Cancer didn’t bring me to my knees, it brought me to my feet

Hosted by PinkDrive on the 4th of February under the theme “United by Unique,” World Cancer Day recognises that while cancer is a shared diagnosis, no two patients share the same journey.  The event brought together government leaders, international partners, healthcare organisations, and the private sector to spotlight a common goal: earlier detection and more equitable cancer care for all South Africans.

Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in South Africa, accounting for 23.2% of all female cancers, with a lifetime risk of 1 in 271. Cervical Cancer affects over 11 000 women annually, particularly those living with HIV2. Prostate Cancer is the leading cancer among men and is the fifth leading cause of death globally3. Despite advancement in treatment, a significant number of patients are still diagnosed at later stages, often due to cost, distance, lack of information, and  limited access to screening4. During the discussion, one message was clear: early detection saves lives, reduces the complexity of treatment and significantly improves survival rates.

PinkDrive’s mobile screening programme stood out as an essential example of how collaboration can translate into action. The mobile units, according to Noelen Kotschan, have expanded their services beyond mammograms to include a range of general health screenings. These services, supported by corporate partnerships, are available to patients nationwide and now offer pap smears for cervical cancer, HPV testing, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests5. By taking mammography services directly into communities, PinkDrive helps reach people who might lack access to screening services. Chairperson Mr. Makhatini and Founder and CEO Noelene Kotschan emphasised that impact at this scale is only possible through partnership, with Noelene noting that collaboration ensures “screening reaches people before it is too late.”

Government leaders echoed the importance of system-wide collaboration. Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, highlighted the province’s Comprehensive Cancer Plan, aimed at reducing oncology backlogs through public-private partnerships and investment in specialised healthcare professionals. Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Joe Phaahla, reinforced prevention as a cornerstone of cancer control, pointing to the long-term impact of routine screening. 

World Cancer Day 2026 served as a great reminder that when early detection, and partnership come together, patients are given the chance not just to survive but to stand strong.