JOHANNESBURG - The Department of Health says there is a concern over increasing cancer cases in the country and the rest of the world. The increasing burden is compelling experts to come up with more innovative solutions.
As the global community commemorates World Cancer Day on 4 February, experts say cases are expected to nearly double by 2024 in Sub-Saharan Africa.
In South Africa, breast cancer and cervical cancer were most common among women, with a high number of cases of skin cancer and colorectal cancer as well. In men, colon and lung cancer remain the most common.
READ | Four out of every 10 cancer cases are preventable: WHO
Dr Lesley Bamford says the department was focused on prevention through vaccinations and encouraging healthy lifestyles.
“Early detection is very important. We encourage people to come forward and be screened. If people have symptoms to come forward and go to their local clinic early,” Bamford said.
She said the department was looking to strengthen services for the treatment of cancer.
“While those services are provided free of charge, we know there are many hidden costs for individuals and families in terms of taking time off work and needing to travel long distances to access those services," Bamford added.