World Cancer Day 2026 on Thursday 4 February, is an opportunity to open lifesaving conversations around cancer. Medipost pharmacists share why earlier detection and more personalised treatment are transforming patient outcomes – and how we can all play our part.
“Most of us avoid thinking about cancer; it is simply too frightening. This fear stops us from asking our doctors about the routine screenings that could save our lives. We need to ask which screenings match our age and risk factors, especially if cancer runs in our families,” says specialised medication pharmacist Mmanoko Maduane of Medipost Pharmacy.
“As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure, and with today’s advanced early cancer detection methods and the move towards more personalised treatment options, there is less reason to fear screening for ‘the Big C’ than ever before,” she points out.
“Cancers found early are much more likely to be successfully treated, with some having near 99% five-year survival rates. Early detection often enables more conservative, less invasive treatments than the complex, systemic treatments that are needed for advanced cancer. This is why regular screening is especially valuable for minimising our risk of cancer and the potential for it to impact our lives, and those of our loved ones.”
Specialised medication pharmacist Shama Louwrens, also of South Africa’s first national courier pharmacy, adds that screening is especially important for certain types of cancer, as some types can be detected before the person starts experiencing any symptoms: “Some recommended common cancer screenings, for example Pap smears or colonoscopies, are capable of identifying precancerous changes to cells, making prevention possible for certain types of cancer,” she explains.
“This World Cancer Day is an important reminder that awareness and taking responsibility for our cancer screenings can meaningfully improve outcomes and survival rates, providing more treatment options, as well as better quality of life if testing does identify cause for concern,” Louwrens says.
Unique personalised pharmacy care
The theme for World Cancer Day is United by Unique, which reflects that cancer can affect anyone and that there are real people behind the statistics. “Cancer doesn’t discriminate. People of all ages and walks of life are diagnosed each year. It is also important to remember that every cancer journey is unique, and this is integral to the individualised care we provide to our patients,” Maduane says.
“At Medipost Pharmacy, we see the person behind every script, and each patient is treated as an individual. We aim to make treatment accessible, affordable, and as stress-free as possible, helping people meet their individual needs at every stage of their journey,” adds Louwrens.
Cancer treatments are becoming increasingly targeted, often offering more personalised oncology medications with fewer side effects than older generation cancer treatments.
Chemotherapy may be used for more aggressive or advanced cancers, while hormone therapy is particularly effective for cancers that are hormone receptor-positive. Some patients may also benefit from targeted therapies, which are designed for specific cancer subtypes. Additionally, specialised medications may be required for managing pain, reducing side effects and improving the person’s comfort.
Medipost pharmacists provide guidance on medications, support with side effects and help patients stay on track with their treatment. “We are often the first point of contact for people after they are newly diagnosed. Understanding the profound implications of coming to terms with a cancer diagnosis, we also offer to connect patients with organisations such as CANSA for emotional and practical support,” says Maduane.
“We also handle the paperwork and medical scheme authorisations, so patients don’t have to contend with this administrative burden and can focus on their treatment and recovery. Our oncology team works closely with doctors, nurses, and other professionals to ensure every patient receives the right treatment and care at the right time.”
Patient education and pharmacy counselling are integral to Medipost Pharmacy’s oncology service, with pharmacists empowering people to understand their condition and medication, enabling active participation in their own treatment. This provides an additional, accessible layer of healthcare support that is only a phone call away.
“We need more open conversations in our families and wider communities to help more South Africans benefit from the hope that preventative screening and early detection represent for better outcomes. We are here to provide personalised pharmacy support to help patients get the best out of today’s treatment options and all related medication needs,” Louwrens concludes.
For more information visit https://medipost.co.za/oncology-service-provider/
