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Klerksdorp/Tshepong Hospital Complex
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Media Release
For Immediate Release
13.03.2012
Access, let alone success in treatment of cancer patients at Klerksdorp
/Tshepong hospital Complex medical & Radiation Oncology Unit.
According to Dr. Binu Luke, the Klerksdorp/Tshepong hospital specialist physician, Radiation oncology
Unit and medical oncology unit are seeing an increased number of cancer patients than previous. This
may be as a result of bad habit such as smoking and too much alcohol intake. This was confirmed by
Dr. Loraine Blaauw, the oncologist who added that the radiations Unit also see quite a number of
patients with cervix and oesophagus related ailment.
It would seem that the trend in cancer diseases trend seem to shift from adult citizens to youth and
young adults in our communities. This may be as a result of change in life styles, proliferation of
HIV/AIDS pandemic, heterosexual, particularly in relationships with many sexual partners and
homosexuals.
Cancer is when normal cells grow out of control, spread very fast, divide out of control and grouping
together to form tumors and they don’t die. Cancer cells can destroy the normal cells and damage the
body’s healthy tissues. If not detected and treated in time, this can make someone very sick and fatal.
A Provincial Unit
The Klerksdorp/Tshepong Radiation Oncology Unit is a provincial Unit, whereby patients from the entire
province benefit from treatment of cancer, and no longer be transported to Gauteng for radiation
therapy services. The new R52mil Radiation Oncology Unit became functional in Nov 2009; the MEC
officially opened the Unit on the 12 March 2010.
Radiation oncology unit service are costly, but not for legible hospital patients. The Cost per patient day
equivalent is approximately R1, 389.00. NB!!! For a radical treatment a patient standard visit is
approximately 33 days before being declared completely cured. For palliative treatment cancer patients
visit for approximately 10 days.
Success of the Klerksdorp/Tshepong Radiation Oncology Unit
Previously, patients failed to finish their treatment due to the fact that they had to go to Gauteng as the
distance was too far to travel. Since the opening of the radiation unit, we have received positive
response about the outcome of the treatment. Approximately 80% of patients who presented with early
stage cancers are completely cured.
“There have been marked improvement in cervical and breast cancer treatments and we want people to
approach health centres as soon as they feel something unusual” said Dr. Loraine Blaauw, oncologist
in KT hospital radiation oncology unit.
Generally, oncology patients said they are very happy to receive treatment closer to their homes. And
the service is top of the class and invaluable, and indeed saving lives.
Radiation oncology Unit patients treated from November 2009- January 2012.
Total number of patients visits for radiotherapy = 9525, Total number of patients treated with
radiotherapy = 1245, Total number of In-Patients = 628, Total number of Out-Patients = 7617.
Challenges; it is unfortunate that cancer awareness is very low in communities, we need vigorous
cancer awareness. Awareness will also assist as most patients are presenting with late stage diseases.
The unit requires highly skilled and technical staff, and there is a general shortage within the country.
“Cancer treatment needs specialists and unfortunately we have three oncologists we share with private
hospital here in Klerksdorp. They have agreed to work with us and at lease on is at the unit every day”,
said Dr. Binu Luke, hospital specialist physical and coordinator of KT hospital tertiary services.
Future plans, currently we are seeing more than 60 patients per month, whilst initially we planned for a
maximum of 50 patients. In anticipation of future requirements, the second bunker was included in the
initial building of this unit. In future, as the need arises, a second Linear Accelerator can be installed to
double the capacity of the unit.
Radiation and Medical oncology Units Strategic partnerships, we have good partnership with in the
Non-Governmental Organizations, Faith Based Organizations, and the Private sectors. CANSA and
Hospice work closely with the Oncology Unit in the provision of support and services for cancer
patients. It provides Chemotherapy, Pain management, Symptom control, Palliative care, Work up for
radiation, Out-patient clinics.
MEDICAL ONCOLOGY PATIENTS ACTIVITIES: ANNUAL STATISTICS 2010/2011 FINACIAL YEAR.
Total In-patient=25,698, Total patients who received chemotherapy =7,372, Total Out patients =9,352.
The city of Matlosana is known as a centre of medical expertise, in both the private and public sectors,
within the North West Province. This strength within Matlosana can be further developed and we need
to focus and invest in the health of our community.
End.
Submitted by Nico Masiu
Communications Manager
Klerksdorp/Tshepong hospital Complex