cancer, trained and certified to conduct basic cancer screenings such as clinical breast examinations, cervical cancer screenings (Pap smear), rapid PSA testing and health check-up for possible prostate related problems, and educate on skin cancer.
As the HPV epidemic is reaching an all-time high in Namibia, education on sexual activity and how HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) and HIV has an influence on cancer diagnosis, is also communicated.
“We live in an era where when addressing high school students more than 90% are sexually active by the final year of school. We address mothers in school uniform, but when asking if they are aware of HPV, know their HIV status or have gone for a Pap test since being sexually active or post childbirth we get shockingly negative responses,” commented Hansen.
“When kids are having kids, without knowing what they are actually doing – how can we expect our nation to prosper?”
*The Namibia National Cancer Registry indicates that during 2016 more than 3 700 new cases of cancer was diagnosed in Namibia.
Skin cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer, with breast cancer the most commonly aggressive cancer type recorded.
Cervical cancer is on a sharp increase, while prostate cancer and lung cancer remains the most common cancer types amongst Namibian men.
Immuno-deficient and sexual behavioural influenced forms of cancer such as cervical-, Kaposi sarcoma and lymphoma cancers are on a rapid increase.
The 2016 and 2017 registries are currently still being populated due to slow influx of data. Cancer in not a reportable disease in Namibia yet, but CAN is confident that since the Namibia National Cancer Control Plan was drafted in 2017 and presented to the Minister of Health and Social Services, legislation will be formalized in 2018 to make Namibia a stronger cancer fighting and treating nation.
2014 – All Cancer cases recorded in Namibia: 3 304
2014 – Erongo Region: 200
2014 – Ohangwena Region: 153
2014 – Oshana Region: 631
2014 – Otjikoto Region: 94
2014 – Omusati Region: 98
2015 – All Cancer cases recorded in Namibia: 3 587
2015 – Erongo Region: 177
2015 – Ohangwena Region: 114
2015 – Oshana Region: 650
2015 – Otjikoto Region: 103
2015 – Omusati Region: 83