Beyond pink ribbons: Taking the fight against breast cancer

Specialist breast and endocrine surgeon Dr Liana Roodt recently wrote a thought-provoking piece for the Daily Maverick, in which she argues that Breast Cancer Awareness Month has become all about symbolism, with little real awareness or action around what happens after diagnosis.

In the article, Roodt writes, "Awareness, screening and the mantra that early detection saves lives become meaningless if women cannot access timely, evidence-based and dignified care. A mammogram is only as powerful as the treatment that follows it. A pink ribbon is only as meaningful as the impact it has to shift access to care."

Roodt says while she appreciates the campaign that happens every October, there is also a large frustration that goes along with it.

"Sadly, a lot of this awareness and education is aimed at a very small percentage of our population – it is women who have access to private healthcare, that have access to screenings, that have access to treatment... how does all this education and awareness land, with women that wonder, 'where do I go?'... and that is the reality in South Africa that we have to be extremely cognisant of."

For many women, just trying to get a diagnosis is only the beginning of a long, hard road ahead – and a number of the obstacles along the way are due to the delays and processes in the country's public healthcare system.

Prolonged waiting periods for tests, results and surgery also have a negative effect on the patient's mental health, and there is very little support available due to the overwhelmed system.

Roodt says the solution has to come from government.

"It will require a shift in focus, it will require a shift in policy... but a policy means nothing if there is not proactive implementation."

To listen to Dr Liana Roodt in conversation with Amy MacIver in for CapeTalk's Pippa Hudson, click on the audio below: