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.

However, the challenge is that the equipment and technology used in Namibia to perform oncology radiation treatment on patients is quite old, hence the need to partner with the Ministry of Health and Social Services, to train registered nurses in rural areas and educate people in their vernacular languages.

CAN says the association last week received about 25 to 30 women who went for pap smears and breast cancer tests, which shows that women are serious about their health.

They place emphasis on screening to detect the disease at an early stage, as the disease can be mentally challenging and financially exhausting.

Women are more affected by breast cancer, but cases in men and children are also on the rise.