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.