Early detection is key in the prevention of cancer
Panel of experts talks about cancer awareness in communities.
The African National Congress (ANC) hosted a cancer awareness workshop at Umthombo Wolwazi on October 26 where residents had the opportunity to be screened for different illnesses or diseases. The message on the day was, ‘You are either affected or infected by this disease’.
Thabiso Mmoledi, from Phila Sonke Wellness Organisation, said that 20 years ago when he first set up his first unit at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, 80 per cent of cancer patients were coming in with the disease at an already advanced stage.
He added, “Lately, the number of patients coming in with an advanced cancer spread has dropped to 62 per cent,” said Mmoledi.
Ward 45 councillor Tshepo Nawane said, “This is the first event of its kind hosted in our ward and we find that similar events are hosted mainly in former white suburbs.”
“Let us create more of these awareness initiatives because our people have problems accessing such services. We should expose our people to regular exercise and have different experts on hand educate them about these diseases. I urge our people to regularly have themselves tested.”
He said early detection of breast cancer is one of the most important ways to successfully treat the disease, yet most South Africans find it difficult to treat this disease from the onset. Nawane said this is attributed to the challenges in accessing medical services.
Cancer Survivors Faith More and Nonhlanhla Mthethwa said, “We urge our people to go and test because now even men are affected by cancer and they are also affected by a range of other diseases they are not aware of. It is better to screen now than being sorry.
“Every human being has cancer cells in their bodies, our lifestyles determine how these cells activate the disease.
“People should be aware of such events so that they are informed about what to do when they are affected by cancer.”
Cancer survivors in need of advice on how to beat cancer should contact Faith More on 083 742 2301.
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