LIFESTYLE NEWS - Lung cancer can strike anyone, regardless of age, lifestyle or background. Yet many people are still unaware that today’s screening tests can detect it early and that effective treatment options are now available for this condition.
Despite being one of the most common cancers in South Africa, it is also becoming one of the most treatable. Personalised cancer care offers more hope than ever before, turning what was once a grim diagnosis into a fight that patients can win.
“Although our patients across the country are affected by a broad spectrum of cancers and cancer-related illnesses, lung cancer accounts for the largest proportion in line with worldwide trends,” says Amanda Busch, oncology manager at Medipost Pharmacy.
“Lung cancer is not always easy to detect, and its symptoms may be mistaken for other conditions. If you have any concerns, consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment are fundamental to achieving positive clinical outcomes.”
Busch explains that there are two main types of lung cancer: small-cell lung cancer and the more common non-small-cell lung cancer, which affects around nine out of ten people diagnosed with lung cancer.
“However, treatments have evolved significantly over the past decade,” she adds. “In addition to surgery, oncologists may now also recommend chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy or targeted therapy, depending on what the patient requires.”
The chemotherapy medicines, consumables, and related items required by oncology practices and their patients are dispensed and delivered by Medipost Pharmacy under strict Good Pharmacy Practice conditions.
The options and making informed decisions
According to Busch, each patient receives a personalised treatment plan, along with all necessary information, before starting therapy.
“To complement the oncology treatment received in hospital, patients are provided with a treatment basket containing pre-chemotherapy medications, medicines that stimulate white-blood-cell development and items to help alleviate side-effects such as nausea.”
“Before any treatment cycle, blood tests are performed and medicines or dosages may be adjusted accordingly,” Busch explains.
Medipost Pharmacy and its oncology department ensure that chemotherapy and other oncology medicines are transported safely to oncology practices, while supporting medications may be delivered directly to patients for in-home use.
“Certain cancer treatments are cytotoxic, meaning they can harm healthy cells as well as cancer cells. These medicines require additional precautions for handling and transportation, and some items have strict cold-chain requirements,” she notes.
These oncology departments, located in Pretoria and Cape Town, are trained to package and transport oncology medicines correctly, ensuring treatments arrive within the required specifications and remain intact, safe, and optimally effective.
Understanding side-effects and pharmacy support
“As many people are aware, cancer treatment often comes with common and expected side effects. For lung cancer chemotherapy, these may include shortness of breath, fatigue, skin reactions and gastrointestinal issues,” Busch explains.
Oncologists typically prescribe supporting medication as part of the treatment plan. Busch emphasises the importance of communication: "Patients should report all side-effects to their treating team. Certain symptoms may fall outside the expected profile and could indicate another health concern requiring attention.”
“There are many ups and downs during cancer treatment, which is why proper counselling beforehand is so important. Different types of anti-nausea medication are prescribed according to the individual treatment plan, and patients are often advised to take their dose before arriving for treatment. It is far easier to prevent nausea than to treat it once it has set in.”
Busch adds that breathing and relaxation techniques may help, and simple options, including peppermint or ginger tea and high-fibre foods, can ease digestive discomfort. “Avoid excessive sun exposure, and use gentle skincare products to minimise irritation. Good nutrition and adequate rest remain essential,” she says.
Medipost Pharmacy’s oncology department team also assist registered patients with personalised medication guidance, processing medical aid claims, and facilitating authorisations where required, ensuring treatments are funded correctly and without unnecessary delays.
Early testing remains essential
“Lung cancer can be treated very successfully, but early diagnosis is absolutely crucial. While genetics, age, environmental factors, and smoking play a role, anyone can be affected. Screening and awareness save lives and can help change the picture of lung cancer in South Africa," Busch concludes.
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