Windhoek:Namibia is grappling with an increasing number of cancer cases, with 4,205 new cases reported in 2024. Despite this surge, the country still lacks a national cancer control plan, raising concerns about the management and prevention of the disease.

According to NAMPA, Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) Chief Executive Officer Rolf Hansen highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that 70 to 80% of breast cancer patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Hansen emphasized the need for a national cancer control plan, citing figures from the 2024 GLOBOCAN estimates that show an age-standardised incidence rate of 202.2 per 100,000 population, among the highest in Africa.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed type in Namibia, with an average of 701 cases annually, followed by cervical and prostate cancers. Hansen pointed out that fear, stigma, cost, and distance are significant barriers to cancer screening. He has been advocating for a national cancer control plan and the classification of cancer as a reportable disease to improve data collection and management.

Despite managing the National Cancer Registry since 1995 without government funding, CAN continues to push for a dedicated national budget for cancer care. Hansen proposed training healthcare workers for basic cancer screening to improve early detection and reduce reliance on specialist facilities in Windhoek.

Cancer care specialist Dr. Annelle Zietsman from the Dr AB May Cancer Care Centre reported that late-stage diagnoses are prevalent, with delays in imaging, biopsy, and referrals contributing to the issue. A multi-country study revealed that 71% of breast cancer cases in the region present at stage three or later, prompting the establishment of the Namibia Breast Clinic Programme to expedite diagnosis and treatment.

Zietsman underscored the need for a separate budget for cancer care, emphasizing that early diagnosis could lead to more affordable and effective treatment. NAMPA contacted the Ministry of Health and Social Services for comments on the national cancer control plan and registry funding, but no response was received by the time of publication.

Source NAMPA