By Feni Hiveluah
Cancer care should go beyond medical treatment and address the emotional, psychological and social wellbeing of patients, Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) chief executive officer Rolf Hansen says.
Hansen said mental health plays a critical role in the cancer journey, highlighting that patients dealing with trauma, anxiety and depression often face additional challenges in fighting the disease.
He was speaking about CAN’s Standard Bank Circle of Hope programme, which provides psychosocial and emotional support to cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and families dealing with loss.
The programme was launched in 2017 after Hansen identified a need to expand CAN’s Reach for Recovery Breast Support Group to include all cancer types and create a support space for both women and men.
“We launched in 2017 the new Circle of Hope programme that encompasses all cancers and all aspects of mental health in cancer care, psychosocial care and the grieving component. It allows everyone to have a seat at the table, share their experiences, hold hands and deal with cancer as a united group,” Hansen said.
The free programme welcomes all cancer patients and offers weekly support meetings at CAN’s House Acacia.
It also extends into communities through collaboration with social workers under the Ministry of Health and Social Services.
Hansen said the pro- gramme supports patients through various stages, including diagnosis, treatment, palliative care, end of life and grieving after death.
He stressed that cancer care must focus on the person behind the diagnosis, not only the disease.
