People have been urged not to wait for big drops but to get up and go for cancer screening as this disease destroys 65 000 people a year in this country.
The call was blown by the Chairperson of the Health Committee in Parliament, Mrs. Faith Muthambi yesterday as people who survived this deadly disease were being celebrated, which is the second most sarcastic of people in the country. He said that this disease not only affects the person who is carrying it, but also leaves scars on the family that has it.
“We celebrate the people who get infected, get treated and end up free of this disease as it affects 900,000 people in this country every year. This disease leaves scars that don’t heal quickly on the affected person as well as on his family as there is a long way to go before recovery,” he said.
That is why he said it is important for people to get tested early so that they can get treatment as soon as possible.
“If you find us early, it is easier to get help. We know about the challenges that exist in health, but it helps to be identified early.”
He mentioned breast cancer, cervical cancer, cervical cancer and breast cancer which he said are the most deadly for women.
“Breast cancer is the biggest threat to women in this country. The number of people dying from cancer is increasing, which puts pressure on the health of this country. We know that it is expensive to treat cancer in public health centers. It costs from R40 000 to R100 000 a year to treat a cancer patient,” he said.
In private institutions, he said the cost is R500 000 and includes chemotherapy, surgery and other assistance.
“Those who use medical aid end up facing the harsh reality that they have to spend more from their money because the costs are very high. We know that there is a lack of experts who can treat this disease in government institutions, that’s why we say that people are not tested early.”
He appealed to people to support programs to raise awareness about the disease.
“We wish to express our condolences to those who have been left behind by their relatives due to cancer. We are a committee and we will continue to urge the government to ensure that all those who are stranded get help as soon as possible.”