The Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) says Namibia needs to step up the fight against cancer over the next 10 years to prevent the country's health system from being crippled.
CAN Chief Executive Officer Rolf Hansen says there is an urgent need to close the gaps in the fight against cancer.
Hansen was speaking during the World Cancer Day pre-commemoration in Windhoek.
World Cancer Day is annually celebrated on the 4th of February.
Cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide and will claim ten million lives in 2020.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Cancer Association of Namibia, Rolf Hansen, emphasised early detection and prevention as key methods to fight the disease.
Hansen addressed the opening of the Cancer Association of Namibia's Community Health Care Clinic and Patient Support Centre in Windhoek.
The primary objective of the centre is to raise community awareness about cancer prevention measures and early detection and to enhance available treatment options.
The Cancer Association of Namibia's Chief Executive Officer Rolf Hansen has encouraged members of the public to not look at cancer as a vulnerability or a death sentence.
Hansen in an interview with Nampa stated that negative mindsets among individuals must change, including the perception that cancer targets women and old people.
The Cancer Association of Namibia supports patients through various programmes - assisting them financially providing mental support and accommodation.
