Breast cancer affects more and more younger people

Stigma remains
CAN's chief executive says human papillomavirus - especially among the youth - is a cause for concern.
Iréne-Mari van der Walt
Breast cancer diagnoses are increasingly common among people in their early twenties.
This according to the chief executive of the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN), Rolf Hansen.
Sr. Aina Nghitongo, CAN's head of medical services, believes certain stigmas about cancer for young people can have a negative impact.
"The number of young people being diagnosed with cancer, especially those in their twenties, is increasing. It's not just older persons who get cancer," she says.
Hansen says parents too often bear the blame for a minor's cancer diagnosis.
"We should never blame the adults for their child's cancer diagnosis. Cancer is just one of those diseases - you didn't ask for it and you didn't do anything wrong," he says.
Nghitongo agrees: "There is no reason for parents to blame themselves".
She also says parents should monitor their child(ren)'s health for signs and symptoms of cancer.
"We need to inform our youth and their caregivers about the signs of the different types of cancers to recognise the signs," Nghitongo says.
She believes that it is more likely for those who have overcome cancer as a child, to receive a similar diagnosis again in their teenage years.
"The chances are high because of the treatment the person received as a child. However, it is not a foregone conclusion that someone who had cancer as a child will get it again later in their life," Nghitongo says
"When young people, especially teenagers, have to go through cancer again, they can become depressed. There are many emotions involved," Hansen adds.
Both believe it is important for young people to be informed about their own health.
Hansen says human papilloma virus (HPV) - especially among young people - is also a cause for concern. It is a sexually transmitted viral infection that is recognised as the main cause of cervical cancer. "HPV is a challenge - especially in Namibia - where we see that girls are sexually active from as early as nine years old," he says.
"That's the harsh reality. These are young people busying themselves with grown-up things. The naughty things in life can also be the dangerous things."
Hansen says HPV can also affect boys. Both therefore invite young people to visit CAN's office to learn more about HPV and be responsible with their health.
Nghitongo says she is still concerned about the stigma attached to cancer.
"I don't understand. There is so much awareness raising, but the traditional stigmas and taboos still play a big role - even among young people. Stigma is the biggest issue; we have to find ways to break it down," she said. – [email protected]