Namibia records 700 cancer cases annually

Recent cancer statistics show that Namibia records an average of 701 new breast cancer cases annually.

This makes breast cancer the most frequently diagnosed cancer in the country. With several women still being diagnosed at an advanced stage of the disease, this limits treatment options and affects outcomes.

Recognising the urgent need to shorten the journey from suspicion to diagnosis and treatment, the medical team of the Dr AB May Cancer Care Centre at Windhoek Central Hospital, together with the Cancer Association of Namibia, established the Namibia Breast Clinic Programme in 2021.

The concept of the programme is centred on creating greater awareness, encouraging earlier screening, accelerating access to biopsies, and ensuring that women reach appropriate treatment as quickly as possible.

Dr Anelle Zietsman of the Dr AB May Cancer Care Centre at Windhoek Central Hospital said that early detection of breast cancer is crucial for lives to be saved.