Pink October kicks off

The Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) kicked off a packed Pink October programme this past weekend with a free breast clinic at the Westlane Spar in Windhoek.A breast clinic will also be held this coming Friday from 08:30 to 13:00 at The Grove Mall in Windhoek. Volunteers will also undertake the popular 'tin shake' initiative on Friday between 06:00 and 08:00 to raise funds for the association.On Saturday, 26 October, breast cancer walks will be hosted at the Mediclinic in Windhoek and Swakopmund. CAN will also be selling cupcakes for N$15 each on the last two Fridays of the month, by order.The association is also selling various items, such as pens, T-shirts, and sunglasses, in celebration of Pink October.“We encourage women to be ‘breast aware,’ to know their bodies, and to report any changes or causes for concern to their local health facilities, doctor or CAN for early referral, diagnosis, and treatment,” said Rolf Hansen, the CEO of CAN.Statistics The majority of cancer diagnoses in Namibia – 54% – are given to women, with breast and cervical cancer being the most common.More than 550 women in Namibia are diagnosed with breast cancer annually. According to CAN, most of these women only receive a diagnosis when their cancer is already in an advanced stage, significantly worsening their prognosis and treatment outcomes.The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) noted through the Global Cancer Observatory (Globocan) that Namibia had 3 453 cancer cases in 2022, of which 553 were breast cancer cases, making this type of cancer one of the most common in Namibia.Globocan estimates that by 2050, there will be more than 1 100 new cases of breast cancer per year if urgent interventions are not implemented soon.Outrach programmeAfter CAN launched the national cancer outreach programme in 2017 with the aim of providing cancer screenings to remote communities, a breast clinic initiative was started last year in collaboration with the Dr AB May Clinic, among others.This initiative was driven by growing concerns over advanced cases of breast cancer in Namibia."Dr Marcia Venter, Dr Anelle Zietsman, and I realised that if we didn't take immediate, drastic action, the surge in breast cancer cases would soon become unmanageable," said Hansen.Nearly a year and eight months later, breast clinic programmes have been established in Windhoek, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Oshakati, Onandjokwe, Keetmanshoop, Mariental, Rundu and Katima Mulilo.– republikein@republikein.com.na

Pink October kicks off

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-19

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Pink October kicks off

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-19

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