1. Cancer of the Ovaries (Ovarian Cancer):
Cancer can start in the epithelial layer or in the cells in the ovum (germ cell tumour). The epithelial tumour is the most common. The germ cell tumour is more common in young women. No causes have been identified but disturbed hormonal function plays a role especially amongst women who have few or no children. Germ cell tumours are more common in younger women and among black population groups.
2. Pancreas/ Pancreatic Cancer:
The pancreas produces insulin and other hormones that help the body to use or store energy that comes from food. It also produces pancreatic juices that help with digestion.
3. Liver Cancer:
Secondary tumours (metastases) in the liver are more common than primary tumours.
4. Kidney Cancer:
Cancer of the kidneys occur most often in people older than 40. The exact cause is unknown but there are certain risk factors: smoking, obesity and high blood pressure. Men are more likely than women to develop kidney cancer.
5. Bone Marrow Cancer (multiple myeloma):
This is a cancer of the plasma cells in the bone marrow. It inhibits functioning of the normal plasma cells (producing antibodies) and this causes infection. The red and white blood cells can also be suppressed causing anaemia and infections.
6. Bone Cancer:
Osteosarcoma mainly occurs in children and young adults especially in the upper and lower leg in the vicinity of the knee and in the upper arm close to shoulder. The cancer originates from the cells which produce bone. Many tumours manifest after the patient has sustained an injury, but these tumours cannot be attributed to injury.
7. Stomach Cancer:
Stomach cancer affects mostly older people but is also known in younger people. A diet high in smoked, salted or pickled foods may contribute and increase the risk of stomach cancer.
8. Colon and Rectum Cancer:
This cancer develops in the colon (large intestine) or rectum or affects both organs and is then called Colorectal Cancer
9. Kaposi Sarcoma (KS):
The most common site for KS is on the skin, but it may also affect internal organs, particularly the lymph nodes, the lungs and parts of the digestive system. Although KS is a type of cancer, it differs from other types of cancer as it can appear in several parts of the body at the same time, unlike other cancers which start in one place and spread to other parts of the body.
10. Bladder Cancer:
Bladder cancer starts in the wall or lining of the bladder. It occurs mostly in people older than 40 and tobacco use is the major risk factor. Bladder infection with parasites (bilharzia) increase the risk for cancer. Men are 2-3 times more likely to develop bladder cancer, while people working in rubber, textile and leather industries are at higher risk. Symptoms include blood in the urine, pain during urination and frequent urination
11. Thyroid Cancer:
The thyroid is a gland situated in the front part of the neck. Hormones are produced here that affect the heart rate, energy and body temperature. Thyroid cancer grows slowly and if detected early can be treated successfully. There are no known causes for thyroid cancer but there are risk factors – including radiation exposure, or a family history. Females are 2 to 3 times more likely to develop thyroid cancer.
12. Cancer of the head and neck:
This cancer starts on the lips, the gums, the palate, the tongue, floor of the mouth, tonsils (oropharynx), nasopharynx (back of nasal cavity connected to throat) and the nasal cavity glands.
13. Lung Cancer:
This is one of the cancer types with the highest fatality rate amongst both men and women. The main cause of lung cancer is tobacco use: cigarettes, cigars and pipe, while hubbly-bubbly and second hand smoke exposure increase risk as well. Other risks: asbestos and certain lung diseases such as tuberculosis.
14. Lymphoma:
This is cancer of the lymphatic system and is often formed in lymph nodes. The lymphatic system is an important part of our immune system and it helps us fight infection.
15. Skin Cancer:
Skin cancer is common especially in counties like Namibia, South Africa and Australia. Ultraviolet light exposure is the major cause. Those with outdoor occupations for example farmers, sportsmen and fishermen are more likely to develop skin cancer. Redheads and fair skinned people are at greater risk, while Albinism is also associated with skin cancer. But, ALL people, irrespective of skin colour/pigmentation, are at risk for skin cancer (as can be seen from Namibian statistics!).
16. Leukaemia (Blood Cancer):
Leukemia is a cancer that begins in the bone marrow and lymphatic systems where white blood cells are formed. This cancer causes a mutation in the blood cells, and these defective cells begin to multiply. These mutated cells cannot perform their job properly and result in a weekend immune system.
17. Prostate Cancer:
This is the most common cancer amongst men in Namibia. In the beginning there are no signs and symptoms but when the prostate gland enlarges the patient will experience symptoms.
18. Testicular Cancer:
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in males between 15 and 35 years. No real causes are known but boys whose testes have not descended into the scrotum, are at high risk.
19. Breast Cancer:
Breast cancer is the number 1 cancer amongst women in Namibia. Most women diagnosed with breast cancer, are older than 40 years. However, breast cancer can also occur in younger women.
20. Cervical Cancer:
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women in Namibia. However, it is a cancer that can be detected and partially prevented!
Risk Factors:
• Being overweight can lead to cancer later in life, regular exercise helps prevent cancer.
• Stop smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
• Eat 5 portions of fruit and vegetables daily.
To reduce the burden of cancer, early detection is imperative:
Know the warning signs of cancer:
• A lump or thickening in the breast or elsewhere or unusual bleeding or discharge
• Change in normal bowel or bladder habits
• Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing or hoarseness or cough
• Change in a wart or a mole or sudden loss of weight