Gauteng’s cancer care services have received a major boost with the opening of the Breast Health Clinic at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH). This new clinic will help improve early detection and treatment of breast cancer, which is key to saving lives.
The clinic is equipped with an advanced artificial intelligence-powered ultrasound machine that will speed up breast cancer diagnosis. It will work alongside the hospital’s existing breast unit and top-rated mammogram unit, one of the best in the country.
MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, said the new clinic shows the Gauteng Department of Health’s commitment to providing quality healthcare.
“To every patient, fighter, and survivor, you are not alone. We stand with you. We will keep investing in better treatment, faster diagnosis, and world-class facilities to give you the best care. We will not stop until we close the care gap and improve cancer treatment across Gauteng,” said the MEC.
The clinic was made possible through a partnership with Novartis South Africa and other donors. Its opening coincided with World Cancer Day (4 February) and aligns with the 2025 theme, United by Unique, which highlights the collective fight against cancer.
Prof. Jenny Edge, Head of the Breast and Endocrine Unit at CMJAH, explained that the clinic will create more space for patient care, student training, and research.
“The new clinic allows us to see more patients on different days instead of just Fridays. With electronic referrals, we will move away from walk-in visits and organize patient care more effectively,” said Edge.
The MEC acknowledged that there is a backlog in oncology treatment but assured that the department is taking strong action to fix it. Six private healthcare providers have been brought in to assist, and over 90 patients are currently receiving treatment through these partnerships.
CMJAH, the largest radiation oncology unit in the country, is also expanding its services. It has introduced remote radiotherapy planning to speed up treatment. In April, two new state-of-the-art linear accelerators will be installed, increasing treatment capacity. These changes mean more patients will get faster and high-quality care.
Additionally, CMJAH has partnered with private healthcare providers to treat 600 more patients this year, which will greatly reduce waiting times. Soon, the hospital’s radiotherapy waiting list will be cleared.
“We are also expanding radiation oncology services in the province. Currently, only Charlotte Maxeke and Steve Biko Academic Hospitals offer radiation therapy. By the end of the year, two more centers will open at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital and Dr. George Mukhari Academic Hospital,” said MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko.
The department is also increasing resources and upgrading equipment at existing oncology centers to improve efficiency and reduce treatment delays
