Also known as: CAN
Namibian organization that coordinates cancer awareness, screening, outreach, patient support and palliative care programmes addressing rising cancer incidence.
News reports
Order a long-term news report on Cancer Association of Namibia
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New Era
Cancer Association of Namibia received N$3.9 million donation from FNB Namibia
“FNB Namibia, through the FirstRand Namibia Foundation, donated N$3.9 million to the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) on Monday.”
FNB restores cancer patients’ dignity with N$4 millionWindhoek Observer
Cancer Association of Namibia announced in April that it had secured funding for palliative care and intended to support the development of services in public hospitals
“The Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) announced in April that it had secured funding for palliative care and intended to support the development of services in public hospitals, starting with Windhoek Central Hospital.”
Govt faces palliative care expansion challengeThe Namibian
Cancer Association of Namibia has a role in patient advocacy, awareness campaigns and supportive care
“She also recognised the Cancer Association of Namibia's role in patient advocacy, awareness campaigns and supportive care.”
Namibia records 4 000 cancer cases in 2024Namibian Sun
Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) brings its three-year locally themed #PinkNamibia campaign full circle
“This October, the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) brings its three-year locally themed #PinkNamibia campaign full circle.”
#PinkNamibia tackles breast cancerThe Namibian
Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) recorded 50 new ovarian cancer cases in Namibia in 2024
“The figures show that Namibia recorded 50 new ovarian cancer cases in 2024, while 109 women were living with ovarian cancer in the previous five years.”
Ovarian cancer claims 30 Namibians in 2024Informanté
Cancer Association of Namibia highlighted importance of recognising persistent ovarian cancer symptoms
“SEPTEMBER is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, with the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) highlighting the importance of recognising persistent symptoms after an estimated 50 new cases and 30 deaths from ovarian cancer were recorded in Namibia in 2024.”
Women urged to recognise ovarian cancer warning signsInformanté
Cancer Association of Namibia urged women to be aware of ovarian cancer symptoms
“CAN urged women to be aware of symptoms including persistent bloating or abdominal swelling, feeling full quickly, unexplained weight loss, pelvic or abdominal discomfort, persistent fatigue, back pain, changes in bowel habits and frequent or urgent urination.”
Women urged to recognise ovarian cancer warning signsThe Namibian
Cancer Association of Namibia received N$4 million funds from Bank Windhoek's Cancer Apple Project
“The funds were handed over to CAN on Tuesday in Windhoek and will be used towards cancer awareness, screening, outreach and support for patients and their families.”
Cancer Apple Project raises record N$4mThe Namibian
Cancer Association of Namibia stated that cervical cancer remains one of Namibia's biggest challenges
“He says cancer remains one of Namibia's biggest challenges, despite many efforts.”
‘I died in that moment’Windhoek Observer
Cancer Association of Namibia said cervical cancer remains the second most commonly diagnosed cancer among Namibian women despite being largely preventable
“The Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) said cervical cancer remains the second most commonly diagnosed cancer among Namibian women despite being largely preventable through early vaccination, regular screening and timely treatment of pre-cancerous lesions.”
About 98% of cervical cancer cases linked to HPVFNB Namibia's FirstRand Foundation donated N$3.9 million to the Cancer Association of Namibia to strengthen specialised palliative care at House Zietsman in Windhoek and House Johannesson in Swakopmund over three years, providing support to five state patients at no cost.
14 October 2026 · New Era →
FNB Namibia's FirstRand Foundation donated N$3.9 million to the Cancer Association of Namibia to strengthen specialised palliative care at House Zietsman in Windhoek and House Johannesson in Swakopmund over three years, providing support to five state patients at no cost.
14 October 2026 · New Era →
The ministry of health and social services has committed to strengthening support for patients with serious illnesses through improved pain management, treatment referrals, and psychological and nutritional support as Namibia seeks to expand palliative care access. However, Windhoek Central Hospital currently lacks a formal palliative care department and is pursuing a phased approach to building specialist capacity.
12 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia recorded an estimated 4,205 new cancer cases and more than 2,000 cancer deaths in 2024, according to figures from the Ministry of Health and Social Services. Breast cancer was the most commonly diagnosed among women, while cervical cancer accounted for 18.3% of all cancers among women.
10 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Cancer Association of Namibia chief executive Rolf Hansen says breast cancer patients should be given space to share their experiences, as diagnoses, treatment journeys and outcomes differ between individuals. Hansen noted that factors including cancer type, treatment intensity, cultural, socio-economic, religious circumstances and access to treatment shape each patient's unique journey.
4 October 2026 · The Namibian →
The Cancer Association of Namibia brings its three-year #PinkNamibia campaign to completion this October, centring on the Namibia Breast Clinic.
18 September 2026 · Namibian Sun →
Ovarian cancer killed about 30 women in Namibia in 2024, while 50 new cases were recorded during the same period, according to the Cancer Association of Namibia. Ovarian cancer represented 1.2% of all new cancer cases in Namibia and ranked 16th among all cancers by incidence in the country.
16 September 2026 · The Namibian →
September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month; the Cancer Association of Namibia highlights persistent symptoms after an estimated 50 new cases and 30 deaths from ovarian cancer were recorded in Namibia in 2024. The association urges women to recognise symptoms including persistent bloating, feeling full quickly, unexplained weight loss, pelvic or abdominal discomfort, fatigue, back pain, changes in bowel habits, and frequent or urgent urination.
13 September 2026 · Informanté →
Bank Windhoek's Cancer Apple Project raised a record N$4 million this year for the Cancer Association of Namibia, bringing total contributions since 2000 to N$42.4 million. The funds will support cancer awareness, screening, outreach and patient support as the 26-year campaign addresses Namibia's rising cancer burden.
5 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Karen Nakawala discovered she had cervical cancer during a screening in 2019, despite feeling healthy, after resisting her gynaecologist friend's advice to get screened for nearly a decade. She began treatment a month after diagnosis and credits early detection with her survival.
2 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Bank Windhoek's Cancer Apple Project handed over N$4 million to the Cancer Association of Namibia following its 2026 fundraising drive to support children with cancer. The funds will support the association's Children Fighting Cancer in Namibia programme, which assists young patients and their families.
1 September 2026 · The Namibian →
An estimated 98% of cervical cancer cases in Namibia are linked to persistent HPV infection. The Cancer Association of Namibia calls for greater uptake of HPV vaccination and routine cervical screening, noting that Namibia records about 453 new cervical cancer cases annually—nearly three times the global average—and that cervical cancer remains the second most commonly diagnosed cancer among Namibian women despite being largely preventable.
6 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Cancer Association of Namibia is using National Cancer Awareness Week (3–7 August) to promote HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening, warning that the disease is the second most common cancer among Namibian women despite being largely preventable. Namibia records about 453 new cervical cancer cases annually, with an age-standardised incidence rate of 37.2 per 100,000 women.
5 August 2026 · Informanté →
A new WHO Global Status Report on Cancer warns that cancer is an increasing global crisis with the greatest growth expected in low- and middle-income countries. In Namibia, the report's ABC-DO study found significant disparities in breast cancer survival rates across racial groups, with white women at 84%, mixed-race women at 69%, and black women at 45%, linked to delays in diagnosis and treatment access.
16 July 2026 · Informanté →
The health minister revealed that according to 2022 data, Namibia recorded 3,453 new cancer cases and 1,940 deaths, with projections indicating over 6,300 new cases by 2045. Key diagnoses include over 553 women annually with breast cancer, 350 with cervical cancer, and rising rates of prostate cancer and other malignancies.
19 June 2026 · New Era →
Health and Social Services Minister Esperance Luvindao warned that Namibia could record more than 6 300 new cancer cases annually by 2045, an 84% increase over two decades, if urgent action is not taken to strengthen prevention, early detection and treatment services. The country recorded approximately 2 200 new cases in 2018 and 3 453 cases by 2022, with 1 940 cancer-related deaths.
9 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Health Minister Dr Esperance Luvindao warned that Namibia could face an 84% increase in cancer cases by 2045, with projections showing more than 6,300 new cases annually by that year compared to approximately 2,200 in 2018. Experts cited delayed diagnoses, limited rural screening services and barriers to treatment as key challenges, with breast cancer and cervical cancer among the most prevalent forms.
9 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia's annual Rough & Tough Rally will run 14–17 May 2026, featuring a 1,000-kilometre journey through Damaraland with vintage car enthusiasts raising funds for the Cancer Association of Namibia. The event supports cancer outreach clinics, patient financial assistance, and palliative care programmes.
12 May 2026 · Informanté →
Rössing Uranium has donated N$135 000 to the Swakop Striders Running Club from 2026 Rössing National Marathon registration fees, to support athletics development and community sport in the Erongo region. The company also donated N$20 010 from 5km Fun Walk entry fees to the Cancer Association of Namibia.
11 March 2026 · New Era →
Namibia Health Plan has called on Namibians to get tested early for non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, cancer and mental health conditions, arguing that early intervention can reduce complications and improve quality of life. The medical aid fund is strengthening preventative healthcare initiatives including health risk assessments, screenings, chronic disease support programmes and workplace wellness interventions.
8 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The Walvis Bay Oncology Centre opened at Walvis Bay District Hospital, allowing cancer patients in Erongo to receive treatment closer to home rather than travelling to Windhoek. The facility was funded primarily by Langer Heinrich Uranium Mine and is part of efforts to decentralise cancer care services across Namibia.
5 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The Cancer Association of Namibia has opened a 10-bed palliative care facility in Swakopmund to serve cancer patients in the Erongo region, providing pain management, wound care and psychosocial support without requiring costly trips to Windhoek. The centre was established with support from donors and corporate partners including Langer Heinrich Uranium mine, which contributed over N$2 million.
26 February 2026 · New Era →
Rehoboth residents participated in a 5km walk organised by the Rehoboth Lions Club to raise funds and awareness for children affected by cancer, with proceeds directed to the Cancer Association of Namibia. The Lions Club, which has grown from three to 25 active members in two years, also runs vision care, hunger relief, and other community programmes in the town.
19 February 2026 · New Era →
The Big Walk for Young Warriors, a 5km childhood cancer awareness walk, took place in Rehoboth today, organised by the Rehoboth Lions Club in partnership with the Cancer Association of Namibia and CHICA to show support for young cancer patients.
14 February 2026 · New Era →
The Rössing National Marathon in Swakopmund on 7 March has achieved record registration with 4500 runners across multiple distance categories. Rössing Uranium will contribute over N$350 000 towards the event in 2026, with all registration fees supporting the Swakop Striders' community programmes and fun walk proceeds going to the Cancer Association of Namibia.
11 February 2026 · New Era →
Namibian health officials say the human papillomavirus vaccine, introduced in August 2025 and now part of routine immunisation, is safe and effective at preventing cervical cancer, dismissing misinformation circulating among parents about claims that it causes sterility or targets Africans. Officials note that cervical cancer is the second leading cause of death among women in Namibia and can be prevented through vaccination and screening.
6 February 2026 · The Namibian →
The Cancer Association of Namibia says geographical distance and financial hardship delay cancer diagnosis and treatment for rural patients, as specialist services remain centralised in Windhoek. The association is opening new oncology and palliative care centres in Walvis Bay and Swakopmund to improve access.
4 February 2026 · The Namibian →
The Cancer Association of Namibia has admitted its first pro bono patient at House Zietsman care facility in Windhoek, a paediatric oncology case who was previously in the public health system. The organisation said it will consider further admissions of state paediatric oncology patients subject to specialist consultation and bed availability, though free care for adult patients remains financially unviable for now.
21 January 2026 · The Namibian →
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and the Cancer Association of Namibia is urging women to undergo regular screening and HPV vaccination, noting that cervical cancer is preventable and treatable when detected early, though Namibia's survival rates lag the global average.
19 January 2026 · New Era →