The growing concern of early-onset cancers and what you can do
In my practice, we have experienced a 30% increase in the number of patients under the age of 40 who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Cancer
Read More » The growing concern of early-onset cancers and what you can do
The role alcohol plays in new cancer cases – landmark new report
Physical inactivity and obesity, often associated with heavy drinking, also separately increase cancer risks but on top of alcohol makes this much worse.
Personal stories: Five year wait for cancer radiation treatmentÂ
Behind the protests against the long waiting times for cancer treatment in Gauteng, are patients whose lives are at a standstill.
Mental Health: An added health burden on cancer patients
Nomsa Tsingowe’s first thought after doctors told her she could have cancer was to end her life. Tsingowe was just 23 years old and had landed a job as a social worker when she found out she had Osteosarcoma, a…
Role of ageing population in rise in SA cancer deaths
The ageing population, lack of knowledge, change in lifestyles, high HIV burden, excessive use of alcohol, smoking and high costs to receive care could contribute to the rise of cancer deaths in South Africa. This is according to the Director…
Cancer treatment: long and expensive wait
Read More » Cancer treatment: long and expensive waitCancer treatment: Long and expensive wait
Cancer patients’ constitutional right to access healthcare services is under threat, and cheaper generics are prevented from entering the market due to patent barriers, says non-profit organisations advocating for cancer patients’ rights and treatment. Patent barriers are the main reason…
Stem cell donors: Joy for one family, agony for the other
 Over one year since the Mtengwane and Swanepoel families called on South Africans to register to become stem cell donors, only one of the two families had their prayers answered. The other family is still clinging to hope. Bomikazi…
SA activists intensify fight for cancer patient rights
South African activists have called on the government to provide legislative and policy certainty to ensure cancer patients have access to the health care they need. Currently, the country’s only policy framework on cancer comprises cervical and breast cancer policies…
Childhood cancer: Traditional healers have vital role
It's estimated that at least half the children who have cancer are never diagnosed. But if caught early, most children can be treated successfully
Asbestos health war: FS residents running out of patience
Thousands of Free State residents are still having to deal with the harmful effects of asbestos years after the harmful substance was banned. The ban, which took effect in 2008, prohibited the use, manufacturing, and processing of asbestos in the…
Ntsu: A smokeless tobacco that’s just as dangerous
Ntsu, once used exclusively by traditional healers to connect with their ancestors, is gaining popularity among youth who are struggling to resist this form of smokeless tobacco. Young women in KwaZulu-Natal have especially taken to ntsu, which is usually sniffed…
Wife begs for a stem cell donor to save her husband’s life
A mother of three from the North West is calling on black South African stem cell donors to help give her husband a second chance at life. Bomikazi Mtengwane, 36, said nothing would make her happier than seeing her husband…
NCDs: ‘World has lost focus during COVID-19 pandemic’
A global health advisor believes that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have lost ground as the world continues to grapple with COVID-19 two years on. The impact of losing sight of the fight against diseases like tuberculosis and cancers will be felt…
Early detection: CANSA joins hands with traditional practitioners
The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), hopes to raise awareness of the importance of early cancer detection by equipping traditional health practitioners (THPs) with the necessary know-how to recognise early signs and symptoms. CANSA Head of Advocacy, Zodwa Sithole,…