Patience Makwele
An estimated 98% of cervical cancer cases in Namibia are linked to persistent infection with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), prompting renewed calls for greater uptake of HPV vaccination and routine cervical screening as the country marks National Cancer Awareness Week.
The Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) said cervical cancer remains the second most commonly diagnosed cancer among Namibian women despite being largely preventable through early vaccination, regular screening and timely treatment of pre-cancerous lesions.
CAN chief executive officer Rolf Hansen said the disease continues to devastate families across the country, stressing that every woman deserves the opportunity to live a healthy and productive life.
“These statistics represent real people who are our mothers, daughters, sisters, friends and colleagues. Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can largely be prevented through vaccination, screening and early treatment. We have the tools to save lives but they must be accessible and used,” Hansen said.
According to the latest GLOBOCAN 2024 estimates, Namibia records about 453 new cervical cancer cases every year, with an age-standardised incidence rate of 37.2 cases per 100 000 women, nearly three times the global average.
More than half of women diagnosed with the disease die because it is often detected at an advanced stage.
Overall, Namibia records an estimated 4 205 new cancer cases annually, making it one of the African countries with the highest cancer incidence rates relative to its population.
CAN warned that while HPV is an extremely common virus and most infections clear naturally, persistent infection with high-risk strains, particularly the two most common HPV types 16 and 18 can eventually develop into cervical cancer if left undetected and untreated.
The association said women living with HIV face an even greater risk because weakened immune systems make it more difficult to clear persistent HPV infections, increasing their likelihood of developing cervical cancer at a younger age.
As Namibia observes National Cancer Awareness Week from 3 to 7 August, CAN is urging parents to vaccinate eligible girls against HPV and encouraging women to undergo regular cervical screening, including Pap smears, visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) and HPV DNA testing where available.
The ministry of health and social services currently provides the Gardasil vaccine through the national immunisation programme. The vaccine protects against HPV types 16 and 18, which cause the majority of cervical cancer cases, as well as HPV types 6 and 11, responsible for most genital warts.
CAN emphasised that the vaccine cannot cause HPV infection or cervical cancer and has been proven safe and effective through nearly two decades of use in more than 100 countries worldwide.
The association also urged the public to rely on scientific evidence rather than misinformation circulating on social media, warning that misconceptions about HPV vaccination continue to undermine efforts to eliminate cervical cancer.
Hansen said reducing cervical cancer will require stronger collaboration between government, healthcare providers, educators, employers and communities to improve access to vaccination, screening, early diagnosis and treatment.
“Together, through awareness, prevention and early detection, we can change Namibia’s cancer story,” he said.
