The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, will on Friday officially receive R8 million worth state of the art equipment for cancer screening and treatment (Coloscopy and Lletz) at Emnpangeni’s Lower Umfolozi War Memorial Hospital.
Cancer of the cervix is the second most common form of cancer amongst South African women. Approximately one in every 35 women will, within their lifetime, develop this form of cancer. Although it is a preventable disease that is curable if detected in its early stages, more than 3 400 South African women die every year from cervical cancer and it is the leading cause of cancer deaths for South African women. Papanicolaou smears (Pap smears) to detect cervical abnormalities are the best known form of secondary prevention.
“Between April and September last year 5 362 women came for Pap smear screening and out of these 3 778 (70 percent) were suspected of having the cancer while 119 (two percent) were confirmed. These are worrying statistics as they mean that two percent of women who present for Pap smear are already living with the cancer, while 70 percent are on the borderline. The equipment we have been given will help us in giving immediate results on the borderline cases (the 70 percent) and thus be able to manage and treat them on time. We also call on women to get screened for cervical cancer as early detection saves lives!” says the MEC for Health.
The equipment worth R8 million is donated by broad reach together with 10 000 disposable speculums and 300 autoclaves; (supported by USAID and PEPFAR) which is a non-governmental organisation focusing on women’s health. They specialise in cervical cancer and screening and awareness. During his maiden budget speech, MEC Dhlomo announced the Phila Ma campaign which aims to educate women about and promote early screening for cervical cancer.
The equipment will largely benefit rural women by providing affordable, convenient services as well as free screening and education at local clinics, community health centers and hospitals.
Journalists and reporters are invited to this event to be held as follows:
Date: 6 August 2010 (Friday)
Time: 09h00
Venue: Imbizo Hall, Empangeni
Transport is available (departing from Durban Playhouse on Friday at 07h00, sharp!) for those who need transport and they may call Lifa Radebe at 033 395 8547.
For more information contact:
Chris Maxon
Cell: 083 285 0567
