AFIA TAI
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear, practical answers on cancer, screening, prevention, and care. Use the search to quickly find a topic.
Tip: Try “HPV”, “screening”, “symptoms”, “treatment”, “palliative”.
1. FAQ on Cancer
Foundations: what cancer is, how it begins, and what increases or decreases risk.
A condition in which abnormal cells divide without control.
Cells are the body’s basic unit of life. The body is made up of many types of cells.
Benign growths do not spread to other parts of the body. Malignant (cancerous) growths can invade nearby tissue and may spread (metastasize).
A risk factor is anything that increases the chance of developing a health condition.
A cancer protective factor is anything that decreases the chance of developing cancer.
4 Groups of Cancer Risk Factors
- Behavioral Risk Factors
- Environmental Risk Factors
- Biological Risk Factors
- Genetic Risk Factors
Risk factors are either:
- Modifiable factors (e.g., smoking)
- Unmodifiable factors
Tobacco use — #1 cause of preventable deaths, linked to cancers such as:
- Lung
- Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)
- Bladder
- Throat & mouth
- Kidney
- Pancreatic
- Stomach
Cancer-causing infections
- HPV (cervical, penile, vaginal, anal and throat cancers)
- Hepatitis B & C (liver cancer)
- Helicobacter pylori (stomach cancer)
- HIV
Vaccines that can help prevent infection:
- HPV vaccine for boys and girls ages 11–26 years
- Hepatitis B vaccine
Radiation
- Radiation from sunlight (skin cancer)
- Repeated medical tests over long periods
Immunosuppressant Medications
Medications that suppress the immune system can make it harder for your body to fight cancer.
Commonly associated with cancer:
Diet
- High fat foods may increase risk
- Fruits and non-starchy vegetables protect against cancers
Alcohol increases risk of:
- Oral
- Throat
- Breast
- Colorectal
- Liver
Physical activity lowers the risk of some cancers.
Obesity increases the risk of some cancers.
Environmental exposures
- Air pollution
- Secondhand smoke
- Asbestos exposure
- Arsenic exposure
Secondhand smoke
- Contains toxic chemicals
- There is no risk-free level of exposure
2. FAQ on Lung Cancer
How lung cancer develops, why smoking increases risk, and how to support quitting.
Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow out of control. When cancer starts in the lungs, it is called lung cancer.
Lung cancers typically start in the cells lining the bronchi and parts of the lung such as the bronchioles or alveoli.
How Smoking Causes Lung Cancer
- The harmful substances in tobacco smoke damage the cells that line the lungs
- The body tries to repair the damage
- Over time, normal lung cells become increasingly damaged
- The damage causes cells to act abnormally and eventually cancer may develop
Nicotine does not cause cancer. Nicotine causes addiction.
This section can be expanded on your site. If you’d like, I can add a clinically-safe summary plus a “See a doctor” note.
Create an opening dialogue
- “I heard on the news that taxes on cigarettes might go up soon. Sounds expensive. What do you think?”
- “I saw a commercial last night that showed an ex-smoker who had to have his legs amputated. I didn't know that could happen. Did you?”
- “I'm really excited that you're starting a family! Have you thought about quitting smoking?”
Be positive
“You are important to me; I want you to live a long healthy life. I know you can do this.”
Offer support
- Ask how they’re feeling – not just whether they’ve stayed quit
- Listen closely; make it safe to talk
- Help them get what they need (hard candy, straws, etc.)
- Help keep their mind off smoking
- Make your home smoke free
- Have faith in them
- Don’t judge, nag, preach, tease, or scold
- Don’t take grumpiness personally
- Don’t offer advice—ask how you can help
3. FAQ on Cervical Cancer
HPV, risk factors, symptoms, prevention, screening and myths vs facts.
Cervical Cancer
- The cervix is a part of a woman’s reproductive system
- Connects the vagina to the uterus
- Acts like a door: keeps bacteria out, keeps baby in
Mutations in cancerous cells tell the cells to grow and multiply out of control, and they don't die. The accumulating abnormal cells form a mass (tumor).
Almost all cervical cancer cases (99%) are linked to infection with human papillomaviruses (HPV), spread through skin to skin contact, body fluids, and sexual intercourse.
If HPV persists, it may cause precancerous and later cancerous changes by interfering with normal control of cell growth. Only some women with pre-cancers develop cancer.
HPV is a group of more than 200 viruses (low risk and high risk).
- Low-risk HPVs mostly cause no disease, but can cause genital or oral warts
- High-risk HPVs can cause several types of cancer (HPV16 and HPV18 cause most HPV-related cancers)
- HPV infection is common: Nearly all sexually active people are infected soon after becoming sexually active
HIV + HPV = ↑ RISK
- HPV infection (biggest risk factor)
- Sex at an early age
- STIs especially HIV
- Multiple sexual partners
- Oral contraception at an early age
- Smoking (including secondhand smoke)
- Immune suppression
- Diet low in fruits and vegetables
- Sexual transmission
- Sex at an early age
- Multiple sexual partners (higher HPV exposure)
- STIs especially HIV increase risk and progression rate
Early stage disease — often no symptoms.
- Vaginal discharge
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding (post-coital bleeding is most common)
- Abnormal menstruation
- Post-menopausal bleeding
Late stage disease
- Pelvic pain
- Lower backache
- Weight loss
- Bowel/Bladder fistula
- Sciatica
Note: Early stage cervical cancer is usually asymptomatic.
Primary Prevention with HPV vaccines
- HPV vaccination available in South Africa
- Eligibility: Girls & Boys age 9–26 years; MSMs
- Safety in HIV established
- Safety in pregnancy not yet established
Preventing Cervical Cancer:
- Avoid sex at an early age
- Abstinence
- Avoid multiple sexual partners
- Practice safe sex (condoms)
- Get vaccinated against HPV
- Do regular Pap smears
- Stop smoking (passive and active)
- Healthy diet and exercise
- Early consultation when symptoms appear
Secondary Prevention: Cervical Cancer Screening Saves Lives
Methods include:
- Pap Smear
- VIA (Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid)
- Liquid Based Cytology (LBC)
- HPV DNA testing
Target population for screening:
- HIV negative women 30 years and older
- HIV positive women 18 years and older
Discuss risks and benefits of screening with your healthcare provider before deciding.
At primary level healthcare facilities that:
- Have infection control and quality assurance in place
- Have experience doing screenings
- Can connect you to follow-up care if needed (e.g., Colposcopy Clinic)
- Have nurses experienced with discussing results and advising on follow-up
- Myth: Only affects older women. Fact: Can develop at any age.
- Myth: The more tests the better. Fact: Frequency depends on risk/results.
- Myth: HPV positive means you will develop cancer. Fact: The body can clear HPV.
- Myth: No symptoms means no cancer. Fact: Early stage often has no symptoms.
- Myth: Cannot be prevented. Fact: It can be prevented.
- Myth: Contagious. Fact: Not contagious, but HPV is sexually transmitted.
- Myth: Vaccine is for girls only. Fact: Boys and girls can be vaccinated (9–26).
- Myth: Runs in the family. Fact: HPV is the primary driver.
- Myth: Death sentence. Fact: Can be treated if found early.
4. FAQ on Breast Cancer
Risk reduction, male breast cancer, and screening guidelines.
- If taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or using oral birth control, talk to your provider
- Avoid alcohol
- Maintain a healthy weight for your height
- Be physically active
- Encourage new moms to breast feed
- Limit radiation exposure
- Avoid environmental risks including exposure to cancer-causing chemicals
This section can be updated with survivor stories, community champions, or local resources.
Breast cancer in men is rare.
- In South Africa, 1–3% of all breast cancers happen in men
- The National Cancer Registry reported 194 cases in 2017 (as listed on the original page content)
Screening is for women with average risk and who have no signs or symptoms of breast cancer.
ABC’s of Breast Health
- A – Annual Mammogram (start at age 40)
- B – Breast Self-Exam (start at age 20; monthly)
- C – Clinical Breast Exam (every 1–3 years from 25; yearly from 40)
5. FAQ on Multiple Myeloma
Understanding multiple myeloma, symptoms, tests, treatments and resources.
- A type of blood cancer affecting plasma cells in bone marrow
- Plasma cells make antibodies to help fight infection
- DNA damage can cause plasma cells to become cancerous (myeloma) and spread in bone marrow
- Myeloma cells make monoclonal proteins (M-proteins)
- Myeloma cells crowd out healthy blood cells; immune system becomes weak
CRAB
- C – Calcium levels increase (hypercalcemia)
- R – Renal (kidney) problems
- A – Anemia
- B – Bone pain (often back or ribs)
Diagnostic Tests
- Physical exam and history
- Blood lab tests (CBC, creatinine, albumin, calcium)
- Urine tests
- Bone marrow biopsy
- Imaging (X-rays, CT, MRI, PET)
Supportive Treatments
- Bisphosphonates
- Plasmapheresis
- Surgery
- Dialysis
- Medication to treat anemia
- Vaccines, counselling, gentle walking groups
- Corticosteroids
Examples from the original page content include:
- National Cancer Institute
- Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA)
- International Myeloma Foundation
- Mayo Clinic
- Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
- South African National Cancer Registry (NCR)
- World Health Organization
- National Department of Health
6. FAQ on Prostate Cancer
What it is, risk factors, symptoms, screening and diagnosis.
Prostate cancer is a condition in which abnormal cells in the prostate gland tissue grow and divide without control. Most prostate cancers form in the outer layers of the prostate gland. Adenocarcinoma is the most common form.
Biological (cannot change)
- Gender
- Genetic risks and family history
- Increasing age (more likely over 65)
Behavioral and Lifestyle (can change)
- Weight gain and obesity
- Smoking / Tobacco use
No symptoms are common in early stages. Symptoms can include urination problems, blood in urine, pain, and bone pain.
If concerned, talk to a healthcare provider.
Discuss screening options with your healthcare provider (PSA test and DRE). Consider both benefits and potential harms.
Diagnosis can include PSA testing, DRE, imaging (MRI/ultrasound), and biopsy.
7. FAQ on Cancer Treatments
Treatment options, who treats cancer, palliative care and support services.
Cancer treatment depends on stage. Goals: cure, stop spread, reduce side effects (palliative care).
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Hormone therapy
- Targeted therapy
- Stem cell therapy (bone marrow transplant)
Surgery removes or repairs body tissues. It can be used to prevent, diagnose, stage, treat, or relieve discomfort.
Chemotherapy travels through the bloodstream and reaches many parts of the body. It targets fast-growing cells and can cause side effects.
Radiation uses high-energy waves/particles to damage cancer-cell DNA and stop growth.
Hormone therapy blocks or changes hormones to slow or stop certain cancers from growing.
Immunotherapy uses parts of the immune system to fight cancer (boosting defenses or using lab-made substances).
Stem cell transplants replace bone marrow cells destroyed by cancer or treatment. Sources include bone marrow, bloodstream, and umbilical cord blood.
Examples include: targeted therapy, biomarker testing, and photodynamic therapy.
Cancer is treated by trained healthcare professionals, including oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, nurses, and multidisciplinary teams.
Note: If you want, we can add your preferred local referral list and keep it updated.
Palliative care improves quality of life for patients with serious illness by addressing physical, emotional, spiritual, caregiver, and practical needs.
Spiritual care supports the inner person to help cope with health challenges, including meaning, purpose, and connectedness.
Mental health services can include psychiatric support, therapy, counselling, and cancer-related tele-counselling services.
Clinical Trials are a type of research that tests new medical approaches for screening, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment, to learn what works and what is safe.