Uniting Against a National Crisis

South Africa is battling a number of calamities, with cancer being one of the most prominent. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light the likeliness of fighting against any disease, provided there is a sense of urgency and resources are effectively allocated. In the BusinessTech article “The Leading Causes Of Death In South Africa Right Now,” Sanlam Individual Life states, “Cancer remains the main cause of severe illness claims,” with an emphasis on the continuous rise in cancer among women.

The most common strains of cancer in women are treatable and curable. For cancer to be effectively treated and cured, it needs to be detected in its early stages. Sad to relate, South Africa is faced with an evident lack of cancer screening facilities and awareness on the importance of cancer screening.

The partial progress we are making as a nation in our fight against cancer places our disadvantaged communities at the shortest end of the stick. Such communities are faced with the already existing struggles of accessing clinics within safe distances. With the added urgent cancer battle, they are once again disadvantaged by the poor health care systems that seldom succeed in providing diagnosis.

Early cancer detection is our hope in coming out victorious in this battle. One of our major obstacles is how unaware people are of the importance of screening. The common misconception – that it takes the appearance of symptoms for screening to be considered – is one that ought to be corrected. Screening not only helps individuals in their chances of surviving cancer, it also helps provide the statistics needed to bring forth the reality of cancer services in our country, and we can work on improving from such statistics.

We believe that we are capable of making an impeccable amount of progress if health care professionals volunteer their expertise and collaborate with government clinics in bringing awareness and screening to rural communities. Cathy Middleton – nurse and midwife who volunteers her skills for our Flying for Life – shares her experience of a recent cancer campaign.

“I was impressed how many women came forward for cancer screening from the young to the elderly. It was great to work in partnership with government clinics and staff in this vital early cancer detection program… The combined use of the fixed wing plane and helicopter made an almost impossible task reality with over 80 women screened in a couple of days.”

Cathy Middleton with an older women that was very happy to be offered screening.

The spirit of unity amongst South Africans is the reason our nation has hope in our fight against cancer.

We urge everyone to take a part in raising awareness, and we invite donors to support us in uplifting rural communities.

Story by Thabiso Thando Khoza