Breast and cervical cancers remain a serious concern in Namibia.
A total of 2 474 cases of breast cancer have been reported to the National Cancer Registry, managed by the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN), between 2013 and 2017.
In comparison with the previous 5-year period where only 1 379 cases were recorded, urgent intervention is needed.
While cervical cancer is highly preventable, detectable and treatable, this form of cancer plagues southern African countries with high HIV-infection rates especially.
In Namibia, 1 565 women have been diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer during the 5 year recorded period 2013 – 2017. About three times this number have been detected with high risk precancerous lesions (CIN II and CIN III), thus getting treatment before becoming “another statistic”.
The prevention of these cancers are some of the main focus areas of the National Cancer Outreach Programme of CAN that has been screening and referring patients for faster treatment since August 2015.
In order to fund the women’s health clinics of CAN, the organisation annually hosts a pink movement that builds up to a national “Pink Day” – this year on Friday, 25 October 2019.
Due to numerous requests by Namibians from all corners of the country, and assist in timely sales to all our caring supporters of the cause, CAN has launched the “2019 Pink Day”.
For sale are various items including caps from N$100 and pink t-shirts from N$150. Pink buffs, bracelets and other small items are also available.