Early Detection of Cancer Saves Lives
In commemoration of World Cancer Day on 4 February, the City of Johannesburg’s Department of Health, in partnership with Pink Drive, hosted a community wellness day at the Slovoville Recreation Centre.
The event provided free health services to community members, including mammograms, pap smears, clinical breast examinations, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing for men, lung function assessments, blood pressure and haemoglucotest screenings, as well as HIV/AIDS testing and initiation on antiretroviral therapy (ART).
The cancer awareness event was attended by Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, the City’s Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Health and Social Development, Councillor Ennie Makhafola, the CEO of Pink Drive, Noelene Kotschan, and representatives from the Japanese embassy.
Dr Phaahla emphasised the importance of early detection and timely treatment in combating cancer. “The Department of Health provides screening for breast, cervical, and prostate cancer, and the introduction of the HPV vaccine for pupils will help curb cervical cancer in the long term,” he said. He also acknowledged the challenges faced by South Africa’s health system, including insufficient equipment and infrastructure, long queues at public health facilities, and inadequate funding for diagnostic tools.
The theme for World Cancer Day 2025-2027, “United by Unique”, was highlighted during the event. “This theme reminds us that everyone affected by cancer has a unique journey, yet together, through unity and collaboration, we can create a world where cancer is no longer a life-threatening burden,” said Cllr Makhafola.
The event saw strong attendance from community members, who seized the opportunity to assess their health status. “Slovoville is located on the outskirts of Soweto, and residents greatly appreciate the chance to access services that would normally require them to travel long distances,” said Cllr Ntshavheni Mutavhatsindi from Ward 53 in Slovoville.
According to the 2022 National Cancer Registry report, the five most common cancers in South Africa are breast, prostate, cervical, lung, and colorectal cancers. Partnerships between the City’s Health Department and organisations like Pink Drive play a crucial role in reducing cancer mortality rates.
Since its inception in 2009, Pink Drive has conducted over 27,455 mammograms and referred more than 2,745 women to public hospitals for treatment.
“Early detection is key in fighting cancer,” said Kotschan. She urged the government to invest resources into her NGO to enable Pink Drive to reach more vulnerable women, particularly those in rural areas who face significant barriers to accessing adequate healthcare.
