Also known as: Hoofman Hansen
Chief executive of the Cancer Association of Namibia, advocating for patient-centered cancer care and awareness in Namibia.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
The Namibian
Rolf Hansen says no woman needs to die from cervical cancer
“Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) chief executive Rolf Hansen says no woman needs to die from cervical cancer.”
Cervical cancer vaccine safe amid conspiracy theories – health officialsThe Namibian
Rolf Hansen says specialist cancer services remain largely centralised, forcing patients to travel long distances to Windhoek
“In a statement issued yesterday to mark World Cancer Day, CAN spokesperson Rolf Hansen says specialist cancer services remain largely centralised, forcing patients to travel long distances to Windhoek for screening.”
Treatment for rural cancer patients worlds awayThe Namibian
Rolf Hansen said assisting vulnerable patients is central to organisations' mission
“CAN and PCN chief executive Rolf Hansen said assisting vulnerable patients is central to the organisations' mission, noting that many Namibians cannot afford private healthcare.”
Cancer association welcomes first free paediatric oncology admissionThe Namibian
Rolf Hansen said House Zietsman can now support ad hoc paediatric oncology cases after first year
“"After our first year of operations, House Zietsman care facility is now able to navigate its finances to support ad hoc paediatric oncology cases," Hansen said.”
Cancer association welcomes first free paediatric oncology admissionThe Namibian
Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) chief executive Rolf Hansen says the first week of August marks Cancer Awareness Week annually
“Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) chief executive Rolf Hansen says the first week of August marks Cancer Awareness Week annually.”
Namibia’s cancer burden continues to growThe Namibian
Rolf Hansen says July is recognised as Sarcoma and Bone Cancer Awareness Month
“"July is recognised as Sarcoma and Bone Cancer Awareness Month. The awareness month aims to improve public knowledge about these cancers, support research efforts and advocate better resources and treatments for those affected by this diagnosis," Hansen says.”
15 cases of bone cancer per yearThe Namibian
Rolf Hansen states that early detection and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes
“"Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes," he says.”
15 cases of bone cancer per yearThe Namibian
Rolf Hansen says the biggest challenge in Namibia is the lack of awareness
“Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) chief executive Rolf Hansen says that the biggest challenge in Namibia is the lack of awareness, which is why CAN continuously advocates for women to be breast aware.”
My mom's cancer journeyThe Namibian
Rolf Hansen said prostate cancer is now the leading cancer in Namibia
“Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) chief executive Rolf Hansen, last month during the launch of Globocan data on cancer, said prostate cancer is now the leading cancer in Namibia.”
Lifestyle factors contributing to cancerThe Namibian
Rolf Hansen called on the nation to stand together to understand cancer signs and symptoms
“Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) chief executive Rolf Hansen has called on the nation to stand together to better understand the signs and symptoms to look out for, and to help children fight cancer.”
Family battling childhood cancerCancer 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 →
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 →
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 →
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 29-page petition calling for the removal of ||Khomani Traditional Authority chief Julienne Gawanas has been submitted to the urban and rural development minister under the Traditional Authorities Act. The petition, backed by members of the ||Khomani and ǂNūkhoen communities, alleges financial mismanagement including claims that Gawanas cannot account for N$80,000 withdrawn from the Traditional Authority's trust fund and that consent was forged relating to financial signatory authority.
24 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
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 →
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 →