Namibia ranks 13th in Africa for colorectal cancer

“Early detection is critical.”

WINDHOEK, 13 March – Colorectal cancer (CRC) is on the rise across Africa, with over 70,000 new cases and 46,000 deaths recorded in 2022. While Africa’s overall CRC rates remain below global averages, projections indicate a sharp increase by 2050.

Southern Africa, including Namibia, has some of the highest CRC rates on the continent. According to Rolf Hansen, the CEO of the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN), Namibia ranks 13th in Africa for colorectal cancer incidence. “Colorectal cancer is among the top 10 cancers in Namibia and ranks fourth or fifth in terms of prevalence among both men and women,” Hansen said.

Lifestyle Changes Fueling CRC Cases

Hansen attributes the rising cases to urbanization and lifestyle shifts, including dietary changes, increased alcohol consumption, obesity, and tobacco use. “First-world nations and more developed regions have seen a surge in colorectal cancer cases, and this trend is now emerging in Africa as well,” he explained.

The lack of widespread screening further compounds the problem. “Early detection is critical,” Hansen said. “Yet, access to regular and preventative screening remains a challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.”

In Namibia, state healthcare facilities struggle to provide essential screening methods such as colonoscopies. “A lot of work needs to be done, especially as the country moves towards universal health coverage. We need to prioritise regular and timely colorectal cancer screening to save lives,” Hansen urged.

Data Gaps and Cancer Surveillance Challenges

Although comprehensive CRC data in Namibia is limited, available statistics indicate that it is the sixth most diagnosed cancer, with an age-standardised rate (ASR) of 8.7 per 100,000 population and a mortality rate of 5.8 per 100,000. This translates to approximately 146 new cases annually.

Regionally, Namibia falls within the 6th to 10th highest incidence grouping for CRC in Africa, alongside Seychelles, Angola, and Botswana. South Africa and Kenya rank within the top five.

Despite these alarming numbers, Namibia faces significant data collection challenges. The Namibia National Cancer Registry (NNCR), managed by CAN, compiles available cancer incidence data, but gaps in reporting persist. Hansen noted that Namibia lacks a formal National Cancer Control Plan or legislation mandating cancer data reporting, leading to potential underreporting of cases.

Call for Action

Efforts to strengthen cancer surveillance and improve early detection are essential to fight rising colorectal cancer rates. “If diagnosed early, colorectal cancer is highly treatable,” Hansen stressed. “We urge Namibians to seek regular screenings and contact the Cancer Association of Namibia or the Ministry of Health for more information.”

For more details, the public can visit CAN’s social media platforms or health service centers.

The post Namibia ranks 13th in Africa for colorectal cancer first appeared on Future Media News.

The post Namibia ranks 13th in Africa for colorectal cancer appeared first on Future Media News.