Hidden Threat Breast and Cervical Cancer Surpass HIV as Leading Killers of South African Women

Breast and cervical cancer, though non-communicable, are now taking more lives among South African women than HIV.

Noelene Kotschan, CEO and founder of PinkDrive, an NGO dedicated to cancer awareness and early detection, brought this alarming reality to light.

Speaking in recognition of World Cancer Day, themed ‘United by Unique,’ she emphasised the importance of a people-centered approach to cancer care.

According to the World Health Organisation, 2022 saw a staggering 20 million new cancer cases worldwide, resulting in 9.7 million deaths.

The National Cancer Registry’s 2020 report highlights South Africa’s five most prevalent cancers: breast cancer (23%), cervical cancer (16%), prostate cancer (22%), colorectal cancer (4.5% in women and 6% in men), and lung cancer (4% in men).

The surge in cancer cases is fueled by a combination of factors, including an aging population, shifting lifestyles, and increasing environmental risks.

Kotschan, the driving force behind PinkDrive, which aims to prevent cancer deaths through early detection and treatment, stressed the importance of government support for grassroots NGOs.

We receive no funding from the Department of Health, yet the work we’re doing is exactly what the government should be providing for its people. Bringing health screenings directly to communities is the key to making a real impact and easing the strain on secondary and tertiary hospitals.

What the government aims to achieve with National Health Insurance (NHI) is exactly what we’re already doing, but if they can’t get this right, how can they expect to implement the NHI effectively?” Kotschan pointed out. “From day one, we’ve been carrying out the NHI’s core principles. Unfortunately, we rely on foreign governments, philanthropic organisations, corporate South Africa, and local individuals for funding to provide the services the government should be offering.

Phaahla emphasised that both the Department of Health and organizations like PinkDrive provide accessible screening services for breast, cervical, lung, and prostate cancers at their facilities.

He noted that although there have been advancements in awareness and screening, South Africa still grapples with formidable challenges in combating cancer.