Awareness Month in Mpumalanga tomorrow
05 October 2006
The Health Minister, Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, will tomorrow officially
launch Cancer Awareness Month, with special focus on breast, cervical and
prostate cancer. The three cancers are some of the diseases that affect a
number of people in South Africa.
Cervical cancer is the most common, estimated at 18,5% of all cancers
affecting women. Breast cancer is a very serious disease as it can lead to the
loss of a breast or even death.
In 2000, the Department of Health launched the National Guidelines on
Cervical Cancer Screening. The guidelines state that every woman over the age
of 30 should have at least three pap smears over her lifetime.
Also the Department of Health has established a Provincial Health Committee
to oversee the implementation of the breast, cervical and prostate cancer
programme. The government offers free cervical cancer screening in all its
health facilities as part of the integrated Primary Healthcare Programme.
Date: 6 October 2006
Time: 09h00
Venue: Ekulindeni Stadium in Albert Luthuli Municipality, Gert Sibanda
District
Enquiries:
Bhungani Mzolo
Cell: 072 406 8198
Charity Bhengu
Cell: 083 679 7424
Dumisani Mlangeni
Cell: 082 569 4011
Issued by: Department of Health
5 October 2006
