Nomsa Tsingowe’s first thought after doctors told her she could have cancer was to end her life. Tsingowe was just 23 years old and had landed a job as a social worker when she found out she had Osteosarcoma, a…
The ageing population, lack of knowledge, change in lifestyles, high HIV burden, excessive use of alcohol, smoking and high costs to receive care could contribute to the rise of cancer deaths in South Africa. This is according to the Director…
Cancer patients’ constitutional right to access healthcare services is under threat, and cheaper generics are prevented from entering the market due to patent barriers, says non-profit organisations advocating for cancer patients’ rights and treatment. Patent barriers are the main reason…
 Over one year since the Mtengwane and Swanepoel families called on South Africans to register to become stem cell donors, only one of the two families had their prayers answered. The other family is still clinging to hope. Bomikazi…
South African activists have called on the government to provide legislative and policy certainty to ensure cancer patients have access to the health care they need. Currently, the country’s only policy framework on cancer comprises cervical and breast cancer policies…
A KwaZulu-Natal healer is one of thousands playing a vital role in spotting the early signs of childhood cancer. Catherine Ntanjana is one of 5,000 traditional health practitioners (THP) who the Childhood Cancer Foundation of SA (CHOC) trained to recognise…
Thousands of Free State residents are still having to deal with the harmful effects of asbestos years after the harmful substance was banned. The ban, which took effect in 2008, prohibited the use, manufacturing, and processing of asbestos in the…
Ntsu, once used exclusively by traditional healers to connect with their ancestors, is gaining popularity among youth who are struggling to resist this form of smokeless tobacco. Young women in KwaZulu-Natal have especially taken to ntsu, which is usually sniffed…
A mother of three from the North West is calling on black South African stem cell donors to help give her husband a second chance at life. Bomikazi Mtengwane, 36, said nothing would make her happier than seeing her husband…
A global health advisor believes that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have lost ground as the world continues to grapple with COVID-19 two years on. The impact of losing sight of the fight against diseases like tuberculosis and cancers will be felt…
The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), hopes to raise awareness of the importance of early cancer detection by equipping traditional health practitioners (THPs) with the necessary know-how to recognise early signs and symptoms. CANSA Head of Advocacy, Zodwa Sithole,…
A grieving brother has called on the National Department of Health to make cancer treatment accessible within all corners of the country, especially rural communities. Muntu Nyathi lost his sister to breast cancer two weeks ago and in light of…
There is some light at the end of the tunnel for cancer patients following the establishment of radiotherapy centres at two of Gauteng’s major hospitals. Two new machines – worth R52 million each – arrived at Chris Hani Baragwanath and…
