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 prevention and dangers of cancer, to render welfare to all cancer sufferers according to established criteria and to continue ongoing research in the demographics of cancer.

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. Accommodation at House Acacia is supplied free of charge.

Research – done on an ongoing basis. In 2003 CAN presented the first ever Register of Cancer Causes in Namibia to the Ministry of Health and Social Services. The register will be updated every 5 years.

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 annual financial statements.

5 Staff Complement

The Head Office (90 John Meinert Street, Windhoek West, telephone 061-127740) has secured the professional services of the Chief Executive Officer, Assistant to the Director, Secretary and two Professional Nursing Sisters. They are responsible for managing all the aspects of the day to day operations.

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 physical 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 a fully automatic washing machine to make the lives of the children and the staff more bearable; and the publication of the first Register of Cancer Causes in Namibia.

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 Activities

Annual Tour - each year starts with a three month working tour of the country. This tour is used to inform the public through talks at schools, of the dangers and prevention of cancer. This time is also used to present clinics where PAP (cervical) smears and breast examinations are done at a nominal fee. For some rural women this is the only time they have the opportunity to visit such a clinic. This is a tremendous service

PAP smear Clinics – once a week PAP smears and breast clinics are done for the general public by a qualified nursing sister at the Head Office. This is done for a nominal fee. Results are treated with the greatest confidentiality and patients with need for concern are referred to their general practitioners.

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,

General – Managing CAN is a full time business. The hours spent with patients, the thousands of telephone calls received and made can never be calculated in money. Support, not only to the patients, but also to their families is high on the agenda of the dedicated staff of CAN.

8 Projects

A number of projects started off small, but with the continued support and dedication of certain businesses, have grown into tremendously proud and successful national projects.

They are Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project (since 2001); First National Bank Carnation Project (since 1991); Sanlam Cancer Golf Challenge (since 1994); Sanlam Breast Cancer & PAP Smear Clinics (1992); MTC Cup for Cancer Project (since 1998).

Other annual projects were initiated and driven by caring members of the public and institutions, such as Hats, Roses & Champagne (2005); Cycling for Christ (2005); Medi-Clinic Fun Run (2001 – this project was expanded to Otjiwarongo and Swakopmund this year); Shave & Spray-a-Thons (2007) and the Christmas Concert by the College of the Arts (2006).

Beneficial agreements have been reached with supporting companies such as Air Namibia, Avbob, Afrox, InterCape Mainliner, Namibia Breweries Limited, Namsov Fishing Company, Old Mutual Namibia.

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.