The Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi will this week launch two critical cancer policies namely, Cervical and Breast Cancer policies aimed at addressing high mortality caused by these cancers, management of the condition as well as improve the quality of life of women in South Africa.
Breast and Cervical cancers have been identified amongst the leading cause of deaths among South African women, especially women aged 30 years and older.
While the Cervical cancer prevention and control policy will assist to prevent the disease by promoting healthy lifestyle and provide Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, the Breast cancer control policy will focus on breast cancer awareness, early detection, treatment and care. The implementation of both policies will provide clinical support for women, who are both at risk of developing the disease later in life and currently undergoing treatment to survive and live healthy lives.
The Department of Health is working on a 10-year plan to equip hospitals with the necessary facilities to care and support patients with cancer in an effort to address the Hospital Service Equity and accessibility for women.
The Cervical Cancer prevention and control Policy will enable the introduction of new screening technique called liquid-based cytology which is an improvement from papsmear technique and is more comfortable and produce reliable results.
The Breast cancer control policy will allow women who are diagnosed early to have access to treatment such as Trutusumab which will prolong life if treatment is completed and minimise the recurrence of the disease women.
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South African National Department of Health