Demographic risk factors
In South Africa, some groups are at a higher risk of developing cancer than others. In 2018, most deaths caused by cancer occurred in the age group of 65 to 69 years for both men and women, at 2,996 and 2,546 deaths, respectively. Other risk factors for developing cancer and potentially succumbing to death include multiple chronic conditions and inadequate treatment access. In the same period under review, the Black African population group had the highest number of deaths due to cancer, with almost 24,000 recorded. This is likely due to the above-mentioned factors. In 2022, the country's private medical aid beneficiaries amounted to around 5.3 million out of a population of over 60.6 million. Having medical aid coverage provides members with annual screens and various treatment options. The vast majority of the population does not have access to this as they are dependent on underfunded and understaffed public healthcare services.Which types of cancer are the deadliest?
Despite the significant medical developments that reduce cancer mortality rates, it claims many deaths yearly. In 2018, digestive organ cancers constituted the deadliest type of cancer in South Africa that year. They contributed around 25 percent of all malignant cancers, which resulted in 10,808 deaths. In addition, the mortality from cancer among men and women might result from different types of cancer. In the same year, bronchus and lung cancers caused the highest cancer-related number of deaths among South African men, totaling 3,964. On the other hand, the most lethal type of cancer among females in South Africa was cervix uteri cancer, a disease that affects only women. Approximately 3,994 women passed away as a result of this disease that year.
