One of the world`s most frightening statistics, according to The World Health Organisation, is the estimated 10 million new cases of cancer that occur annually worldwide. These figures have also demonstrated that more than half of all the new cases involving cancer occur in developing countries, where it is estimated that cancer causes 10% of all fatalities in these regions.
"While it is difficult to correctly research and measure the burden of cancer mortality in developing countries, mainly due to the paucity of or poor quality of available data, these statistics are frightening and very real," says Deon Obbes member of the board of directors at the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN).
"It is essential that we, as a nation, stand together in the fight against this disease and alleviate the suffering it causes, which is the main purpose of our association, a non-profit welfare organisation, established in 1968.
"Through the support of our dedicated staff, volunteers and much-needed sponsors, we are hoping to more accurately monitor the incidence of cancer among the Namibian population and analyse the risk factors involved in cancer prevalence. Such research aims to obtain and enable a thorough understanding of the trends of cancer patterns, the effects of such patterns, early detection and prevention capabilities and appropriate treatment."
The prevalence and increase of certain forms of cancer in Namibia reiterates the essential requirements of such research to determine correct prevention measures and a more prominent understanding of the disease. For example, prostate cancer has almost doubled during the period of 1995 - 1998, with incidences continuing to rise through to 2003 with cancer of the mouth being tabled as the second most common cancer among males of certain indigenous groups. Additionally, breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in all female ethnic groups in Namibia, posing a real concern for fatality rates and future developments within the country.
"These statistics merely represent a small section of the report of the Namibian Cancer Registry, highlighting the fact that there is a desperate need for further in-depth research regarding the prevalence, influence and prevention of cancer on the Namibian population," says Thabang Makwetla, marketing manager at UUNET Africa.
"It is this obvious need, coupled with our commitment to African upliftment that drove UUNET to undertake sponsorship of the CAN, supporting the organisation in its efforts to obtain this research and relative preventions. Corporations can not afford to be complacent considering the affect this disease is having on our large society."
Besides the ongoing research initiatives, UUNET is assisting CAN in its efforts to establish a scholarship programme to further research the risk factors associated with cancer prevalence in Namibia. Additionally, the research component of CAN complements a number of other services and activities, including:
* Public awareness regarding the various forms of cancer;
* A full time nursing sister who conducts home calls and offers advise to cancer patients;
* Volunteers who not only assist and offer support to cancer patients and their families but also undertake numerous fundraising activities;
* The running and maintenance of an treatment centre in Windhoek where individuals can receive medication and residence free of charge;
* The supply of a full-range of helping aids to cancer patients at no cost;
* Negotiated airfare rates with Air Namibia and Inter-Cape Mainliner for cancer patients requiring transportation for treatment;
* The ability to provide some financial support to patients; and
* Assisting, where possible, the children`s ward at the Windhoek Central Hospital.
"We are proud to be an association dedicated to the fight against cancer, in all its manifestations. The fight is multifaceted and extends from the development and promotion of the CAN research component to our ability to provide support and care facilities for those in need," continues Obbes. "This quest coupled with the continued assistance of generous sponsors such as UUNET will enable us to positively impact this disease, making our mark on improving Africa`s medical capabilities."
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The Cancer Association of Namibia is an association not for gain registered as a welfare organisation. Established in 1968, it has been operating independently from the South African Cancer Association since 1978. The association has a small contingent of permanent employees with the remainder being volunteers. The organisation is dedicated to alleviating the dire effects of cancer by raising funds from the public and channelling its resources towards research, welfare work and prevention and early detection campaigns.
UUNET Namibia
UUNET Namibia, an MCI company, is southern Africa`s only pan-African provider of Internet-based network services and the largest global carrier of Internet traffic in Africa. The company provides Internet connectivity and corporate network services to major corporations as well as access services to Internet service providers.
For more information, please visit the UUNET Namibia Web site on www.uunet.com.na or the Cancer Association of Namibia Web site on www.can.org.na.
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