

Surgical cancer list project
Cancer is a leading cause of premature death worldwide and is becoming an increasingly critical concern in low to medium-income countries.
In South Africa, the incidence of cancer is expected to double by 2030, with one in nine people globally projected to receive a cancer diagnosis. At Groote Schuur Hospital (GSH), the Department of Surgery collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to provide essential surgical care for various cancers, including breast, cervical, brain, lung, gastrointestinal, and prostate cancers. However, the hospital's fixed capacity and growing cancer burden mean that over 585 patients are currently awaiting surgery, with an average wait time of 10 weeks, double the recommended five weeks. These delays can severely impact patients' chances of cure and long-term survival, as timely surgery is crucial for effective treatment and subsequent chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
To address this urgent need, GSH and the GSH Trust are requesting R6 million annually for two years to perform an additional 500 cancer operations per year, aiming to reduce waiting times and the number of patients awaiting surgery by at least 50%. This project will utilize a recently vacated theatre in the main operating suite, requiring the recruitment of a full cancer surgical team on a one-year renewable contract. By operating from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Monday to Thursday, the goal is to complete at least 500 extra cancer surgeries in the first year, significantly improving patients' chances for timely, life-saving treatment. This initiative not only seeks to enhance the hospital's capacity to provide urgent cancer care but also offers valuable training opportunities for surgical trainees, ensuring a sustainable improvement in cancer treatment and care at GSH.