1 History

The late Dr AB May, founded the Cancer Association in 1968 and reported to the National Cancer Association of South Africa. In 1978 the Association became independent from South Africa and changed its name to the Cancer Association of Namibia. Since then all funds raised and collected stayed in Namibia (then South West Africa). 

2 Mission

To fight cancer and its consequences countrywide to the benefit of all Namibians in co-operation with the community supporting research, health education and information and rendering care and support services. 

3 Aims and Objectives

It is the distinct aim of the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) to educate the general public regarding the importance of prevention and early detection of cancer, to render welfare to all cancer sufferers according to established criteria. 

Education – through talks on radio, television, publications and annual working tour of the entire country, including visits to as many schools as possible. Talks include awareness of signs and symptoms of cancer, protection and prevention. 

Welfare – includes emotional care, and physical assistance in the form of aids (wheelchairs, beds, commodes, oxygen, hair pieces, infusion pumps and much more)- free of charge. Colostomy bags are sold at cost price. Accommodation at House Acacia is supplied free of charge. 

4 Governing Body

CAN is governed by an Executive Council, elected from the broad public at an Annual General Meeting every second year. It comprises of a patron (Ms Hildegard List), a President, a Vice-President, Honorary Treasurer and 5 additional members. Ms Reinette Koegelenberg, the Chief Executive Officer, oversees the functioning of all 26 sub-committees (all volunteers) throughout Namibia. Grant/Thornton Neuhaus presents/or prepare our Annual Financial Statements.  

5 Staff Complement

The Head Office (90 John Meinert Street, Windhoek West, telephone 061-237740) has secured the professional services of the Chief Executive Officer, Assistant to the Director, Secretary, one Professional Nursing Sisters and a Financial Assistant. They are responsible for managing all the aspects of the day to day operations and projects. 

A matron and two domestic workers take care of managing the interim home, House Acacia (94 John Meinert Street, Windhoek West). 

Hundreds of volunteers across the country, assist CAN in executing its enormous task. 

6 Achievements

CAN is proud of its many achievements which include the purchasing of several properties to maximize its service to the people of Namibia; Reach-for-Recovery Group supporting women who suffered mastectomies (1978); presenting the first mammogram machine to the Ministry of Health and Social Services (1991); the opening of House Acacia after extensive renovations to the original building (1986); supplying the Children’s Ward at the State Hospital with a television/VCR and an automatic washing machine to make the lives of the children and the staff more bearable; and the publication of a Cancer Register. 

The above are all measurable in terms of capital layout. The moral support and physical assistance the staff has given to thousands of cancer patients over the years cannot be measured. Taking into account that approximately 400 new cancer patients are diagnosed annually, one shudders under the tremendous task of the Association. 

7 Support Groups

Reach-for-Recovery - This is a breast cancer support group consisting of volunteers, all of whom were diagnosed with breast cancer and survived. We support cancer patients and their families irrespective of culture, religion or race. Our mission is to diligently strive to reduce the mortality rate and combat the social stigma associated with breast cancer. 

CHICA Namibia (Children with Cancer in Namibia) – We strive to give children with cancer a better chance of understanding and surviving cancer. We foster increased public awareness and bring knowledge of advancements in medical research to the general public. Alongside offering emotional and financial support to enhance quality of life of patients and their families, we provide advice on properly equipped clinics geared towards holistic family orientated treatment, 

8 Projects

A number of projects started off small, but with the continued support and dedication of certain businesses and Namibians, have grown into tremendously proud and successful national projects - refer to the Annual Programme Tab for more information on our Projects.

The projects were incepted as follows: Cancer Apple Project (since 2001); First National Bank sponsorship (since 1991); Sanlam Cancer Golf Challenge (since 1994); Sanlam Breast Cancer & PAP Smear Clinics (1992); MTC sponsorship (since 1998). 

PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS 

Apple Project

“Eat Healthy. Live Healthy. Prevent Cancer.” 

The main objective of this project is to reach all Namibian learners with the message that prevention is better than cure by following a healthy lifestyle in order to reduce the risk of developing cancer. Bank Windhoek, together with the Cancer Association of Namibia, would like to take this message even further by fostering in all Namibians a sense of responsibility towards their own health. 

With the purchase of an apple for only N$3 each, learners will receive a bookmark containing important information and tips on how to live healthy and prevent cancer. 

Bank Windhoek became the main sponsor of this project in 2001 and to date has raised more than N$3 million for the Cancer Association of Namibia. During 2007 & 2008 400 000 apples were sold respectively, enabling the Bank to raise a total of N$700 000 in aid of the Cancer Association during each year. 

To encourage schools to participate in the Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project, Bank Windhoek will award a total of N$25 500 to the winning schools. The top three schools that purchase the most apples in the pre-primary, primary and secondary categories will each receive prize money. To give even the smallest school a chance of winning, the ratio between the number of apples purchased and the number of pupils will be calculated. 

World Cancer Day

World Cancer Day is the high point each year of UICC’s World Cancer Campaign, which aims to put cancer on the global agenda and to scale up awareness of the fight against cancer, which in many countries still takes a back seat to other public health priorities. 

World Cancer Day allows the opportunity to raise public awareness through the media on a national level. 

Namibians please pay attention to this very important message. 

· We must accept we have to make the necessary lifestyle changes which are in our control.

· Know the early warning signs of cancer.

· Go for screening tests.

· Fear, ignorance and complacency lessen survival rates. 

The 2009 topic, communicated internationally by the UICC and the Cancer Association of Namibia for the prevention of cancer is to encourage an energy balanced lifestyle, based on a healthy diet and physical activity with emphasis on “I love my healthy active childhood” thus once again concentrating on the health of children. 

Dietary factors, physical inactivity, overweight and obesity are estimated to account for approximately 30% of cancers in western countries, making diet and physical activity second only to tobacco as a preventable form of cancer. This proportion is thought to be about 20% in developing countries and is projected to grow. 

“Energy balance” is defined as a balance between energy intake, in the form of food and drink, and energy output, in the form of physical activity. An imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure lead to weight gain or loss. 

Risk Factors

· Being overweight can lead to cancer later in life.

· Regular exercise.

· Stop smoking – prevent 1000’s of new cancer cases yearly.

· Limit alcohol consumption.

· Eat 5 portions of fruit and vegetables daily. 

To reduce the burden of cancer early detection is imperative – know the warning signs of cancer

· A lump or thickening in the breast or elsewhere.

· Unusual bleeding or discharge.

· Change in normal bowel or bladder habits.

· Hoarseness or cough.

· Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing.

· Change in a wart or mole.

· Sudden loss of weight. 

Why do we delay to go to a doctor?

· Fear

· Ignorance

· Complacency  

We urge you to take control of factors that can possibly prevent cancer. 

Cancer Association of Namibia, Cancer Prayer Service

The Cancer Association of Namibia, in collaboration with most organizations working in the field of cancer observes World Cancer Day on 04 February each year. 

Cancer is a public health problem worldwide. It affects all people: young and old, the rich and poor; men, women and children. By the same token cancer is potentially the most preventable and curable of all the major life-threatening diseases. World Cancer Day wishes to sensitize the population at large with regard to this illness.  

World Cancer Day should also be used as an opportunity to pay tribute to people and their families who have beaten cancer, as well as those lost to the disease. Their bravery and dignity should serve as an inspiration to us all. 

We herewith humbly request you to dedicate your service on Sunday 08 February 2009 to the above course;

· Pay tribute to patients

· Remind your congregation about the importance of prevention and early detection of Cancer 

The Cancer Association of Namibia has a yearly theme and we concentrate on Leukaemia in 2009. We will endeavour to educate scholars about the warning signs of cancer and specifically about leukaemia. Further we will spread information about bone marrow donation and the importance thereof. (Attached information for your perusal)

Wish Upon a Star

“Wish upon a star” project (Presented for the third consecutive year). The Cancer Association of Namibia strives to raise awareness amongst children, from a very early age, about the different causes of cancer, how to recognize early symptoms of cancer and how to live a lifestyle that will prevent cancer.  

CAN enforce the principals of a healthy lifestyle by touching on three important aspects that directly involves the lives of children: Health, sun damage, and exercise, live in a smoke free environment by means of a school roster planner and posters. 

Further emphasis will be placed on above at schools throughout the next three years to inform children of the four different principals of avoiding cancer. The abovementioned school planner will be used for that purpose. 

CAN will send the information material to all schools for the next three years and with this project aim to increase and maintain awareness of cancer amongst our children. This material will also be used during visits to schools and Cancer Association of Namibia functions and awareness campaigns. 

The sponsor can use this material at any wellness campaign.

World Childhood Cancer Day

The International Union Against Cancer (UICC) will for the 3^rd consecutive year put emphasis on the importance of the quality of life of children. 

Today’s Children:  Tomorrow’s World

The previous 3 years emphasis was put on: 

· 2006 My Child Matters

· 2007 Today’s Children, Tomorrow’s World

· 2008 Give children and young people a smoke-free environment – love my smoke free childhood 

· The theme for 2009 is:  

Encourage an energy-balanced lifestyle, based on healthy diet and physical activity: “I love my healthy active childhood”

With the rationale “overweight or obesity can lead to cancer later in life we want to encourage kids to balance food and drink choices and highlight the importance of physical activity”. 

The Cancer Association of Namibia call on families, parents, health professionals, educators and policy makers to promote health and prevent cancer. 

We promote: 

Live an energy balanced life:

The prevalence of overweight and obesity is rising dramatically among adults and children around the world.  

According to the World Health Organization one out of every ten school-age children are overweight. 

Dietary factors, physical inactivity, overweight and obesity are estimated to account for approximately 30% cancers in western countries, making diet and physical activity second only to tobacco as a preventable cause of cancer. This 

proportion is thought to be about 20% in developing countries and it is envisaged that this figure will grow.

“Energy balance” is defined as a balance between energy intake, in the form of food and drink, and energy output, in the form of physical activity. An imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure leads to weight gain or loss.  

“Second-hand smoke is a health hazard for you and your family. There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke. Give your child a smoke-free childhood”: Stop smoking: Smoke kills

Our message is: 

a) I love my smoke free childhood

b) I love being sunsmart

c) I love being healthy

d) I love being active 

National Shave/Spray-A-Thon

Shave or spray your hair and support the fight against cancer and show you care. We host a shave/spray a thon due to the fact of public demand. The public become more and more aware of cancer. They want to get involve to assist our Namibian cancer sufferers. One of our biggest problems is the financial impact on the cancer sufferers and that the Cancer Association does not receive any money from the Namibian government to assist cancer patients nor the Cancer Association.  

Health & Nutrition Month

Raise awareness 

Oesophagus Cancer Month

Raise awareness 

Lung Cancer Month

Raise Awareness 

1000km Cycling for Christ

The Cycling for Christ group was established in May 2002 to encourage aspiring young sporting individuals to reach their potential and to promote the sport of cycling. The Cycling for Christ group is a member of the Namibia Cycling Federation and has strived in the past to be involved in various charitable fundraising projects. 

2009 Marks the 5^th consecutive year for this courageous event. 

World No Tobacco Day

Raise awareness 

Men’s Health Awareness: Prostate & Testicular Cancers

Raise awareness 

Sanlam Golf

Raise funds 

Colorectal Cancer Month

Raise awareness 

Cancer Prevention Week

Raise awareness 

CHICA Golf Day

HICA Namibia is a support group for children with cancer and it falls under the umbrella of the Cancer Association of Namibia. This organisation, which is not government funded, consists of volunteers, some of whom are parents of children suffering from cancer. Our aim is to provide direct practical help to children with cancer, from diagnosis onwards, recognising the inevitable disruption to family life when a child faces vigorous and often lengthy treatments for cancer. 

Funds raised will be applied to directly benefit the children and their families. This will take the form of financial assistance with accommodation and travelling costs if the family and patient needs to travel away from home in order receive the necessary treatment and we would also like to assist those families who do not have the benefits of a Medical Aid. 

Our organisation would like to focus the attention of our community on children with cancer in Namibia and create an awareness of the necessary steps that can be taken in living a healthy lifestyle, as well as making the public aware of the warning signs of cancer since early detection is the key to saving a life. 

We raise awareness and funds cancer sufferers by hosting a day/night golf day which is held at the Windhoek Country Club. There will be many prizes, much to eat and drink and some interesting hand-outs for all participants. There will also be a “silent” auction after the game. 

Women’s Health Awareness Campaign: Cervical Cancer

Raise awareness 

Pink Cup Cake Day

Raise awareness about cervical cancer, papsmear tests and its importance by selling pink cup cakes. 

Bandana Day

Wear a bandana and show you care. The Cancer Association of Namibia raise funds in support of leukemia patients who are in desperate need of bone marrow transplants. During the preparation for a bone marrow transplant, patients lose their hair and often wear a bandana to cover their head. Bandana Day will raise the profile and the morale of leukemia patients, as well as the funds urgently needed for tissue typing more donors. 

Medi-Clinic Fun Run

Medi-Clinic host fun walk/run to raise awareness and funds for Breast Cancer. 

Pink Day

This day allow all Namibians, male and female, young and old to demonstrate their support of breast cancer prevention. We invite all Namibians to wear pink t-shirts and to make a donation to the Cancer Association of Namibia. 

Hats, Roses & Champagne Brunch

Hats, Roses & Champagne Brunch will be hosted by Cancer Association of Namibia for the fourth year (2009) to celebrate October – International Breast Cancer month. The Cancer Association invites women and companies to attend this breakfast where the Cancer Association of Namibia raise awareness about breast and cervical cancer and raise funds for the breast cancer prevention efforts. 

Christmas Memories Concert

Christmas concert by the College of the Arts to raise funds for cancer. 

Sunsmart Awareness Month

Skin cancer awareness 

Movember Campaign

A combination of words “Moustache and November”

It is an annual month-long event involving the growing of moustaches during the month of November. At the start of Movember guys register with a clean shaven face. The Movember participants, known as Mo Bros, have the remainder of the month to grow and groom their Mo, raising money along the way to benefit men’s health-specially prostate cancer. 

Sunsmart Awareness

Skin cancer awareness: November/December/January/February 

9. Closing

Reflecting over its success, the generosity of the general public of Namibia can never be denied. If it were not for their positive and giving attitude towards the Cancer Association, no success would have been possible. 

We thank and respect all our contributors and supporters. All contributions in whatever form, large or small, has made a visible difference to a cancer sufferer, somewhere, somehow.