As the world marks Cancer Survivors Day on the 4 th of June, the focus is shifting beyond treatment alone to survivorship, continuity of care, and the systemic challenges that shape who survives and who doesn’t. This, according to Dr Renata Maharaj, Head of Medical Affairs at Novartis South Africa. Maharaj adds: “The reality is that to improve cancer outcomes, healthcare must be people-centred and sensitive to patients’ perceptions, lived realities and information needs”.
Research shows that early-stage cancer detection can increase survival rates, yet many South Africans are still diagnosed at advanced stages, where survival drops dramatically. Barriers such as delayed diagnosis, limited access to oncology specialists,
and fragmented healthcare systems continue to impact patient outcomes across the country.
“From a clinical perspective, the difference between early and late diagnosis is often the difference between life and death,” says Dr Maharaj. “We know that when patients are diagnosed early and have consistent access to treatment and follow-up care, outcomes improve significantly. But too many patients in South Africa enter the system late, when treatment options are more limited and less effective.”
Even after successful treatment, the risk does not end. Cancer recurrence remains a significant concern for survivors. Evidence shows that many recurrences occur within 2- 5 years following treatment, more specifically, with a 30% recurrence risk for Breast Cancer 5. “Patients often believe that once treatment ends, the cancer journey is over, but clinically, that’s not the case,” says Dr Maharaj.
Beyond diagnosis, continuity of care remains a critical and often overlooked factor in survivorship. Cancer is increasingly being managed as a chronic condition, requiring long-term monitoring, management of side effects, andsustained access to medication and support services. “Access to care is one of the most significant determinants of cancer outcomes,” says Sanjay Govender, Interim Head of Value and Access at Novartis South Africa. “When patients can access the right treatment at the right time and continue that care without interruption, their chances of survival improve dramatically. Addressing barriers to access is not just a healthcare issue, it’s a matter of equity”, Govender adds.
National Cancer Survivors Day serves as a reminder that cancer care does not end when treatment stops. “Improving survival rates in South Africa will require a more integrated, patient-centred approach, one that prioritises early detection, strengthens healthcare systems, and ensures equity. “