Breast Cancer Control Policy 2017

Referral Care Pathways

14th December 2018

The Cancer Alliance today publishes the third part of its series on the Breast Cancer Control Policy with Section 3: Access to Care.

South Africa’s new Breast Cancer Control Policy is a vital document aimed at prioritising breast cancer awareness, prevention, treatment and care in South Africa. Once fully implemented, it will secure access to a network of dedicated regional breast units that will not only improve early detection rates, but also establish guidelines for optimal treatment and palliative care to help drive down death rates from this cancer, which has become a leading cause of death of South African women.

“Limited resource settings with weak health systems where the majority of women are diagnosed in late stages should prioritise early diagnosis programmes based on awareness of early signs and symptoms and prompt referral to diagnosis and treatment.” – World Health Organisation (WHO)

In Section 3 we describe the Referral Care Pathways which will be set up, consisting of: The Primary Healthcare Clinic; District and non-designated units; Specialised Breast Units (SBUs) and Regional Breast Units (RBUs), and the Provincial Oncology Units (POUs).

Early detection and intervention is critical for improved survival rates amongst breast cancer patients, which makes it crucial to avoid any delays in assessing patients. This, in turn, means utilising what resources South Africa does have in the best way possible.

Cancer Alliance Members are requested to download the new Social Media Package, which contains copies of all the graphics for use on social media, the planned publication schedule, and details of how to post each meme. 

Click here to go directly to this new section: Breast Cancer Policy: Access to Care.

Click here to read more about the Breast Cancer Prevention and Control Policy...