Standard Bank Namibia Invests N$500 000 in Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Family Support

Standard Bank Namibia has committed N$500 000 to the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) to improve breast cancer diagnosis and support patients and their families, on Monday.

The bank said N$300 000 will go towards procuring 680 breast biopsy needle units for distribution through the Namibia Breast Clinic Programme, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS), while the remaining N$200 000 will support CAN’s Circle of Hope initiative, which provides psychosocial support to cancer patients and their families.

The Namibia Breast Clinic Programme was established in 2021 by CAN and the Dr AB May Cancer Care Centre at Windhoek Central Hospital. The programme has since expanded beyond Windhoek to hospitals across the country, improving access to screening, biopsies and referrals.

Speaking to Business Pulse 360°, CAN Chief Executive Officer, Rolf Hansen said the partnership will help financially vulnerable Namibians access breast biopsies.

He said the programme had already recorded a shift towards earlier-stage diagnoses.

“We have already seen a considerable change in cases presenting from late stage to early stages breast cancer, and with access to biopsy and faster turnaround time of results, we can see women experiencing a stronger survival rate,” Hansen said.

Breast cancer remains Namibia’s most commonly diagnosed cancer, with approximately 701 new cases identified annually, making biopsies essential to confirm diagnoses and guide treatment decisions.

Standard Bank’s Executive Officer of Marketing and Brand, Elzita Beukes said access to healthcare affects patients, their families, workplaces and communities.

“Health is not only a personal matter. It is a social and economic issue that affects families, workplaces and entire communities,” Beukes said.

She said delays in diagnosis and treatment could place emotional and financial pressure on families, while investment in early detection and patient support could help reduce some of these challenges.

“By investing in initiatives that improve early detection and provide support throughout the cancer journey, we are helping create stronger and more resilient communities,” she said.

Beukes added that patients and their families need support beyond clinical treatment.

“Effective healthcare extends beyond hospitals and clinical treatment. Patients and families need support, encouragement and access to resources throughout their journey,” she said.