Standing Together Against Cancer

Yolandi Botes
5h
4 min read

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The pink ribbon is the international symbol of breast cancer awareness. It plays a central role during October’s “Cancer Awareness Month,” a global initiative aimed at promoting support for cancer patients and encouraging early detection.

The Reality of Cancer in South Africa

Cancer is one of the world’s leading health challenges, causing approximately 10 million deaths globally each year. In South Africa, about 44 000 deaths were attributed to cancer in 2018, representing roughly 10% of all deaths nationally.

Approximately 85 000 new cases are diagnosed annually. Among South African women, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed type, followed by cervical cancer. Among men, prostate cancer is the most prevalent.

Awareness campaigns are viewed as a crucial part of reducing cancer mortality by encouraging prevention, early diagnosis, and improved access to treatment.

Prevention and Early Detection

Medical experts estimate that 30–50% of cancer cases can be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices and avoiding known risk factors. Tobacco use remains the leading preventable cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Other contributing factors include alcohol consumption, obesity, poor diet, and physical inactivity.

Certain infections also increase cancer risk. In low- and middle-income countries, about one-quarter of cancer cases are linked to viruses such as human papillomavirus (HPV), associated with cervical cancer, and hepatitis B, associated with liver cancer. Vaccination against these viruses is a proven preventive measure.

Early detection remains essential. When diagnosed in the early stages, cancers are more treatable and, in many cases, curable. The five-year survival rate for early-stage breast cancer is approximately 99%, and 91% for cervical cancer. Screening tests, including mammograms, Pap smears, colonoscopies, and PSA blood tests, are effective in identifying cancers before symptoms develop.

In South Africa, however, screening rates remain below global standards. Only about one in five women undergo regular cervical cancer screening every three years. Expanding awareness initiatives and improving access to screening services remain ongoing public health priorities.

Advances in Cancer Research and Treatment

Recent medical developments have introduced new approaches to both diagnosing and treating cancer. Immunotherapy, which enhances the body’s immune response against cancer cells, has significantly improved outcomes in several aggressive cancer types, including melanoma and lung cancer.

Certain new delivery methods have reduced treatment times, improving patient comfort and clinical efficiency. Researchers are also studying personalised cancer vaccines, which use mRNA technology to train the immune system to target tumour-specific cells. Clinical trials are ongoing in several countries.

Precision oncology represents another key advancement. This approach involves analysing the genetic and molecular characteristics of a tumour to identify the most effective treatment for each individual case. Such targeted therapies focus specifically on cancer-driving mutations, often resulting in fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy.

In diagnostic innovation, scientists are developing blood tests capable of identifying multiple cancer types at early stages, as well as artificial intelligence (AI) tools that can predict an individual’s cancer risk based on imaging data. These technologies aim to support earlier detection and more accurate treatment planning.

Understanding the Body and Supporting Recovery

Cancer awareness also involves understanding personal health and recognising changes in the body that could indicate illness. Family medical history and awareness of early warning signs, such as unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, or unusual lumps, can be vital for early intervention.

Regular self-examinations are recommended for both men and women. Early medical consultation following noticeable changes is essential for timely diagnosis and treatment. For individuals undergoing treatment, lifestyle management remains an important aspect of recovery.

Evidence indicates that regular physical activity can help reduce the likelihood of recurrence and improve long-term survival. Balanced nutrition, adequate rest, psychological support, and participation in support groups contribute to improved overall well-being during and after treatment.

The Role of Organisations and Community Efforts

Numerous organisations across South Africa are active in cancer awareness, prevention, and patient support. The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) conducts public awareness campaigns, offers screening services, and provides counselling and education. The annual CANSA Shavathon encourages public participation to raise funds for research and support programmes.

Pink Drive, a mobile health service, delivers free breast and cervical cancer screening to communities across the country, particularly in areas with limited healthcare access. In Potchefstroom, Green Health collaborates with medical professionals, including Professor Lardus Erasmus, to host educational sessions focused on cancer research, prevention, and public awareness.

These initiatives aim to improve community understanding of early detection and promote informed health decisions. North-West University has also held campus awareness events that provide educational resources and free screening opportunities, reinforcing community engagement in preventive healthcare.

Cancer Awareness Month highlights the importance of education, early detection, and equitable access to healthcare. By improving awareness of risk factors, encouraging regular screenings, and supporting ongoing medical research, South Africa continues to strengthen its response to the national cancer burden.

Collaborative efforts by health organisations, educational institutions, and community partners contribute to a better-informed public and an improved national capacity for prevention and treatment. Cancer awareness remains a collective responsibility aimed at reducing disease impact and improving survival outcomes across the country.