Cancer Statistics

South African Cancer Statistics

The National Cancer Registry (NCR), which falls under the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) at the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), serves as South Africa’s main source of national cancer incidence data. The NCR is affiliated with the African Cancer Registry Network (ACRN) and is recognised by the International Agency for Research in Cancer (IARC).

Since 1986, the NCR has conducted pathology-based cancer surveillance, where data on both solid tumour and haematological cancers diagnosed by histology, cytology and bone marrow are collected, analysed and reported on an annual basis. Data collected from the NCR is used for cancer research, for educational purposes and to inform decision-making in both the public and private sector for cancer prevention, control and treatment policies and practices.

Whilst the NCR currently is a predominantly pathology-based cancer registry it plays a vital role in maintaining and developing national and international awareness around the enormous and increasing burden of cancer in South Africa.

Although pathology-based registration results in under-reporting of cases in some cancers, many critical decisions need to be and are made based on the current NCR data. A population-based registry is also vital, especially when decisions relating to screening, prevention, as well as cancer treatments are made. Since 2017, population-based cancer data has been collected from Ekurhuleni metropolitan municipality in Gauteng Province. The Ekurhuleni Population Based Cancer Registry includes reporting on all cancer cases in the public and private sector that are diagnosed clinically, radiologically and pathologically.

The Living with Cancer NGO oversees the first-ever South African Patient-Led Cancer Registry that captures and tracks people living with cancer and the different types and stages of cancer. The data that the LWC Patient-Led Cancer Registry collates will be added to the current National Cancer Registry to look at cancer incidents and to improve planning for cancer services in SA in the long run.

CANSA relies on statistics provided in the NCR Reports and is proud to be associated with the NCR having also contributed to the publication of these essential reports.

2024

The 2022 National Cancer Registry (NCR) report was the last report to be made available to the SA public and CANSA.

As updated information is received from the NCR, CANSA updates this web page, and our CANSA Fact Sheets & Position Statements to reflect latest statistics.

Fact sheets and position statements are updated as time allows, as there are over 300 on the website. Queries may be directed to info@cansa.org.za if there is any uncertainty regarding statistics.

The Top 5 Invasive Cancers Reported in South Africa (NCR 2022)

Males:

1. Prostate
2. Colorectal
3. Lung
4. Melanoma
5. Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Females:

1. Breast
2. Cervix
3. Colorectal
4. Uterus
5. Melanoma

The above-mentioned excludes non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) including basal cell (BCC) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCC).

The SA National Cancer Registry Files:

• 2022 National Cancer Registry
• 2021 National Cancer Registry
• 2020 National Cancer Registry
• 2019 National Cancer Registry
• 2018 National Cancer Registry
• 2017 National Cancer Registry
• 2016 National Cancer Registry
• 2015 National Cancer Registry
• 2014 National Cancer Registry
• 2013 National Cancer Registry
• 2012 National Cancer Registry
• 2011 National Cancer Registry
• 2010 National Cancer Registry
• 2009 National Cancer Registry
• 2008 National Cancer Registry
• 2007 National Cancer Registry: Adults | Children
• 2006 National Cancer Registry
• 2005 National Cancer Registry
• 2004 National Cancer Registry
• 2003 National Cancer Registry
• 2002 National Cancer Registry
• 2001 National Cancer Registry charts | 2001 National Cancer Registry tables
• 2000/2001 National Cancer Registry methods
• 2000 National Cancer Registry charts | 2000 National Cancer Registry tables
• 1998 /1999 National Cancer Registry
• 1997 National Cancer Registry
• 1995 National Cancer Registry
• 1993 – 1994 National Cancer Registry – contact NCR directly

Patient-Led SA Cancer Registry

When Belinda Wagner was diagnosed with angiosarcoma, in 2016, she looked for information to help her navigate the challenges that lay ahead. “When I searched online, I found the South African National Cancer Registry (NCR). Although this was a valuable resource, angiosarcoma was not listed at the time,” she explains.

After completing treatment in 2017, Belinda established a support group and launched an NGO, called Living with Cancer. One of her dreams was that the NGO would oversee the first-ever South African Patient-Led Cancer Registry that would capture and track people living with cancer and the different types and stages of cancer.

The data that the LWC Patient-Led Cancer Registry collates will be added to the current National Cancer registry to look at cancer incidents and to improve planning for cancer services in SA in the long run.

CANSA invites all cancer patients to register on the portal.

Register on Portal

Register here: https://www.lwcportal.online/login – view step by step guide to joining the portal below…

Leave a tribute to a loved one that has passed away on the Legacy of Love page on the Living with Cancer website. Sign in to Google and write your tribute…

IARC – Globocan South Africa

• View the latest cancer statistics for South Africa

Global Cancer Statistics

• Read more…

Has Cancer Touched Your Life?

Cancer affects one in four South Africans, through diagnosis of family, friends, colleagues or self.

We want you to know that you are not alone and that we would like to support you and your loved ones, regardless of how cancer has touched your life.

Find info & online resources to help you fight cancer and please read more about CANSA’s Holistic Care & Support which is offered at our CANSA Care Centres countrywide.