The IFP calls all on men to get tested for prostate cancer as October is Cancer Awareness month.
“I would like to urge all the men of KwaZulu-Natal to be responsible and get tested for Prostate Cancer. They must seek help and advice from a health care professional so that their good health can be retained as they get older. It must be remembered that prevention is always better than cure. Early detection of prostate cancer through examinations helps a great deal and greatly improves the success of treatment. We believe that regular testing may prevent prostate cancer deaths,” said IFP KZN Spokesperson on Health, Mrs Ncamisile Nkwanyana, MPL. “Our call is also extended to women to check for breast and cervical cancer. Reducing deaths from breast cancer will take more than pink ribbons and cancer talks. Creating awareness without accessible cancer treatment infrastructure is in itself myopic. But without well-equipped referral channels to enable those with suspicious lumps or early-stage disease to get prompt diagnosis and treatment, these efforts will not contribute to reducing deaths,” continued Mrs Nkwanyana.
“A pink ribbon means nothing to a cancer patient who cannot even raise bus fare to go to a treatment centre. The disparities that exist in breast cancer outcomes in this country must be acknowledged. The economically marginalised suffer disproportionately more and are more likely to die even with early diagnosis of breast cancer,” concluded Mrs Nkwanyana.
