Anal Cancer SA’s most ignored disease: Anal cancer
February 3, 2026 Word for Word Media
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Dr Mark Faesen advocates why South Africa needs a proper anal cancer screening programme for at-risk populations.

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Despite South Africa’s status as home to the world’s largest population living with HIV, the country has made no progress in addressing anal cancer screening and prevention. The absence of anal Pap smears and proper cancer screening guidelines leaves at-risk populations vulnerable, with this disease receiving almost no attention. HIV significantly elevates the risk of anal…

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Anal Cancer Anal cancer treatment
February 8, 2023 Word for Word Media
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Dr Sarita Retief helps us better understand the treatment of all stages of anal cancer by sharing a patient story. What is anal cancer? Anal cancer is when normal cells lining the anus change into abnormal cells and grow out of control. The anus is the last part of the digestive tract, where bowel movements leave the body. It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from cancers that grow downwards from the rectum (rectal cancers) or cancers that grow inwards from the skin of the buttocks…

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Anal Cancer Gaby Von Blerk – Stopping the shame
May 28, 2021 Word for Word Media
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Gaby Von Blerk openly speaks about her difficult journey of facing squamous cell carcinoma of the anus. Gaby Von Blerk (60) lives in Umhlanga Rocks, Kwa-Zulu Natal. She is divorced and has a daughter, Greta. Squamous cell carcinoma of the anus   It was thanks to the words of Gaby’s friend, Eric, who endured a long battle with cancer that prompted Gaby to see a doctor and in turn be diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the anus in July 2016.  “Just before Eric passed away, he implored to me, ‘If you notice anything unusual on your body, please have it seen to….

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