Facing Cancer with Knowledge and Compassion

Cancer remains a leading cause of suffering, but knowledge is power when facing this disease. As Dr
Cindy Aitton, head of Netcare’s Cancer Care Division explains, cancer will impact most of our lives at
some point, whether personally or through loved ones. She urges us to empower ourselves with
awareness and understand that cancer “is not a death sentence.”

Early screening and detection are key. Dr Aitton advises being proactive about health checks based
on individual risk factors. She highlights routine mammograms, prostate screenings, and other tests
that can identify cancer in early treatable stages. “The power is in your hands,” she emphasizes,
encouraging discussions with doctors about screening options.

Compassion is also vital. Dr Aitton notes that cancer patients often struggle with the “change in how
their circle looked at them and treated them” after diagnosis. She calls on us to “normalize routine
screenings” and amplify “that there is life after a cancer diagnosis.”

At Netcare facilities, multidisciplinary teams provide specialized, personalized cancer care focused
on patient needs. Groundbreaking treatments are increasingly accessible, and advances are rapid.
While some risk factors like diet and inactivity can be controlled, Dr Aitton stresses, “Together, we
can work towards a future where cancer is no longer a leading cause of suffering and loss.”
Knowledge and compassion are key to this goal.