CAN screening to save lives

Irene Van Der Walt
The Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) welcomes their outreach program to the Erongo region this week.

“Breast and cervical cancer are the main types of cancers among women in Namibia. Cervical cancer causes the most of deaths, while actually it can be prevented through screening,” said Celeste de Klerk of CAN Erongo.

Today (Thursday, 21 January) screenings take place at the Kuisebmond health centre from 09:00 to 11:30 and then at the Narraville health centre from 12:30 to 15:00.

One hundred women in Walvis Bay are afforded this opportunity.

Individuals who are HIV positive, or are experiencing symptoms such as an abnormal cervical discharge, irregular bleeding, abnormal pain, abnormal lumps in either or both breasts, an abnormal discharge from the breasts, dimpling of the skin, retracted nipples or swollen and enlarged breasts are especially encouraged to make use of this screening opportunity.

“For both cancers, early detection made through regular screening such as our outreach program, is key and can saves lives should any pre-cancer abnormalities be picked up,” De Klerk said.

Women were screened for breast cancer and cervical cancer for free at the CAN Erongo Centre at 3 Ferdinand Stich Street until 15:00 yesterday.

The centre has the capacity to screen 100 women a day.