Championing cancer advocacy in rural South Africa: CANSA’S Zodwa Sithole on advocacy, challenges, and hope
Breast cancer affects thousands of South Africans every year, yet rural communities often face the greatest barriers in accessing life-saving information, screening, and care. In honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we turn the spotlight to Zodwa Sithole, Head of Advocacy at the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), who is passionately advocating to change this reality.
Sithole’s journey into cancer advocacy was sparked by a deeply personal tragedy, the loss of her sister to breast cancer, a moment that changed her life and purpose.
“During my sister’s final moments, I said to myself, I wish God can give me the opportunity and strength to help people suffering from breast cancer. Those words ignited a mission in me to support those facing life-threatening diagnoses,” says Sithole.
Today, she channels that determination into CANSA’s initiatives to expand cancer education on how to lower your cancer risk, importance of cancer screening early diagnoses and access to cancer treatment, and support in rural areas.
Sithole highlights CANSA’s commitment to addressing the unique challenges rural communities face regarding cancer care, from limited resources to access barriers. “We collaborate with other partners to advocate for availability and implementation of cancer policies that reduce cancer risks and protect patients’ rights even in rural communities,” she explains.
In communities with limited or no network coverage, the CANSA team has found innovative ways to communicate, ensuring that no one is left behind.
“We’ve set up Info and Support Desks that support patients and families. Our CANSA Tele Counselling offers free counselling using seven official South African languages. Through email, toll-free lines, Facebook, WhatsApp, and even community radio, we’re connecting with people where they are,” Sithole adds.
“It’s critical that families aren’t excluded from this support system.”
Reliable data is another key focus for CANSA, and Sithole points out that cancer statistics are often underreported. CANSA collaborates closely with the National Cancer Registry (NCR) to bridge that gap, allowing them to gain an accurate understanding of the cancer burden and better allocate resources to rural areas.
Whilst the NCR currently is a predominantly pathology-based cancer registry, it plays a vital role in maintaining and developing national and international awareness around the enormous and increasing burden of cancer in South Africa.
Thanks to support from the American Cancer Society for funding that focuses on screening projects in places like Kwa-Maphumulo in the Ilembe District. These screenings are crucial for early detection and timely follow-up care, and they aim to reduce late-stage diagnoses, which often mean worse outcomes.
Cancer treatment centres are mostly situated in the metro areas. Patients must travel long distances to access cancer treatment. Another challenge is that patients need accommodation while they are getting their six-week treatment and often, they don’t have money to pay for a place to stay.
Patients living in rural and under serviced communities experience many challenges such as not getting histological reports timeously, waiting for months before getting a first appointment to begin treatment or access to radiotherapy or scanning machines are not functioning and lead to delays in diagnosis. Some patients are discharged without proper medication while some don’t receive sufficient medical equipment or education that can affect their dignity and quality of life.
Sithole believes in the power of collaboration to overcome these obstacles. “Civil society organisations need to work together to promote primary care in our communities. By working as a team, we can prevent patients from falling through the cracks.”
Sithole’s dedication and CANSA’s commitment are a reminder of the power of community-focused healthcare advocacy. Together, they’re making sure that even the most remote areas have a voice in the fight against cancer and they not left behind.