The Face Of A Survivor

Cancer is a major public health challenge in South Africa, with tens of thousands of new diagnoses reported annually. Official tracking is managed via the National Cancer Registry.

Most Common Cancers in Women…

- Breast cancer: 1 in 28; it is the leading cancer among SA women. Over 50% of patients are diagnosed at a late stage.

- Cervical cancer: 1 in 39, representing a major cause of cancer incidence and mortality among females.

- Other frequent types: Colorectal cancer, uterine cancer, and various skin cancers.

Cancer Prevention…

This relies on a combination of routine clinical screenings, lifestyle adjustments, and vaccinations to catch pre-cancerous cells or localised tumours before they spread. In South Africa, the Department of Health and organisations like the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) focus heavily on combating breast and cervical cancers through specific public and private healthcare protocols.

Essential Cancer Screenings

Cervical Cancer:

- Women aged 30 and older are entitled to three free Pap smears in their lifetime at 10-year intervals (typically ages 30, 40, and 50). If a woman is living with HIV, she is eligible for a Pap smear at diagnosis and every 3 years thereafter if results are negative.

- Medical schemes like Discovery Health generally cover a Pap smear every 3 years, some women prefer annually, or an HPV DNA test every 5 years.

Breast Cancer:

- Women are entitled to an annual clinical breast examination at primary public health clinics.

- Breast imaging units in public hospitals provide screening. Private guidelines recommend an annual or biennial mammogram starting at age 40 or 50 depending on medical history.

- Performing monthly breast self-examinations helps women notice localised changes early.

Colorectal Cancer:

- An annual or biennial faecal occult blood test (FOBT) or a colonoscopy every 10 years is recommended for average-risk individuals starting between ages 45 and 50.

Behavioural Changes:

Modifying daily lifestyle behaviours drastically cuts lifetime oncogenic risks. To find out more or find our Practitioner Network, go to www.sanalifestyle.co.za or reach out to us.