Long-term health encompasses much more than just maintaining physical fitness and dietary choices. This has become especially clear in the realm of cancer awareness and treatment. Two oncologists are stressing the importance of being informed about often-overlooked strategies for reducing cancer risk, as well as the transformative impact of new technologies on cancer treatment today.
Dr. Trenton Oliver, a clinical and radiation oncologist at the Oncology Health Centre, highlights a staggering statistic: “In South Africa, one in eight women and one in seven men are expected to be affected by cancer in their lifetime.” With global cancer rates on the rise, he urges the public not to ignore the preventive and screening tests that are appropriate for individual risk factors and age. “Failing to prioritize these screenings can lead to missed opportunities for early detection, potentially allowing cancer to progress to more serious stages,” he warns.
Complementing Dr. Oliver’s message, radiation oncologist Dr. Lucille Heslop, who practices at Netcare Parklands Hospital, emphasizes the essential role of regular screenings in maintaining overall health. “Taking the time for recommended screenings can literally save your life,” she asserts. Advances in screening technologies now allow for earlier detection of the most common cancers before they become life-threatening, thus marking a significant shift in how healthcare professionals approach cancer treatment.
In South Africa, breast and cervical cancers are the most commonly diagnosed cancers among women. For men, prostate cancer and basal cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer, top the list. Dr. Heslop notes a concerning trend: “While breast cancer was historically diagnosed primarily in older women, we are increasingly seeing younger women affected.” She urges individuals to discuss their risk factors with their healthcare providers, recommending routine check-ups to identify potential issues early on.
The oncologists stress that a simple visit to your general practitioner can have profound implications. Early detection and intervention can lead to better health outcomes, making regular screenings a necessity rather than a luxury. “There’s less reason to fear screening than ever before,” Dr. Oliver explains, emphasizing that if an issue is detected, collaborative treatment plans centered around the patient’s needs can be developed. This multidisciplinary approach can significantly improve the chances of a favorable outcome.
Recent advancements in cancer treatments, including significant developments in radiotherapy and chemotherapy, are increasingly allowing for personalized therapy options. Netcare Parklands Hospital, with its upgraded radiotherapy unit, exemplifies these advancements. It features a state-of-the-art Varian Halcyon linear accelerator and a surface guided radiotherapy (SGRT) system, which together reduce treatment times while enhancing the precision of care.
One revolutionary treatment modality is the high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy system, the only private HDR system in KwaZulu-Natal. This treatment is particularly crucial for patients suffering from cervical, endometrial, and esophageal cancers. HDR brachytherapy allows radiation to be delivered with remarkable precision, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues, which can lead to shorter, more convenient treatment sessions for patients.
Dr. Heslop points out, “With advanced techniques like Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH) radiotherapy for breast cancer, we can treat cancer effectively while also limiting treatment side effects.” However, she reiterates that early detection through regular screening remains an irreplaceable component of successful treatment.
Dr. Chris G. Mathew, managing director of Netcare Cancer Care, underscores the pervasive impact of cancer on South African society. “There are few South Africans who do not know someone whose life has been impacted by cancer,” he remarks. Dr. Mathew emphasizes the importance of community support, stating that across the Netcare Cancer Care network, individuals facing cancer are never alone. The multidisciplinary teams, including medical professionals, radiotherapy experts, and compassionate staff, work tirelessly to provide support tailored to each patient’s unique journey through diagnosis and beyond.
