As the world marks World Cancer Day on February 4, South Africa is embracing a new era of cancer care.
At a roundtable hosted by Life Healthcare at the Radisson Red Hotel in Rosebank, leading experts highlighted how cutting-edge technology, AI-driven treatments, and patient-centred care transform the fight against cancer.

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The International Agency for Research on Cancer predicts that global cancer cases will surge from 20m in 2022 to 35m by 2050. This year’s World Cancer Day theme, United by Unique, emphasises the importance of personalised, people-focused care.

A new approach to cancer care

“There is a global shift towards a patient-first approach, ensuring that individuals receive personalised, coordinated treatment,” said Dr Holger Wellmann, oncology lead at Life Healthcare. He highlighted the growing adoption of Integrated Practice Units, which bring specialists together to enhance treatment quality and support patients through every stage of their journey.

Dr Masana Ndleve, a clinical and radiation oncologist at Curo Oncology, reinforced the importance of holistic care, stating that cancer treatment should address medical and emotional and psychological well-being. “A multidisciplinary team approach ensures better decision-making and provides patients with the support they need,” she said.

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Tech innovations driving hope

AI and nuclear medicine are crucial in improving early detection and treatment outcomes. Dr Bruce Young, a nuclear physician at TheraMed Nuclear, highlighted the impact of PET-CT imaging, which enhances tumour detection and allows for more targeted treatments. However, he warned that South Africa was lagging in access to PET-CT scans, calling for more investment in this life-saving technology.

Meanwhile, AI is revolutionising radiotherapy, making treatment faster and more precise. Sakhele Shiba, a medical physicist at Yenzakahle Medical Physics Inc, introduced the Ethos AI adaptive radiotherapy system, which adjusts to patients’ daily anatomical changes in real time. Unlike traditional radiotherapy, which requires days of re-planning, this AI-driven system completes adjustments within 20 to 30 minutes, reducing harm to healthy tissue and improving patient outcomes.

Taking action this World Cancer Day

Early detection, innovation, and patient-centred care are key to saving lives. With technology driving breakthroughs in diagnosis and treatment, South Africa is poised to offer better, faster, and more effective cancer care.

This World Cancer Day, let’s unite to raise awareness, promote early screening, and support advances in cancer treatment because together, we can change the future of cancer care.

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