Cancer, a disease that has claimed countless lives, is a formidable foe that requires a proactive approach. One of the most effective ways in the fight against cancer is early detection through screening. Early diagnosis can significantly improve treatment outcomes, reduce mortality rates, and enhance the quality of life for those affected.
It is for that reason that the Eastern Cape Provincial Government, through the Department of Health, is ensuring that the fight against cancer is prioritized and resourced, as all people deserve equal access to affordable cancer treatment and care.
This week, the Eastern Cape government partnered with Pink Drive, a non-governmental organization specializing in gender-based cancer screening. More than 700 people were screened for cancer as part of this partnership. Those diagnosed with the disease were referred to a higher level of care for treatment.
The Health Department and Pink Drive brought specialist doctors and healthcare workers with advanced equipment to help fight the deadly disease in communities around the OR Tambo district.
The week-long screening campaign kicked off at Nolitha Clinic at Ngqeleni, followed by St. Barnabas Hospital in Libode, then Mbekweni Clinic, and ended at the Mthatha Gateway Clinic.
Cancer is a disease that occurs when changes in normal cells within the body lead to uncontrolled, abnormal growth, forming a lump called a tumour (except leukaemia, which is cancer of the blood). Untreated tumours can grow and spread to other parts of the body, affecting the digestive, nervous, and circulatory systems.
Common cancers in women include breast, cervix, colorectal, uterus, and non-Hodgkin s lymphoma, while in men it is prostate, colorectal, lung, non-Hodgkin s lymphoma, and melanoma.
Cancer screening is crucial as it allows for the identification of abnormalities before symptoms appear, and when detected early, it is more likely to be treatable, with chances of survival increasing significantly. Different screening tests are recommended for various age groups and risk categories.
Get Screened, Get Informed, Get Empowered.
