Health

Preventing (not just lamenting) sexual abuse of school girls

Health, Women's Health

There is something upsetting about the way politicians trouped to the scene and family of the young woman whose gang rape shocked our country so profoundly several weeks ago. The hyperbole, crocodile tears and feet stamping felt more like politicians who feel duty bound to be seen to respond to a tragedy than genuine grief. It is hard to feel sympathy with their sympathy because in the management of their political portfolios many councillors, MPs and Ministers overlook the circumstances that place young girls at daily risk.

Mark Heywood
May 29, 2012

South Africa scores poorly on ‘Saving Mothers’

Health, Health Systems, Women's Health

Almost 5 000 women died while pregnant or within 42 days of giving birth in South Africa between 2008 and 2010, more than in any of the previous years.

Health-e News
May 29, 2012

Learner approaches DOE for help on HIV discrimination allegations

Health

A Grade Seven learner and her mother have laid a complaint with the Gauteng Department of Education after claims of discrimination of the learner by fellow learners and teachers at a Pretoria school. They are accusing them of discrimination because the girl's mother is living openly with HIV.

Ayanda Mkhwanazi
May 28, 2012

DoH happy with AIDS progress Living with AIDS # 517

Health

The national Health Department is upbeat that the country is making significant progress in dealing with the AIDS epidemic. It says it has reached over 80% of South Africans eligible for antiretroviral treatment in the last five years. But it admits that preventing new HIV infections has been a challenge.

Khopotso Bodibe
May 24, 2012

Lung cancer tests advised for some heavy smokers

Health

Chest and cancer doctors are calling for lung cancer screening in older people with a history of smoking a pack or more a day. But at the same time they also highlight the potential harms of screening, including a high risk of false-positive tests.

Health-e News
May 23, 2012

Cancer kills Disco Queen Donna Summer

Health

Disco legend Donna Summer died at the age of 63, reportedly of lung cancer.

Health-e News
May 18, 2012

Smoking, drinking ups your cancer risk

Health

Smoking increases the risk of oral cancer (OC) up to five times and alcohol can elevate the risk by nine times, according to the South African Dental Association (SADA).

Health-e News
May 18, 2012

Solidarity for survival Living with AIDS # 516

Health, Health Systems

'Solidarity for Survival' is an exhibition that shows the difficult living conditions that African foreign nationals who have come to seek refuge in South Africa endure. It is currently showing at Constitution Hill, in Johannesburg. Many of the difficulties these migrants face include the lack of access to health care.

Health-e News
May 17, 2012

Fish tied to lower colon cancer risk

Health

Fish-lovers may have a lower risk of colon and rectal cancers, according to a meta-analysis recently published in the American Journal of Medicine.

Health-e News
May 16, 2012

Second-hand smoke bad for heart

Health

Thirty minutes of exposure to low levels of second-hand smoke can cause significant damage to the lining of blood vessels in non-smokers. This is according to recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Health-e News
May 16, 2012

Cancer patient’s fight for treatment, survival

Health

In September last year Karin Collins went to the doctor complaining of pain in her ear and throat. The doctor examined her, found nothing wrong, charged her a consultation fee, and sent her home with some pills. But the pain got worse and Karin returned to the doctor twice just to be told there was nothing wrong with her throat, but there might rather be something wrong with her 'head' ' the doctor diagnosed a mental disorder, prescribed anti-depressants and admitted her to hospital as a psychiatric patient.

Health-e News
May 15, 2012

Improve cancer care in SA

Health

South African cancer NGOs have joined forces to address shortcomings in the quality of and access to cancer care in South Africa.

Health-e News
May 15, 2012

Cancer services take strain in Gauteng

Health

Cancer services in Gauteng are facing an emergency with regular reports of broken equipment, drug stock outs, long waiting lists for treatment and delayed diagnosis.