With approximately 120 000 people diagnosed with cancer annually, this innovative approach significantly enhances our understanding of the disease, says Ogilvy Health. 

According to Ogilvy Health, the registry provides cancer patients a central platform to manage their health and find community support, highlighting how research and treatment advancements are making cancer a manageable condition. 

The patient-led cancer registry is supported by Ogilvy Health's cutting-edge modern marketing. It is also a joint effort launched by Living with Cancer (LWC) and the National Cancer Registry (NCR), which operates under the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD).

The goal of this landmark initiative is to enrol one million registrations in the registry, creating a robust platform for cancer research and surveillance, policy-making and patient support, Ogilvy Health says. 

"I am proud of the powerful impact our partnership with Living with Cancer has made in supporting this initiative. This collaboration anchors Ogilvy Health's commitment to driving positive change, offering hope and tangible benefits to those affected by cancer," says Gillian Bridger, managing director at Ogilvy Health. 

"Our contributions can significantly alleviate the South African cancer crisis. By enhancing patient data, we are addressing a crucial element for advancing cancer care for everyone," Bridger adds. 

According to Netcare Cancer Care, one in four South Africans are affected by cancer, with many succumbing to the disease undiagnosed. The most common cancers in men are:
  • prostate
  • lung, and
  • colorectal.
In women, they are:
  • breast
  • cervical, and
  • colorectal. 
Additionally, childhood cancers are treatable with success rates between 70% and 80% in well-resourced countries, while approximately 80% of children with cancer in Africa die without access to adequate care.

Ogilvy Health says this initiative is a call to action for patients, healthcare providers and the broader community to join forces to collate data in the fight against cancer.

"People impacted by cancer deserve a place where they can learn about their diagnosis and access a safe network to share their emotions and experiences, support one another and foster courage and hope," says Belinda Wager, managing director of Living with Cancer.

"Each registration advances us towards a future where cancer is a chapter of triumph, not a death sentence. The registry allows meaningful contributions to research, aiding the battle against cancer," Wager concludes. 

For more information on the patient-led cancer registry and how to register, click here.  

For more information, visit www.ogilvyhealth.com. You can also follow Ogilvy Health on LinkedIn or on Instagram. 

*Image courtesy of contributor