Cancercare opened the doors to it’s first treatment centre in 1986, under the name GVI Oncology. Since then it has grown substantially and is a leading provider of holistic oncology and cancer care treatment in South Africa.
It is with great pleasure that Cancercare announces the anticipated opening of the West Coast unit in August 2022. The unit will be led by Dr Jorn Malan. The medical consultation rooms attached to the Life West Coast Private Hospital in Vredenburg are currently under construction and completion is imminent.
Dr Malan explained: “A surgical colleague had moved to Vredenburg a few years ago and made me aware of the dire lack of support for cancer patients on the West Coast, with the nearest oncologists stationed either at Blaauwberg or at the Cancercare practices in Panorama or Cape Gate, over 100 km away. Those even further north are forced to travel as far as Kimberley. It is for this reason that we are establishing the Cancercare West Coast unit, our seventh Cancercare practice, at the Life West Coast Private Hospital in Vredenburg.”
Dr Malan is looking forward to the challenges ahead. Although patients will no longer have to travel to Cape Town for their consultations or chemotherapy, they would initially still have to be referred there for any irradiation. As this daily treatment can vary from a single day to as long as seven and a half weeks, he is currently working to establish a transport service for patients.
“With patients scattered over a wide area of the West Coast, I will endeavour to limit the distances travelled by initiating a teleconsulting practice for patients unable to attend regular consultations. There are, of course, numerous other challenges facing our patients, not the least of which is financial. With my experience in the Hospice and Cancer Association, I would like to try and address all the needs of the oncology patients of the community, irrespective of whether they are on medical aid”, states Dr Malan.
With a multi-disciplinary team of specialists all under one roof, Cancercare West Coast offers a patient centric treatment approach, focusing on the physical, psychological and emotional well-being of patients.
The oncology centre includes radiation therapy and chemotherapy services, which delivers an integrated patient experience. Cancercare West Coast is committed to providing quality care for all cancer patients.
“We will deliver the right care for a seamless patient journey,” says Dr Malan.
A cancer journey could mean years of treatment from surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and other specialists. Cancercare patients have the opportunity to consult and receive expert care from the established team of clinical and radiation oncologists.
The Cancercare philosophy is to support the patient through each stage of treatment. Cancercare is focused on the best possible patient experience and quality of care. Cancercare also understands how a diagnosis affects close friends and family. We offer support, education and care for everyone involved.
If you or someone you know needs support on their cancer journey, contact Cancercare or visit www.cancercare.co.za.
