Cancer Association of Namibia

Also known as: CAN

Namibian non-profit providing oncology and palliative care services, opening regional treatment centres and supporting rural cancer patients through screening and financial assistance programmes.

2018-04-202026-07-23

What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

February 2024
28 FebThe Namibian
Cancer Association of Namibia provides funds for Cha'rissa's treatment
Source
“The family relies on public donations, funds from the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN), and is working on events to raise funds for Cha'rissa's treatment.”
Family battling childhood cancer
January 2024
24 JanThe Namibian
Cancer Association of Namibia recommends cervical cancer screening guidelines by age and HIV status
Source
“The Cancer Association of Namibia thus recommends the following: HIV+ women should be screened and managed by healthcare providers annually.”
Over 600 000 women diagnosed with cervical cancer worldwide
October 2021
17 OctThe Namibian
Cancer Association of Namibia is teamed up with local entrepreneur on 'Oh My Tits!' candle collection for breast cancer awareness
Source
“Naka, a local candle making entrepreneur has teamed up with the Cancer Association of Namibia to work on the 'Oh My Tits!' candle collection, in support of breast cancer month which is observed every October.”
Oh My Tits!
April 2018
20 AprThe Namibian
Cancer Association of Namibia (via sister Christy Kavetuna) defines testicular cancer as a type of cancer that starts in the testicles
Source
“Defining testicular cancer, sister Christy Kavetuna from the Cancer Association of Namibia says it is a type of cancer that starts in the testicles.”
Essential Health Checks For Men

Society

WHO report shows significant cancer survival disparities in Namibia

The News

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 →

Thursday 16 July

WHO report shows significant cancer survival disparities in Namibia
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 →

Friday 19 June

Namibia records 1,940 cancer deaths; cases projected to surge
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 →

Tuesday 9 June

Namibia projected to face 6 300 cancer cases annually by 2045
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 →
Namibia warns of 84% cancer case surge by 2045
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 →

Tuesday 12 May

Rough & Tough Rally returns May 2026 for cancer fundraising
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 →

Wednesday 11 March

Rössing Uranium donates N$135 000 to Swakop Striders
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 →

Sunday 8 March

Namibia Health Plan urges early testing for lifestyle diseases
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 →

Thursday 5 March

Walvis Bay Oncology Centre opens for Erongo cancer patients
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 →

Thursday 26 February

Swakopmund opens specialised palliative care centre for cancer
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 →

Thursday 19 February

Rehoboth residents walk to support children with cancer
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 →

Saturday 14 February

Rehoboth holds cancer awareness walk for young patients
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 →

Wednesday 11 February

Historic 4500 runners register for Rössing marathon
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 →

Friday 6 February

HPV vaccine safe, health officials address conspiracy concerns
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 →

Wednesday 4 February

Rural cancer patients face long distances to treatment
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 →

Wednesday 21 January

Cancer Association admits first free paediatric oncology patient
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 →

Monday 19 January

Cancer Association pushes for intensified cervical cancer screening
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 →