Source: All Africa
Former lady of Namibia Penexupifo Pohamba has called on Namibians to regularly go for cancer screening.
Pohamba, who was the main speaker at the 4th Annual Breast and Cervical Cancer Awareness Campaign at Eenhana in Ohangwena region on Saturday, also participated in the cancer awareness walk at the town, which was organised by the Ongwediva Medipark Hospital. She told a gathering that it is very important for every man and woman to know the facts about breast and cervical cancer.
She said breast cancer, the most frequently diagnosed, is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the world. According to Pohamba, statistics indicate that one in eight women will have breast cancer in their life time. She said major risk factors for breast cancer in women are genetic predisposition, estrogen exposure and advances in age.
She said protective factors that may reduce breast cancer risk include the practice of breastfeeding, adding that regular physical exercise such as walking also appears to provide modest protection, as well as no smoking, a balanced diet and an overall healthy lifestyle.
"Yes, we know that cancer is preventable and curable, but only when detected early enough. Thus, all our people should know that cancer is a reality and is affecting many people in our society and it will be better that each and every one undergoes screening as early as possible to know his or her cancer status," Pohamba said.
According to Pohamba it is estimated that 132 women in Namibia are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 59 lose their lives to the disease in Namibia every year.
Dr Naftali Hamata who also spoke at the occasion, told the gathering that common cancers known in Namibia are skin, breast, prostate, kaposi sarcoma, cervix, colon and rectal cancer.
He said cancers are caused by certain food, tobacco, viruses, environment, sun rays, pollution and alcohol abuse. Hamata added that he is concerned about men who refuse to go for examination and screening.