Most prevalent cancers in SA's adults - and how they're treated

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common cancers in men and refers to a malignant tumour that begins in the prostate gland. It is generally slow-growing and therefore may not cause symptoms or problems for many years. The decision to screen for prostate cancer is an individual one, therefore the possible benefits and harms of screening should be discussed with a clinician. 

• Read up on how Zephania Msimang managed his prostate cancer here.

When diagnosed in its early stages (cancer is confined to the prostate gland), there are a number of treatment choices available, dependent on several factors, and may include watchful waiting or active surveillance, surgery, radiation therapy (including brachytherapy), hormone therapy and chemotherapy.

Listen to our experts share fascinating insights into cancers that affect men – including prostate cancer – here.

Colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is cancer that starts in the colon or rectum (sometimes called colon cancer, bowel cancer or rectal cancer). According to the Mayo Clinic a number of people with colorectal cancer experience no symptoms especially in the early stages of the disease. When they do appear, they’ll vary depending on where the cancer is situated and its size.

Treatment for colorectal cancer:

• People with colorectal cancer may undergo surgery
• Radiotherapy and chemotherapy may be recommended and in some instances be given in combination
• Biological therapies could possibly be used as part of the treatment plan.

Listen to our experts share fascinating insights into cancers that affect men – including insights into colorectal cancer when it presents in men, here.

Also listen to our podcast episode on cancers that affect women here.

Lung cancer

Lung cancer is a disease characterised by uncontrolled cell growth in the lung tissues. Left untreated, this growth can spread into nearby tissue and, eventually, into other parts of your body. Most cancers that start in the lungs, known as primary lung cancers, are carcinomas that derive from epithelial cells. People who smoke have a greater risk of developing lung cancer, however lung cancer can occur in people who have never smoked. 

There are three types of lung cancer: small cell lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer and mesothelioma.

• Watch Laurie Gaum share his lung cancer journey here.

Treatment of lung cancer depends on several factors, including:

• Your overall health and wellbeing
• The type of lung cancer
• The size and position of your cancer
• How far advanced the cancer is (the cancer stage)

Your medical team will make recommendations and offer advice about your best treatment options. These may include one or a combination of:

• Surgery
• Radiotherapy
• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy

Listen to our experts share fascinating insights into the cancer journey, screening tests and more, here.

Breast cancer

• Did you know that you can use the MyBreastCancerRisk Calculator to estimate your risk of your developing breast cancer and the MyFamilyHistory tool to determine your risk of developing various health conditions. Both unlock additional screening benefits where clinically appropriate. Remember to regularly check your own breasts and your skin for any abnormal lumps and bumps. 

Breast cancer remains the most prevalent cancer in South African women. Treatment for early-stage breast cancer is very effective which is why it’s so important to find the cancer as early as possible. Screening mammograms usually involve x-rays of each breast, making it possible to pick up on tumours you may not be able to feel, and diagnose breast cancer.

When deciding on the best treatment, doctors will consider:

• The stage and grade of your cancer (how big it is and how far it has spread)
• Your general health
• Whether you’re menopausal

The main treatments for breast cancer are:

• Surgery which may involve the removal of just the cancerous lump (tumour), known as breast-conserving surgery or surgery to remove the whole breast, which is called a mastectomy. In many cases, reconstructive surgery is an option
• Radiotherapy
• Chemotherapy
• Hormone therapy
• Biological therapy
• Watch Mickey Mabuza share her breast cancer story here and Norma Moller share her story here

Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is a disease in which cells in the cervix become malignant (cancerous). Worldwide, cervical cancer is the third most common type of cancer in women and in South Africa it’s the second. It’s less common in developed countries than in developing countries because of the use of Pap smears to detect the cells that cause this form of cancer when they are still in a pre-cancerous state.

Listen to gynaecologist Dr Trudy Smith and renowned Specialists Breast Surgeon Prof. Carol Benn, share fascinating insights into cancers that affect women, here.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), virtually all cases of cervical cancer are linked to genital infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract. There are vaccinations available against HPV and the recommendation is that prepubescent girls have the vaccine.

• Read up on how sisters Alrita and Tessa managed their cervical cancer diagnoses here

Remember that all males and females on Discovery Vitality aged between nine and 25 will earn Vitality points for having the HPV vaccination. Also, visit a healthcare provider for a Pap smear once every three years. You will earn the points in the year of the screening, and in the next year/s.

Treatment for cervical cancer depends on:

• The stage of your cancer
• The size of your tumour
• General health and wellbeing
• Your desire to have children in future

Treatment of early-stage cervical cancer may include:

• Cervical conisation: Removing a cone-shaped piece of tissue from your cervix and cervical canal
• Endocervical curettage: Scraping of your cervix to remove abnormal cells
• Loop electrosurgical excision procedure: Using a thin, low-voltage electrified wire loop to cut out abnormal tissue
• Cryosurgery: Killing pre-cancerous and cancerous cells by freezing them
• Total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus)
• Internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy)

Treatment for more advanced cervical cancer may include:

• Hysterectomy: removing your uterus and much of the surrounding tissues, including lymph nodes
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Biological therapy

Cancer of the uterus

The most common type of uterine cancer is also called endometrial cancer because it forms in the lining of your uterus or endometrium. Treatment is most effective when uterine cancer is found early.

Uterine cancer is treated by one or a combination of treatments, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and hormone therapy.

• Surgery may include:
  • Hysterectomy: Removal of your uterus
  • Total hysterectomy: Removal of your uterus as well as your ovaries and fallopian tubes
  • Lymph node dissection: Removal of lymph nodes in the pelvis and lower abdomen

Cancer and the elderly

Age plays a vital role when it comes to an increased cancer risk, and with people living far longer these days, it’s hardly surprising that cancer is more prevalent amongst over 65-year olds. In younger age groups, the annual cancer rates are almost equally distributed between the two genders. Yet, for all major specific cancer sites, except testicular cancer, the incidence rate is significantly higher amongst the elderly. All cancers combined (except non-melanoma skin cancer) are almost seven times more prevalent among elderly men (2 158 per 100 000 person-years), and around four times more prevalent among elderly women (1 192 per 100 000 person-years) than among younger persons (30 to 64 years old). Common cancers in older adults include:

• Breast cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Lung cancer
• Colon cancer
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma