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October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and despite the fact that one in twenty nine women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, according to the Cancer Association of South Africa, little is being done by government to create awareness around the issue and about the fact that with early detection, the disease can be overcome. One of the main problems is the lack of data on breast cancer as well as other forms of cancer. It is shocking to note that the National Cancer Registry has not been updated since 1998/1999 and that this disease, which robs far too many families of loved ones, has not been regarded as a public health priority. The Democratic Alliance hereby calls on government to give breast cancer the priority and attention it deserves by doing the following:
• The creation of an up-to-date population based cancer registry accurately reflecting the number of women affected by breast cancer.
• A comprehensive National Cancer Control Policy that provides breast cancer service guidelines.
• Improving service delivery and ensuring that hospitals receive more funding for clinical equipment to assist with early diagnosis.
• Clinical examinations should be conducted by a health care provider every 3 years, starting at age 20.
• Annual screening by mammogram for women over 40 should become routine and not an exception as is currently the case.
• Awareness programs for early detection should be made available throughout South Africa, especially in the most distant rural areas.
• Consideration should be given to providing transport for patients at risk to specialised hospitals or clinics where mammography is available.
The key to survival is early detection. The Democratic Alliance hereby calls for an urgent debate on the subject of Breast Cancer Awareness.