By Lynette Kozosi
WINDHOEK
Last year saw high numbers of people visiting clinics to test for cervical and breast cancer compared to the previous year, announced the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN).
In 2007, a total of 7 207 people turned up at different clinics for pap smear and breast examinations compared to 2006 where 5 707 people were exa- mined.
The Chief Executive Officer of CAN Reinette Koegelenberg attributed the high numbers to the support rendered by the public and the business fraternity.
“We are fortunate because we have support from the public. We have sufficient funds to help our patients,” she said.
She added that cancer remains one of the few diseases that are viewed as non-priority by the Government.
She urged Namibians to continue rendering support, adding that if less effort is made in addressing this problem, the disease will become unmanageable.
“Our living style contributes 40% to the cause of cancer and we can change that,” she said.
The annual health campaigns sponsored by Sanlam will enable CAN to conduct clinics throughout Namibia.
This year, the campaigns will be starting on February 15 in Henties Bay.
CAN will use this opportunity to visit all schools throughout the country to educate learners about cancer, and they will hold information meetings in every town as well.
World Cancer Day will be commemorated on February 4, which is also the open day to the public at CAN.
The day acknowledges the increasing impact of cancer on people worldwide, and CAN therefore, again, for the second consecutive year focuses on a healthy living style and changes that need to be made in one’s life to try to prevent cancer.