Cervical cancer kills 135 in //Karas in 2018
In 2018, cervical cancer accounted for 135 deaths of women mostly aged between 30 and 49 in Namibia, the governor of the //Karas Region, Lucia Basson, has said.
Basson revealed these statistics during a stakeholders' engagement on cervical cancer in Keetmanshoop last week, involving the ministries of health and social services; sport, youth and national service; information and communication technology; churches; businesses and community members.
“It is high time we take responsibility of our health. This cancer can be treated successfully as long as it is found early and the only way is to get tested. The government has in place effective and affordable testing methods that lead to the early detection of cervical cancer,” Basson said.
According to the national cancer register, cervical cancer is on the rise in Namibia and it is the second most common cancer among women in Namibia, cited Basson.
She went on to say that the loss of a woman's life is always a tragedy and the impact of cervical cancer is devastating for the affected women, their families and communities.
Basson stated that the health of the community does not rest on the health ministry alone but on the community itself too.
The governor urged healthcare workers, nurses, doctors and health extension workers to educate women and empower them and should do so to wholeheartedly serve the community with dignity and respect.
Basson also called on business people, church leaders and all community leaders to be ambassadors of crucial messages and encourage women to take care of their bodies.
“To the men; I say take care of your own health and do not leave the women in your life in this regard. It is your responsibility to encourage your sisters, girlfriend or wife to access reproductive health, including testing for cervical and breast cancer,” she said.
NAMPA
Basson revealed these statistics during a stakeholders' engagement on cervical cancer in Keetmanshoop last week, involving the ministries of health and social services; sport, youth and national service; information and communication technology; churches; businesses and community members.
“It is high time we take responsibility of our health. This cancer can be treated successfully as long as it is found early and the only way is to get tested. The government has in place effective and affordable testing methods that lead to the early detection of cervical cancer,” Basson said.
According to the national cancer register, cervical cancer is on the rise in Namibia and it is the second most common cancer among women in Namibia, cited Basson.
She went on to say that the loss of a woman's life is always a tragedy and the impact of cervical cancer is devastating for the affected women, their families and communities.
Basson stated that the health of the community does not rest on the health ministry alone but on the community itself too.
The governor urged healthcare workers, nurses, doctors and health extension workers to educate women and empower them and should do so to wholeheartedly serve the community with dignity and respect.
Basson also called on business people, church leaders and all community leaders to be ambassadors of crucial messages and encourage women to take care of their bodies.
“To the men; I say take care of your own health and do not leave the women in your life in this regard. It is your responsibility to encourage your sisters, girlfriend or wife to access reproductive health, including testing for cervical and breast cancer,” she said.
NAMPA
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