Tuesday, 01 October 2024.

As we mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) stands in solidarity with all those affected by this devastating disease, and we honour the memory of those who have tragically lost their lives to it. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in South Africa, affecting 1 in 27 women and accounting for 23% of all cancer diagnoses in the country.

It is particularly alarming that many women are diagnosed at late stages due to poor access to healthcare and limited awareness. The ANC’s disastrous failure to provide primary healthcare services has left countless women, especially in rural areas, to suffer and die without access to life-saving screenings and treatments. Our public hospitals are crumbling, with many provinces lacking critical equipment like MRIs, and women forced to wait years just for a test.

Access to essential cancer treatments like radiation and chemotherapy is severely limited, with outdated or non-existent equipment, while patients struggle to obtain the necessary medication. This is the direct result of the ANC’s incompetence, and it is a death sentence for thousands of South African women.

Their failure to provide basic healthcare services, including essential cancer screenings and treatments, is a form of violence against women. By neglecting to equip hospitals with life-saving machinery and failing to address the chronic shortages of medication and staff, the ANC is condemning countless women to unnecessary suffering and death. This deliberate neglect shows their disregard for the health and lives of the most vulnerable in our society, particularly women in rural and impoverished areas. The ANC’s inaction is not just a failure of governance—it is an act of systemic violence that denies women their basic right to life and dignity.

Meanwhile, breast cancer is increasingly affecting younger women, with aggressive forms of the disease often detected in women in their 30s. We, therefore, call on all women to engage in self-examination techniques and take advantage of available screenings. Visual examination should be done in front of a mirror to observe any physical changes in the breasts, followed by a physical examination either lying down or in the shower to feel for lumps or irregularities. Common symptoms to look out for include swelling in parts of the breast, skin irritation or dimpling, nipple pain or discharge, lumps near the underarm area, and changes in the size or shape of the breast.

It’s important to remember that many lumps may be harmless, but all should be checked by a healthcare provider. However, early prevention is key, therefore we encourage all women to maintain a healthy lifestyle, limiting alcohol consumption, and staying physically active as these have all been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Men are also encouraged to participate in the same self-examinations, as they account for up to 3% of all breast cancer cases in South Africa.

The EFF has consistently advocated for improved health services, including mobile testing centres, to provide early detection and care to those in underserved areas. We have also recommended a renewal of the health system through the strengthening of primary health care with universal coverage, people-centred care, and evidencebased policies. This approach should be built on the pillars of prevention, promotion, and education in order to prevent diseases before they develop, promote healthier lifestyles across communities, and educate the public about early detection and proper health practices.

Furthermore, research and technology need to be aggressively prioritised in state hospitals. It is criminal that South Africa, with its brilliant minds in universities and research institutions, remains dependent on foreign pharmaceuticals and outdated technology. We must seize control of our own health outcomes by creating advanced cancer treatment equipment, manufacturing our own drugs, and investing in cutting- edge research. This will allow us to trace patterns, prevent diseases, and take full control of the fight against cancer and other deadly illnesses.

This month, we urge everyone to join local events and activities dedicated to raising awareness and supporting those affected by breast cancer. Keep an eye out for fundraisers and donation drives—every contribution makes a difference in helping those fighting this disease.

ISSUED BY THE ECNONOMIC FREEDOM FIGHTERS

Leigh-Ann Mathys (National Spokesperson) 082 304 7572

Thato Lebyane (Media Enquiries) 078 563 1581