The Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Pakishe Motsoaledi has established of a Ministerial Advisory Committee on the Prevention and Control of Cancer and the appointment of its inaugural members. The Committee will advise the Minister on all matters relating to the prevention and control of cancer in line with Section 91 (1) of the National Health Act.

The National Department of Health recognises that cancers, together with other non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and chronic respiratory diseases are leading causes of preventable mortality and morbidity in South Africa.

The inputs from a range of authorities are critical to combat cancer and the Minister looks forward to a productive evidence based engagement with experts including medical specialists, representatives of civil society and survivors. This committee will benefit the state to plan and implement comprehensive preventative, control and support services and more importantly; benefit patients and their families by meeting their needs for quality care.

The Ministerial Advisory Committee on the Prevention and Control of Cancer members are:

Professor Raymond Abratt

Ms Kwanele Asante-Shongwe

Dr. Jennifer Moodley

Professor Paul Ruff

Professor Vikash Sewram

Ms Nontuthuzelo Somdyala

Professor Christina Stefan

Ms Sue Janse van Rensburg

The committee will comprise the inaugural members appointed by the Honourable Minister as well as representatives from National Pathology Services, the National Department of Health and other Government Departments as well as the National Cancer Registry.

Issued by: Department of Health