World Cancer Day launched

This year the Cancer Association of Namibia is focusing on the “Truths” and “Myths” about cancer. They aim to eradicate the stigma associated with cancer and educate the nation. World Cancer Day takes place every year on 4 February, and this day also aims to save millions of preventable deaths and pressing the government to take action against the disease.
Ms Reinette Koeglenberg Chief Executive Officer of the Cancer Association in Namibia said one of the challenges they face is that patients are diagnosed incorrectly. But she said in scenarios like this people should not give up and go to another facility that will be able to help them properly. They are also challenged with the fact that newly diagnosed patients do not go for treatment. Therefore she reiterated that everybody has a right to treatment, and that a late diagnosis can cause unnecessary death.

One third of cancer can be prevented and our society needs to talk about cancer warning signs and cancer awareness to prevent unnecessary deaths, she said. But most importantly people should start living a healthy lifestyle to minimise their risk of getting cancer.
“The Namibian cancer community will endeavour to be the leader in cancer awareness to attempt to save precious lives and it is only with everyone doing their part that the burden of cancer can be reduced.”