South Africa’s Growing Cancer Burden: What Northern KwaZulu-Natal Communities Should Know

Cancer is placing an increasing burden on patients, families and healthcare services throughout South Africa. This challenge is not limited to major cities. People living in towns and rural communities may also face long journeys, delayed referrals and difficulty accessing specialist care.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer estimated that South Africa recorded approximately 101,600 new cancer cases and 55,400 cancer deaths in 2024. Prostate, breast, cervical, lung and colorectal cancers accounted for the largest numbers of newly diagnosed cases nationally.

For communities across Newcastle and northern KwaZulu-Natal, greater awareness, timely medical assessment and access to coordinated oncology care are increasingly important.

Why Is South Africa’s Cancer Burden Growing?

The number of people diagnosed with cancer is influenced by several interconnected factors.

A Growing and Ageing Population

Cancer becomes more common with increasing age. As South Africa’s population grows and more people live into older age, the total number of cancer diagnoses is expected to increase.

This does not necessarily mean that every individual’s risk is increasing at the same rate. Population growth and ageing alone can produce a substantial rise in the number of people requiring treatment.

Tobacco and Alcohol Use

Tobacco remains one of the most significant preventable causes of cancer. It is associated not only with lung cancer but also with cancers of the mouth, throat, oesophagus, bladder, kidneys, pancreas and other organs.

Alcohol consumption is linked to several cancers, including cancers of the breast, liver, mouth, throat, oesophagus and colorectum. Cancer risk generally increases as alcohol consumption increases.

Diet, Physical Activity and Body Weight

Physical inactivity, excess body weight and dietary patterns low in nutritious plant foods are associated with an increased risk of certain cancers.

These factors do not act alone, and having one or more risk factors does not mean that a person will develop cancer. However, healthier everyday habits can help reduce the risk of several cancers and other chronic diseases.

Cancer-Related Infections

Certain infections contribute significantly to South Africa’s cancer burden.

Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is the primary cause of cervical cancer and is also associated with several other cancers. Hepatitis B and C can increase the risk of liver cancer, while HIV can raise the likelihood of developing certain cancers, particularly when it is not effectively treated.

Vaccination, appropriate screening and effective management of chronic infections all form part of cancer prevention.

Environmental and Occupational Exposures

Long-term exposure to substances such as asbestos, silica dust, certain industrial chemicals, air pollution and excessive ultraviolet radiation can increase the risk of particular cancers.

Appropriate workplace protection and early investigation of concerning symptoms are especially important for people with a history of occupational exposure.

Improved Detection and Cancer Reporting

Better diagnostic services and cancer registration can increase the number of recorded cases by identifying cancers that may previously have gone undiagnosed or unreported.

Improved detection is valuable, but access remains uneven. Some patients still reach specialist services only after symptoms have become severe or the cancer has advanced.

Common Cancers in South Africa

According to 2024 estimates from the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the five most frequently diagnosed cancers in South Africa, across both sexes, were:

• Prostate cancer
• Breast cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Lung cancer
• Colorectal cancer

Patients in northern KwaZulu-Natal also require care for oesophageal cancer, lymphomas, leukaemias and many other cancer types.

Each cancer behaves differently. Treatment and prognosis depend on the cancer’s type, biological characteristics, location, stage and the patient’s overall health.

Why Timely Diagnosis Matters

Cancer detected at an earlier stage may be easier to treat and may allow a wider range of treatment options. Earlier diagnosis is also frequently associated with a better prognosis, although this varies between cancer types and individual patients.

A delay does not automatically mean that a cancer will become incurable, and an advanced diagnosis does not mean that treatment cannot help. Modern cancer treatment may control disease, relieve symptoms, prolong life and improve quality of life at different stages.

However, unexplained or persistent symptoms should not be ignored. Prompt assessment gives patients the best opportunity to obtain an accurate diagnosis and begin appropriate care.

Possible Cancer Warning Signs

Cancer can produce many different symptoms, and these symptoms are often caused by conditions other than cancer.

Changes that should be medically assessed include:

• A new lump, swelling or unusual thickening
• Unexplained weight loss
• Unusual or persistent fatigue
• Abnormal bleeding
• A lasting change in bowel or bladder habits
• A persistent cough, hoarseness or shortness of breath
• Difficulty or pain when swallowing
• A sore or wound that does not heal
• A new or changing mole or skin lesion
• Persistent, unexplained pain
• Recurrent fever or night sweats without a clear cause

Do not wait two weeks if a symptom is severe or sudden. Heavy bleeding, coughing up blood, severe breathing difficulty, a seizure, sudden weakness, loss of consciousness or another acute medical problem requires urgent attention.

For less urgent symptoms that persist, worsen or repeatedly return, arrange an assessment with a GP, clinic or appropriate healthcare professional.

Screening and Prevention

Not every cancer can be prevented, and screening recommendations are not identical for every person. The appropriate test and timing depend on age, sex, symptoms, family history, medical history and individual risk.

Preventive measures may include:

• Avoiding tobacco and seeking help to stop smoking
• Limiting or avoiding alcohol
• Maintaining regular physical activity
• Following a balanced, nutritious eating pattern
• Protecting the skin from excessive sun exposure
• Receiving HPV and hepatitis B vaccination where appropriate
• Managing HIV, hepatitis and other chronic infections
• Attending cervical screening with an HPV test or Pap smear as advised
• Discussing breast screening with a healthcare professional
• Discussing prostate testing, including the potential benefits and limitations of PSA testing
• Discussing colorectal screening based on age, symptoms, family history and risk

Screening is intended for people who do not have symptoms. Anyone experiencing a concerning symptom needs diagnostic assessment rather than waiting for a routine screening appointment.

When Is an Oncologist Involved?

A GP, clinic or other healthcare professional is often the first point of contact when a person develops an unexplained symptom.

If examination, imaging or laboratory testing suggests cancer, a biopsy may be required. Pathologists analyse tissue to confirm the diagnosis and identify the cancer’s biological characteristics. Imaging specialists and other clinicians may help determine how far it has spread.

An oncologist then uses this information to recommend and coordinate appropriate cancer treatment.

Depending on the diagnosis, an oncologist may:

• Explain the cancer type and stage
• Develop a personalised treatment plan
• Prescribe chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy when appropriate
• Monitor treatment response and manage side effects
• Coordinate care with surgeons, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and rehabilitation professionals
• Support patients requiring long-term cancer management or surveillance
• Work with palliative-care professionals to manage symptoms and quality of life

Bringing Oncology Care Closer to Home

Melna Oncology Centre provides specialist oncology care in Newcastle for patients from surrounding communities, including Osizweni, Dundee, Glencoe, Greytown, Nongoma, Paulpietersburg, Pongola, Ladysmith, Ulundi and Vryheid.

Dr Thandeka Buthelezi-Zulu provides oncology assessment, personalised systemic cancer treatment where clinically appropriate, treatment monitoring and coordination with other specialists.

Receiving appropriate care closer to home can reduce some of the practical burden of repeated travel and make ongoing appointments and treatment monitoring more manageable.

When to Contact Melna Oncology Centre

An oncology consultation may be appropriate if:

• Cancer has been confirmed
• Investigations strongly suggest a possible cancer
• You have been referred for specialist oncology assessment
• You require systemic cancer treatment
• You would like a second oncology opinion
• You need ongoing treatment monitoring or cancer surveillance

If you have a new symptom but have not yet undergone an initial medical assessment, begin by visiting your GP or local clinic. They can examine you, arrange the appropriate investigations and refer you where necessary.

Taking the Next Step

South Africa’s cancer burden is growing, but diagnostic methods and treatment options are also continuing to improve. Awareness, timely assessment and coordinated specialist care can make a meaningful difference.

If you or a loved one has received a cancer diagnosis or requires an oncology consultation, contact Melna Oncology Centre in Newcastle to request an appointment.

This article is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace medical assessment, screening advice or personalised treatment recommendations.

Sources and further reading:International Agency for Research on Cancer – South Africa Fact Sheet 2024, National Cancer Registry – 2024 Pathology-Based Cancer Report, and South African National Cancer Strategic Framework.