CHBAH There is Hope for Cancer Patients

The Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH) in Soweto is already a beacon of hope for cancer patients, offering comprehensive care that includes breast cancer diagnostics, surgery, and referral pathways for advanced treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy at nearby facilities.

However, the hospital’s cancer services are set to reach new heights with the completion of a state-of-the-art radiation oncology outpatient facility in due to be completed before the end of 2025. This addition will provide localized access to advanced radiotherapy treatments, significantly reducing patient travel times and streamlining care.

By integrating cutting-edge technology with existing oncology services, the facility will enhance CHBAH’s role in fighting cancer, offering a more holistic and accessible treatment experience for the Soweto community and beyond.

The hospital has a dedicated breast cancer unit that treats around 355 new breast cancer cases annually. It provides a multidisciplinary approach with specialists, including radiologists, oncologists, surgeons, and pathologists, all grouped around a surgical teaching unit linked to Wits University. The unit emphasizes breast-conserving surgeries and reconstructive procedures, collaborating with nearby Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital for advanced treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

CHBAH is also a key partner in cancer awareness initiatives, such as the “Voice of Cancer Anti-Stigma Project,” which helps promote early detection and reduce the stigma surrounding cancer. This project is supported by organizations like Pink Drive and CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation. Through its comprehensive services and initiatives, CHBAH plays a vital role in the fight against cancer in Johannesburg and surrounding areas.

For advanced radiotherapy treatments, patients from CHBAH are often referred to Charlotte Maxeke Hospital, which operates one of the largest radiation oncology units in South Africa. However, with the completion of the new radiation oncology outpatient facility at CHBAH, these services will be available locally, offering state-of-the-art radiotherapy treatment right on-site.