Namibian non-profit providing oncology and palliative care services, opening regional treatment centres and supporting rural cancer patients through screening and financial assistance programmes.
Cancer Association of Namibiasaysgeographical distance and financial hardship delay cancer diagnosis and treatment for rural Namibians
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“The Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) says geographical distance and financial hardship continue to delay cancer diagnosis and treatment for many Namibians, particularly those living in rural and remote areas.”
Cancer Association of Namibiahas admittedfirst pro bono paediatric oncology patient at House Zietsman
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“The Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN), through its Palliative Care Namibia (PCN) programme, has admitted its first pro bono patient at the House Zietsman care facility in Windhoek.”
Cancer Association of Namibiastatedcervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in Namibia
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“Matheus David January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and according to the Cancer Association of Namibia, cervical cancer is still one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in Namibia.”
Cancer Association of Namibiastatedregular cervical screening including Pap smears and HPV DNA testing is crucial for early detection
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“The Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) stated that regular cervical screening, including Pap smears and HPV DNA testing, is crucial for early detection.”
Cancer Association of Namibiasuccessfully launchedthe Palliative Care Programme in 2023 with Soul Carers Network of South Africa partnership
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“In 2023, we successfully launched the Palliative Care Programme, thanks to our partnership with the Soul Carers Network of South Africa, to provide essential end-of-life care training.”
Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN)states that bone cancers have affectedabout 361 of 100,000 Namibians over past decade
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“This equals 15 new cases per year, with patients older than 65 being most affected, says Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) chief executive Rolf Hansen.”
Cancer Association of Namibiais implementing a breast clinic programme in partnership withthe Ministry of Health and Social Services
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“Additionally, CAN's breast clinic programme in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Social Services is impacting the fight against breast cancer in Namibia.”
Cancer Association of Namibia chief executive Rolf Hansencalls fordecentralisation of critical cancer care in Namibia
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“"We call for the decentralisation of critical cancer care in Namibia, as well as access to oncology services in other regions of the country outside of Khomas," said Hansen.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.