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Radiation therapy services in South Africa
Abstract
A survey of both private and public sector radiation therapy facilities in South Africa shows that they are available in only 7 major urban centres.
About 20 000 cases are treated yearly by 58 therapists and 190 therapy radiographers, with 37 megavoltage and 24 X-ray machines. Brachytherapy, imaging and planning equipment is also inadequate. With limited epidemiological data it appears that less than 50% of all patients appropriately treated with radiation therapy present for such treatment. Increased referrals from sub-Saharan Africa place further strains on the system.