Cervical cancer claimed Nkhanyeleni Vele’s life this past weekend, but with a higher number of cancer specialists on duty, her death could have been avoided
While cancer ravages millions across the world, cervical cancer is even more lethal, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.“It’s so painful losing your loved ones, knowing that there was something that could have been done to prevent their death,” says Patrick Tshoteli, speaking about his sister who lost her battle with cervical cancer.
“She was diagnosed with cervical cancer in the first week of December. They didn’t admit her until she was very sick and we went back three days before Christmas when she was finally admitted. They told us that she would only be booked to see an oncologist in Mankweng Hospital in February the following year,” he remembers., cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, accounting for an estimated 9.6-million deaths in 2018.
Researchers analysed 1994 to 2009 cervical cancer data from the South African National Cancer Registry and mortality rates from Stats SA. At the time the study began, the data for cancer incidences and mortality were not available later than 2009 and until 2012 respectively.‘They could see she was in pain’
“We have already engaged the department of health on the issue of shortage of specialists doctors in the province. It is something we are all worried and concerned about, and we are now awaiting their feedback on the way forward,” says Mavhidula. “Currently we are managing the backlog, but we will gladly send anyone who wants to qualify as an oncologist doctor to medical school,” Shikwambana adds.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Patient at Limpopo hospital not confirmed to have coronavirus - SABC News - Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa's news leader.%The Limpopo Health Department says there is no confirmation that a patient who has been put in isolation at the Ellisras Hospital in Lephalale with a high fever and flu like symptoms, has contracted the coronavirus.%
Read more »
China virus death toll posts grim record rise, passes 400 - SABC News - Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa's news leader.China said it would welcome assistance from the United States to fight a coronavirus outbreak, a day after it accused Washington of scaremongering, and as the death toll rose on Tuesday by a new daily record to more than 420.
Read more »
The coronavirus is a disease of Chinese autocracy - The Mail & GuardianAn outbreak of a new coronavirus that began in the Chinese city of Wuhan has already infected over 4000 people – mostly in China, but also in several other countries, from Thailand to France to the United States – and killed more than 100. Given China’s history of disease outbreaks – including of severe acute respiratory syndrome …
Read more »
Limpopo’s Marula Festival gets R15m boostMEC for economic development Thabo Mokone said last year’s festival generated R35 million.
Read more »
Court to hear argument on public protector’s CR17 report - The Mail & GuardianNEWS ANALYSIS The case between the president and Busiswe Mkhwebane has also drawn in the national director of public prosecutions and the Financial Intelligence Centre. The adage “hard cases make bad law” could have been coined with public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane in mind, although in the CR17 face-off between her and President Cyril Ramaphosa, it …
Read more »