Natalie Cowling
Research Expert South Africa
Cancer in South Africa- statistics & facts
Cancer in South Africa and Africa in general is a growing concern as there are increasing incidences and mortality rates. Despite this, cancer is not on the list of high priorities as mortality rates for other diseases, such as Tuberculosis and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), are higher. In 2022, the number of new cancer cases in Africa has shown a growing number of cancer incidences compared to 2020. Breast cancer was Africa's leading cause of cancer-related deaths, followed by cervical and liver cancer, respectively. However, most alarmingly, colon cancer related deaths have more than doubled since 2020. The high incidences of cancer necessitate improving awareness around cancer and its associated risk factors. Additionally, improvements in healthcare infrastructure and regular screenings should be encouraged among the population so that those afflicted with cancer can receive timely treatment.
Demographic risk factors
In South Africa, some groups are at a higher risk of developing cancer than others. In 2018, most deaths caused by cancer occurred in the age group of 65 to 69 years for both men and women. Other risk factors for developing cancer and potentially succumbing to death include multiple chronic conditions and inadequate treatment access. In the same period under review, the Black African population group had the highest number of deaths due to cancer. This is likely due to the above-mentioned factors. In 2022, the country's private medical aid beneficiaries amounted to around 5.3 million out of a population of over 60.6 million. Having medical aid coverage provides members with annual screens and various treatment options. The vast majority of the population does not have access to this as they are dependent on underfunded and understaffed public healthcare services.Which types of cancer are the deadliest?
Despite the significant medical developments that reduce cancer mortality rates, it claims many deaths yearly. In 2018, digestive organ cancers constituted the deadliest type of cancer in South Africa that year and contributed around 25 percent of all malignant cancers. In addition, the mortality from cancer among men and women might result from different types of cancer. In the same year, bronchus and lung cancers caused the highest cancer-related number of deaths among South African men. On the other hand, the most lethal type of cancer among females in South Africa was cervix uteri cancer, a disease that affects only women.
