Cancer crisis: Where are South Africa's radiation oncologists?

Everyone knows about KZN's cancer crisis but no one is talking about the other provinces that operate on just one radiation oncologist - or less...

By Joan van Dyk

24 May 2018

Gaetan Bally, Keystone / Corbis)

There is not a single radiation oncologist left in Limpopo or Mpumalanga, according to an annual survey conducted by the South African Society of Clinical and Radiation Oncology.

In fact, half the country’s provinces may be relying on just nine radiation oncologists in Gauteng as cancer services in five provinces buckle.

Gauteng has long been a beacon of hope for cancer patients, catering for the sickest of the sick from across almost half the country — but what happens when Gauteng oncology services begin to fail?

Source: Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism

This article was originally published by Bhekisisa, the Mail & Guardian’s Centre for Health Journalism. To read more
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