In marking October as the Breast Cancer Awareness Month, police in Oshakati hosted a cancer awareness campaign at Omuthiya.

Oshikoto Police Commander Ndafudha Iifo said the campaign aims to create awareness about cancer among police officers and the public.

"I believe will assist us and will also help us to plan better on how to take precautions. Many of our colleagues could not finish their career due to ill health and also due to death." Registered nurse Gisel Shivute and enrolled nurse Johanna Elago from Omuthiya Intermediate Hospital called on the public to get screened for cancer.

"We have two methods that we use to screen cervical cancer; it is available at our facility. We do it every day, Monday to Friday, and everyone is welcome. Whether you are HIV positive or negative, you can come for screening."

The nurses emphasised that early detection helps save lives and prevents the further spread of cervical cancer.

"There are tests to detect early changes in the cervix known as precancer that may lead to cancer if not treated. There are safe, effective treatments for these early changes. All HIV-negative women age 25 to 50 should be screened for cervical cancer at least once per year and preferably every three to five years depending on the test used."

Male screening is, however, not available at Omuthiya, and men are advised to get screened for prostate cancer at Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital. Cervical cancer survivor Olivia Shetuya shared her recovery journey.

"I was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2017 at Onandjokwe Hospital. I was later referred to Windhoek Central Hospital to start my chemotherapy treatment in September of the same year. I was consistent and adhered to my medication as prescribed. Cancer can be treated; we do not have to fear. It is just like any other disease when diagnosed timely."