Oesophageal Cancer and PMBs

The 2011 National Cancer Registry (NCR) report shows that oesophageal cancer (OC) is the 7th most common cancer in males (5.56 per 100 000 age standardised incidence rate) and the 9th most common cancer in females (3.06 per 100 000 age standardised incidence rate). In Southern Africa, the incidence of OC is nearly double in males (13.7 per 100 000 age standardised incident rate) and about (6.7 per 100 000 age standardised incident rate) for females. Men are about three times more likely than women to develop oesophageal cancer. The chances of developing oesophageal cancer increase with age.

Colorectal cancer and pmbs

Colorectal cancer refers to cancer of the colon and the rectum. The colon is the large intestine and the rectum is the low part of the colon. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide and the fourth most common cause of death. It represents 9.4% of all cancers in men and 10.1% of cancers affecting women. In South Africa, colon cancer is ranked as the fifth most common type of cancer.

Cancer as a PMB

Cancer of solid organs qualifies as a prescribed minimum benefit (PMB) only if it is “treatable”. Thus, not all cancers of solid organs necessarily meet the requirements for PMBs. However, there are various cancers of non-solid organs and systems that qualify as PMB conditions – whether they are “treatable” or not. For example, acute leukaemia, lymphomas, multiple myeloma and chronic leukaemia all qualify for PMBs.