The Cancer Crisis in South Africa: Why We Must Keep Speaking Out

The Cancer Alliance has worked relentlessly to highlight the severe gaps in South Africa’s cancer care system. A recent legal appeal regarding the Gauteng cancer crisis has been one of the most important steps forward in years. It has exposed the deep-rooted lack of leadership, commitment, and operational capacity within both the National Department of Health and the Gauteng Department of Health.

Yet, despite this breakthrough and years of dedicated advocacy, we continue to witness delay, inaction, and failure to address the lived realities of cancer patients. The necessary changes are not happening — and lives are at stake.

From 2024 to 2027, a series of major research projects captured the lived experiences of cancer patients in South Africa. These studies, led by Edwards and Greeff, provide powerful, evidence-based insights into what cancer patients endure — and why advocacy must continue:

A Descriptive Qualitative Study of Childhood Cancer Challenges
Edwards, L.B., & Greeff, L.E. (2017).
This paper explores the pediatric oncology landscape through the eyes of children and families using Photovoice methods. The findings highlight the immense structural and emotional barriers that children with cancer face in South Africa.

Evidence-Based Feedback on Emotional Cancer Challenges
Edwards, L.B., & Greeff, L.E. (2017).
Based on 316 Photovoice interviews, this article focuses on the emotional toll of living with cancer — including fear, uncertainty, and the psychological burden borne by patients and families.

Grassroots Feedback on Cancer Challenges
Edwards, L.B., & Greeff, L.E. (2017).
This study captures overarching themes from cancer patient narratives — from healthcare system failures to the resilience of those impacted. It represents a wide range of experiences and was cited in 29 academic works, attesting to its significance.

Together, these papers document the urgency of reform and the unfiltered voices of those living through the crisis. They are a call for the government to act — not in the future, but now.

The three videos below reinforce these realities. While some were filmed years ago, they still reflect the challenges faced by cancer patients in South Africa today:

Legal Challenge on Gauteng Cancer Care Crisis
Linda Greeff: The Voices of Advocacy and Action
Cancer Patient Voices and the Fight for Reform

Despite years of feedback from The Cancer Alliance and passionate cancer advocates, the response from government has remained slow and insufficient. We must continue to raise our voices — in courtrooms, in clinics, in media, and in policy spaces — until change is no longer optional.

Let these articles and videos deepen your understanding and commitment. The fight is far from over, but together, our voices can and must lead the way forward.

#CancerCareCrisisSA #TheCancerAlliance #HealthJusticeNow #OncologyAdvocacy #LivedExperienceMatters