Demand for financial support from the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) has surged this year, with the need for assistance reaching N$2 million by the midpoint of the fiscal year. The increase in demand is largely due to the rising number of Namibians diagnosed with cancer. On average, the association receives 120 new applications for financial support each month, primarily from patients under government care and those using the lower tier of the Public Service Employees Medical Aid Scheme (PSEMAS), said CAN chairperson Rolf Hansen.
He explained that the Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project continues to play a crucial role in supporting cancer patients by funding various programs and initiatives. According to him, 30 percent of the funds from the Apple Project, the association's largest fundraising initiative, will go to the national cancer outreach programme. Hansen further stated that 20 percent of the proceeds are allocated to the national palliative care program.
The remaining 50 percent will be used for the patients financial support programme. Under this initiative, patients receive financial assistance of N$700 during the first three months of treatment, as well as coverage for transport and accommodation costs to ensure adherence to treatment protocols and support with co-payments and purchasing medications. Upward trajectory According to the CAN, the country’s cancer cases have increased from 3 700 to 4 300 a year.
Breast cancer cases remain the highest ‘life-threatening’ cancer, while prostate cancer is epidemiologically - per 100 000 population - the top cancer in Namibia. Cervical cancer is in third, while ‘modern or lifestyle’ cancers like colorectal cancer and lung cancer have also increased. Bank Windhoek’s Cancer Apple Project marked its 24th anniversary this month.
This year’s theme, inspired by the bank's brand campaign, is titled ‘Is it possible to impact a life?’ This signature project will once again raise funds by selling apples and apple juice, while receiving donations through the sale of virtual apples on the Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple website..
