Why a pap smear is important
Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in South Africa. Many women are unaware that a simple screening test can detect cervical abnormalities early, which could save a life.
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Dying in pain a reality for most Africans
DAR ES SALAAM - People living with cancer are dying on the African continent in terrible pain as they present too late with advanced cancers that are mostly incurable by the time they reach a health worker and if they do reach help most of them find that effective pain medication not available.
The cost of Tik addiction
Drug use in general can be a costly habit. Richard, who recently discovered the highly addictive drug known in the Western Cape as 'tik', has learnt this the hard way.
Donors backtracking on funding AIDS treatment
Lives of AIDS patients in poor countries could be severely compromised if donors and rich nations continue reducing their funding commitments to AIDS programmes.
Health Minister promises responsible action on AIDS
In a frank admission of the Mbeki government's failure to address HIV/AIDS, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi this week blamed 'denialism' for the 'shocking' increase in the death rate among South Africans. Deaths rose by 182,654 in a single year, from 573,408 in 2007 to 756,062 in 2008. Read his full powerpoint presentation here.
More tax = less smoking
DAR-ES-SALAAM - Taxation is the most powerful weapon governments have at their disposal to control tobacco consumption and ultimately decrease deaths, Dr Yussuf Saloojee of the National Council Against Smoking told the African Organisation for Research & Training in Cancer (AORTIC) conference.
Lack of political will threatens AIDS funding Living with AIDS # 412
Universal access to antiretrovirals in poor countries is under threat as donors reduce funding for AIDS programmes, warns Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF).
Cervical cancer can be treated if detected early
In South Africa, cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women. It kills about 3 400 women every year. The good news is that cervical cancer is preventable and curable if detected early.
Secondhand smoke remains a challenge despite laws
DAR-ES-SALAAM ' While several African countries are making progress in implementing smokefree laws, nearly 90 percent of people on the continent remain without meaningful protection from secondhand smoke.
Cervical cancer survivor lives to tell the tale
Pat McKenny never considered having a pap smear, in fact the thought of cervical cancer simply never crossed the mother of three's mind.
Albinism increases skin cancer risk
People with albinism are advised to protect themselves from the sun as they are at most risk of developing skin cancer.
Caring for your breast
One in 27 women is diagnosed with breast cancer every year in South Africa. Women are advised to follow a simple precautionary procedure in order to detect the cancerous growth early.
Key cold chain for medical research Living with AIDS # 411
South Africa's first bio-bank, a cold storage facility where samples from HIV clinical trials and other diseases can be stored for years to support future medical research, was launched in Johannesburg, recently.
Funding retreat a threat to AIDS achievements – MSF
A retreat from international funding commitments for AIDS threatens to undermine the dramatic gains made in reducing AIDS-related illness and death in recent years, according to a new report by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).The MSF report highlights how expanding access to HIV treatment has not only saved the lives of people with AIDS but has been central to reducing overall mortality in a number of high HIV burden countries in southern Africa in recent years.
Q&A with Prof. Lynn Denny
One of the organisers of the upcoming AORTIC conference and a leading expert on cervical cancer Professor Lynette Denny shares her thoughts on the cancer burden in Africa and what can be done to change the gloomy picture.