Radiation therapy services in South Africa.
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.
Levin
C V
CV
Department of Radiation Therapy, Hillbrow Hospital, Johannesburg.
Sitas
F
F
Odes
R A
RA
D001918:Brachytherapy / Q000295:instrumentation; D006268:Health Facilities; D006801:Humans; D011871:Radiology; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000592:standards*; D013019:South Africa; D000078329:Workforce