The cancer pandemic

VUYILE MADWANTSI

Breast cancer affects one in 1 000 women of all races. We need to raise awareness of the disease

THE World Health Organization has dubbed cancer a global health pandemic, second only to Covid-19.

This is alarming considering the magnitude of the cancer burden is attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors crucial for the development of effective prevention and mitigation strategies for cancer.

It’s understandable that many people associate the word “cancer” with fear and anxiety; however, healthcare professionals worldwide have been working tirelessly to substantially improve the quality of life and survival of cancer patients.

Cancer is the cause of 10% of deaths in South Africa.

IOL Lifestyle attended a recent media oncology roundtable, with discussions led by industry experts on cancer-related issues.

Breast and cervical cancer are the leading causes of death among women in Africa. Breast cancer accounts for over 27% of all new cancer cases of women in subSaharan Africa.

In South Africa, female breast cancer accounted for about 14% of all new cancer cases recorded in 2022 and 20% were triple-negative breast cancers.

This indicates we have a looming crisis on our hands, said Zwelethu Bashman, managing director of healthcare company MSD’s South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa division.

“In addressing the issues plaguing our communities like HIV and TB with new technologies as well as taking a more integrated approach in reaching patients throughout their health journey, we are now applying these lessons to advance our commitment to address a new scourge of cancers that mostly affect women.

“I say this because triple-negative breast cancer is a more aggressive form of breast cancer with an overall poor prognosis and strongly associated with recurrence of tissue lesions involving the liver, lungs, and adrenal glands.”

Since breast cancer affects 1 in 1 0000 women of all races and accounts for 1 in 12 cancer deaths, South Africans need awareness.

The most common cancers among South African women are cervical, colorectal, uterine, skin, and lung cancers, as well as nonHodgkin’s lymphoma.

Women need to be empowered with knowledge on lowering their risk of getting cancer and recognising the warning signs.

Cancer screening Early detection of breast cancer is essential for easier treatment, especially for those with a family history. Signs of breast cancer include swelling, skin irritation, pain, nipple pain, redness, scaliness, thickening, discharge, and a lump in the underarm area. Consult with a doctor if signs persist for two weeks or longer.

Regular screening Women should perform a breast selfexamination once a month two days after their period and have a clinical breast exam as part of their annual health check-up.

Cansa offers excellent guidance for performing breast selfexaminations on its website.

Annual mammograms are recommended for women from the age of 40 to 55.

Immunotherapy is different from chemotherapy or radiation therapy in that it works with your immune cells to help fight cancer. Immunotherapy for the treatment of cancers of the skin, lung, head and neck, stomach cancer, cervical cancer, certain types of breast cancer, and other cancers are now available in South Africa.

Consult your doctor if you experience these symptoms, which may signal cancer:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding.

• Unexplained weight loss.

• Vaginal discharge that is discoloured with blood.

• Constant fatigue.

• Loss of appetite or feeling full all of the time.

• Persistent indigestion or nausea.

• Changes in bathroom and bowel habits.

• Changes in the breasts.

• Pain in the pelvis or abdominal area.

THE MSD media roundtable focusing on cancer.

BREAST and cervical cancer are the leading causes of death among women in Africa. | ANNA