More than 20 000 women presented themselves for cervical cancer screening in Gauteng's public health facilities between April and June 2010. Out of these 22 285 women who were screened, 1 366 were found to have abnormalities and were given appropriate treatment and care.
The department aims to increase these figures drastically by the end of this financial year. To achieve this goal, we encourage women to have three pap smears, at 10 years intervals in their life time.
Gauteng Health and Social Development MEC Qedani Mahlangu says throughout the month of August, the department is educating women through radio campaigns, health promotion in communities as well as in clinics and hospitals to look after their health. This is to reduce morbidity and mortality from cancer and improve the quality of life of cancer sufferers.
Among men, prostate cancer predominates, followed by cancers of the lung and esophagus, while cervical and breast cancer predominate among women.
"Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide therefore we encourage women to go for regular medical check-ups in order to receive appropriate treatment before they complicate," says MEC Mahlangu.
In the same period, 4 886 mammograms (test for breast cancer) were performed at public health facilities. To increase these figures, the department is in partnership with Breast Foundation and the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA).
Together, we conduct awareness campaigns and train health promoters and community health workers who among other things teach women signs and symptoms and also how to do self breast examination.
Under the theme, Angels Walking for Cancer, the department as well the partners will on Sunday, 29 August 2010 host an event at the Johannesburg Zoo where education and screening will take place.
Funds raised will be used to improve services at the Oncology Department of Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic hospital.
Those who want to test for any type of cancer can do so at all public clinics in Gauteng and if there are any abnormalities found, they will be referred to the nearest or relevant hospital for treatment.
Enquiries:
Mandla Sidu
Cell: 082 773 9013
Province
