Namibian cancer cases set to surge 84% by 2045

Patience Makwele

Health Minister Dr Esperance Luvindao has warned that Namibia could face an 84% increase in cancer cases by 2045, as health experts raised concerns over delayed diagnoses, limited rural screening services and growing barriers to treatment.

Speaking at the opening of the World Health Organization (WHO), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) imPACT Review Mission in Windhoek on Monday, Luvindao described cancer as one of Namibia’s most pressing public health threats.

According to figures presented by the minister, Namibia recorded approximately 2,200 new cancer cases in 2018. Four years later, that figure had risen to 3,453 cases, while cancer-related deaths reached 1,940.

She stressed that the situation is expected to worsen. Projections indicate that Namibia could record more than 6,300 new cancer cases annually by 2045 if current trends continue.

“This is not a prophecy we must accept. This is a warning we must answer,” Luvindao said.