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
Every mention in the Namibian press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
Windhoek Observer
Cancer Association of Namibia warned that persistent infection with high-risk HPV strains can eventually develop into cervical cancer if left undetected and untreated
“CAN warned that while HPV is an extremely common virus and most infections clear naturally, persistent infection with high-risk strains, particularly the two most common HPV types 16 and 18 can eventually develop into cervical cancer if left undetected and untreated.”
About 98% of cervical cancer cases linked to HPVInformanté
Cancer Association of Namibia is using National Cancer Awareness Week to urge greater awareness, HPV vaccination and regular cervical cancer screening
“THE Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) is using National Cancer Awareness Week to urge greater awareness, HPV vaccination and regular cervical cancer screening, warning that the disease remains the second most common cancer among Namibian women despite being largely preventable through early intervention.”
Cervical cancer prevention takes centre stage during National Cancer Awareness WeekInformanté
Cancer Association of Namibia urged communities not to allow fear and misinformation to create stigma around cancer
“The Cancer Association of Namibia said the report serves as a reminder that cancer cases are increasing, but urged communities not to allow fear and misinformation to create stigma around the disease.”
WHO report highlights cancer inequalities and survival gaps in Namibia and Southern AfricaNew Era
Cancer Association of Namibia partnered with government since 1995 to maintain National Cancer Registry
“Since 1995, through a partnership with the Cancer Association of Namibia, the government has maintained one of the few population-based registries in Africa with the National Cancer Registry.”
Namibia records 1900 cancer deathsWindhoek Observer
Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) warned that financial constraints contribute to treatment delays and interruptions
“She warned that financial constraints continue to contribute to treatment delays and interruptions.”
Namibian cancer cases set to surge 84% by 2045Informanté
Cancer Association of Namibia receives fundraising support from the Rough & Tough Rally
“Beyond the excitement of the rally, the event serves as a major fundraising platform for the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN).”
Namibia’s Rough & Tough Rally 14–17 MayNew Era
Cancer Association of Namibia received N$20 010 from 5km Fun Walk entry fees
“In addition, N$20 010 raised from entry fees for the 5km Fun Walk was donated to the Cancer Association of Namibia in support of the ongoing fight against cancer.”
Swakop Striders get N$135 000 boostThe Namibian
the Cancer Association of Namibia declared prostate cancer had become the leading cancer in Namibia
“I decided to start spreading awareness because, in the year I was treated, the Cancer Association of Namibia declared that prostate cancer had become the leading cancer in Namibia.”
Namibians urged to test early for lifestyle diseasesThe Namibian
Cancer Association of Namibia introduced the Namibia Breast Clinic Programme at state hospitals in 2024
“In 2024, CAN introduced the Namibia Breast Clinic Programme at state hospitals at Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.”
Erongo cancer patients to receive treatment closer to homeNew Era
Cancer Association of Namibia officially opened a state-of-the-art Palliative Care Centre in Swakopmund
“This follows the official opening of a state-of-the-art Palliative Care Centre in Swakopmund on Friday by the Cancer Association of Namibia.”
State-of-the-art Palliative care centre for SwakopmundFNB 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 →