Legislation
and Policies
South Africa’s Constitution is the foundation of justice and equity. It guarantees everyone the right to health care (Section 27) and the right to dignity (Section 10). These rights mean that no one should be denied care, treated unfairly, or left to suffer without help.
How National Policy Works
Together, laws, regulations, and policies determine who gets access to cancer care, how services are delivered,
and whether people’s rights are protected.
When government systems don’t work together, patients pay the price.
Cancer Is a
Systems Issue
Cancer is not only a health issue. It is shaped by social, economic, environmental, and regulatory factors, making it one of the most complex public challenges. Addressing cancer requires coordinated action across government — far beyond the health sector.
Our Legal Framework Research examines how laws and policies affect every stage of the cancer journey. By identifying gaps and inconsistencies, we support reforms that improve equity, accountability, and access to care.
How Laws & Policies Shape Cancer Care
These laws, regulations, and policies determine access to cancer care, how services are delivered, and whether rights are protected.
Acts (Primary Laws)
Laws passed by Parliament that define rights, responsibilities, and the foundations of health service delivery, funding, safety, and governance.
Regulations (Binding Rules)
Legally enforceable rules made under Acts that set out how laws are applied in practice and must be followed by health authorities and professionals.
Policies & Strategic
Frameworks (Implementation Guidance)
Documents that guide service delivery by setting priorities, targets, and implementation plans, and are regularly updated to reflect new evidence and needs.
A Divided Health System, Unequal Cancer Care
South Africa’s health system is deeply unequal. A small minority can access comprehensive private care, while most people rely on an overstretched public system with limited resources. This divide drives profound inequities in cancer care.
What the Two-Tier System Means
Private sector: Serves just 14% of the population through 71 medical schemes, each offering different levels of cancer cover.
Public sector: Serves 86% of the population, where access to diagnosis and treatment depends on budgets and provincial funding decisions.
The result? Cancer care is not equal. A person’s access to timely diagnosis and treatment depends on where they live, which facility they attend, and whether essential medicines and services are funded and available.
Cancer Alliance advocates for:
- fair and transparent pricing of cancer medicines
- accountable procurement systems
- reliable supply and distribution of essential treatments
- policies that ensure no patient is left behind, regardless of income or location
Equitable cancer care requires systemic reform — so that every person receives dignified, timely, and effective treatment, no matter which part of the health system they depend on.