Sweet treat for cancer warriors
Hopelands Cancer Centre radiotherapy manager Akshay Budhram has raised concerns about the rising number of certain cancer diagnoses in South Africa with Cansa saying that the number of people diagnosed will likely rise along with the country's population. They called for proactive measures in educating people about cancer and regular screenings.
A UNIQUE way of observing World Cancer Day was experienced by the residents of Cansa Mkhuhla Care Home in Umbilo on Tuesday, February 4, when they spent the afternoon socialising over a movie, pizza, snacks and other treats from the oncology centre at Hopelands Cancer Centre.
World Cancer Day, which is observed annually on February 4, was held under the theme “United by Unique” this year. The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) awareness campaign shone the spotlight on healthcare inequality and emphasised that not everyone’s cancer story is the same.
To build on this and make the day extra special for the residents of Mkhuhla Care Home, who often travel long distances to receive lifesaving cancer treatment, the Hopelands team brought pizza while other members made popcorn and packaged sweets for the movie evening.
Akshay Budhram, the Hopelands Group radiotherapy manager, said they chose Mkhuhla because they work closely with the care facility which is often a “home away from home” for their patients. He said, “As caregivers we often spend a lot of time with patients in a clinical setting and not in the home setting. So today we just wanted to relax, have pizza, watch an inspiring movie and to talk. We chose to do this at Mkhuhla because they provide a home away from home for cancer patients that have to undergo six weeks of treatment.”
Also Read: World Cancer Day: Through the eyes of a survivor
Budhram said this year’s theme encouraged dialogue surrounding cancer. “All our stories are unique, but here, we are all united by one thing, which is cancer. It can turn a person’s life upside down; however, early diagnosis can ensure a cure. If you can diagnose cancer early enough and have the appropriate care to treat it, it can help. Mkhuhla helps us to extend the reach of that care by offering lodging for patients from remote areas that do not have radiotherapy facilities. With the rise in certain cancer diagnoses, what we need is more education on cancer and regular screenings. We can all try to do our little bit to change the outcomes one day at a time.”
His sentiments were shared by Cansa which said that cancer is a major and growing public health problem globally. In 2022 there were an estimated 20 million new cancer cases, and 9.7 million lives lost to cancer. Cansa CEO Elize Joubert said that in South Africa incidences of cancer are set to double by 2030, with a projection of 220 000 new cases by then.
“This is a result of increases in the age-specific incidence rate of cancer, as well as the growth and ageing of the South African population,” said Joubert. “To improve cancer care in South Africa, health care providers can be sensitive to patients’ perceptions and educate people about cancer and treatment. In some cultures, cancer is still a taboo subject and universally, for many of us, it’s tough and uncomfortable. Yet, talking about cancer openly raises awareness, improves outcomes, and can ultimately save lives.”
Budhram said that depending on individual risk factors, and if there are previous cancers in the family, then early and regular screening is advised; otherwise it’s necessary from age 40 onwards for mammograms, and from age 50 for prostate cancer.
For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here
