Partnership to provide free breast cancer screenings
The Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) and pharmaceutical company Roche announced a partnership to address the challenge of advanced breast cancer in the country.The two organisations are hosting a series of Cup4Cancer events along with offering free breast cancer screenings in September, with South African artist Cordelia adding her voice through music and motivational speaking at these events.
The collaborative effort will bring together a production team, including medical professionals, to visit Windhoek, Walvis Bay, Otjiwarongo, and Tsumeb from 13 to 16 September 2023. Free breast screening clinics, which will refer patients to the established breast clinic programme between CAN and the Ministry of Health and Social Services, will be hosted in the mornings.
The Cup4Cancer events feature interactive discussions, audience engagement, and a captivating musical performance by Cordelia in the evenings.
Free breast screening clinics are scheduled for Windhoek on 13 September at the CAN Community Care Centre, Walvis Bay on 14 September at the Walvis Bay Town Hall, Otjiwarongo on 15 September at Otjiwarongo Medi-Clinic, and in Tsumeb on 16 September at Etosha Medicare.
Advanced breast cancer remains a concern in low and middle-income countries due to inadequate national screening programs, limited awareness about breast health, and delayed screenings and diagnoses.
“These factors contribute to unfavourable prognosis and health outcomes for patients. In response, CAN and the oncology medical team at the Dr AB May Cancer Care Centre at the Windhoek Central Hospital have partnered to establish a weekly breast clinic, streamlining the referral process for breast biopsies. The initiative, launched in February 2023, has already yielded significant success in early breast cancer detection,” said Rolf Hansen, CAN CEO.
He expressed his gratitude to Roche for their support in facilitating more timely screenings and biopsies for women with suspected breast conditions.
Acccording to Hansen, the Cup4Cancer project will share more data on the campaign’s progress during the events, highlighting the importance of proactive screening for breast cancer by biopsy and an early and effective treatment approach.
For more information and to book a slot for the free breast screening, please contact CAN at 061 237740 or 064 461271