Editorial: Cancer no longer a death sentence

WE can. I can. The theme for this year’s World Cancer Day, marked around the globe on February 4, is apt as more and more success stories start to filter through of how this terrifying disease can be beaten.

Once feared as a death sentence and spoken of in whispers, today’s treatments have radically improved survival rates over the past century.

Yesterday, for example, we reported on the inspirational Dr Elna McIntosh, so fit and active 21 years after her own diagnosis that she is joining a group of eight breast cancer survivors who will make the gruelling trek to Everest Base Camp.

However, although pink ribbons for breast cancer, and “Mo-vember” moustaches for prostate cancer are common sights, it is important to realise that these cancers are only two of dozens. This disease can hit almost any body part and knows no class or colour in its victims.

It is all too easy to feel depressed about the dire state of public health facilities in the Eastern Cape, with Dora Nginza Hospital facing threats of a mass exodus of staff despite an encouraging intervention from the Eastern Cape Legislature’s portfolio committee.

However, there are beacons of hope available not only to the rich, but also to the poor.

It is particularly heartening that amid anecdotal reports suggesting this province has a disproportionately high number of patients with throat and blood cancers, The Herald can highlight today the amazing work being done by the doctors, nurses and others in the M7 wards at the Provincial Hospital.

Increasingly, more and more types of cancer can be beaten. Sometimes viewed as the disease of modern times, more and more survivors are showing that yes, we can not only survive but thrive and, what is more, if I can, then that means you can too.

Thank you to those who are spreading awareness and giving help.