title: Radiation therapy services in South Africa.
abstract: A survey of both private and public sector radiation therapy facilities in South Africa shows that they are available in only 7 major urban centres. About 20,000 cases are treated yearly by 58 therapists and 190 therapy radiographers, with 37 megavoltage and 24 X-ray machines. Brachytherapy, imaging and planning equipment is also inadequate. With limited epidemiological data it appears that less than 50% of all patients appropriately treated with radiation therapy present for such treatment. Increased referrals from sub-Saharan Africa place further strains on the system.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Therapy, Hillbrow Hospital, Johannesburg.
authors.forename: C V
authors.initials: CV
authors.lastname: Levin
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Sitas
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Odes
mesh_terms: D001918:Brachytherapy / Q000295:instrumentation; D006268:Health Facilities; D006801:Humans; D011871:Radiology; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000592:standards*; D013019:South Africa; D000078329:Workforce