Media statement 2 February 2024
Cllr Rina Marx
MMC for Health
The 4th of February is commemorated globally as World Cancer Day. The purpose of this annual event is to create awareness of cancer with the goal of saving lives through early detection. This year’s theme for World Cancer Day is Close the Care Gap. The theme aims to ensure that the fight against cancer is prioritised and resourced globally as all people deserve equal access to affordable cancer treatment and care.
According to the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), cancer is a disease which 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.
In South Africa, the Top 5 cancers in women include breast, cervix, colorectal, uterus and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. In men it is prostate, colorectal, lung, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and melanoma. This is according to the National Cancer Registry (NCR) The risk factors for cancer are varied and include, among others, a family history of cancer (genetic predisposition), leading an unhealthy lifestyle (overweight, limited exercise and excessive alcohol and tobacco use), some viral infections (human papillomavirus (HPV) and the hepatitis virus) and frequent sunburns, to name a few.
The symptoms to look out for include, among others, wounds not healing, fatigue, changes in bowel or bladder habits, a lump anywhere in the body, a persistent cough or hoarseness, a change in a wart or mole and unexplained weight loss. Early detection is crucial. If you are concerned about these symptoms, please visit a medical practitioner or facility. City of Tshwane primary healthcare clinics offer first-level screening, laboratory investigations, if required, and referrals. To bolster our efforts, we have partnered with Pink Drive to offer breast cancer screening, breast examinations, mammograms and pap smears.
As the MMC for Health, I would like to offer a message of support and encouragement to the courageous warriors currently battling cancer. Do not lose hope.
Media enquiries: Natashia Chhiba (natashiach@tshwane.gov.za)