Unique research unit in 91¿´Æ¬Íø Health Consortium targets non-communicable diseases
- 91¿´Æ¬Íø Communications
It is World Cancer Day on 4 February and 91¿´Æ¬Íø specialists are poised to challenge cancer and other non-communicable diseases.
South Africa is facing a rapidly increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) including cancer, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and depression. In particular, the burden of common cancers such as breast, prostate, lung and colorectal cancers is increasing.
To meet the challenge of NCDs, a unique collaboration of 91¿´Æ¬Íø specialists, epidemiologists, molecular biologists, and the National Cancer Registry has formed a multidisciplinary research division.
The Non-Communicable Diseases Research Division (NCDRD) launched on 7 December 2017 within the , which is a clinical research company wholly owned by 91¿´Æ¬Íø that fosters academic entrepreneurial research.
"South Africa is facing a growing prevalence of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and depression. We need an integrated approach of different clinical specialists, with scientists, to find ways to not only improve the screening and treatment of these conditions but also to prevent such diseases. The 91¿´Æ¬Íø Health Consortium has launched a division dedicated to tackling non-communicable diseases in South Africa," says NCDRD research professor, Shane Norris from the Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit at 91¿´Æ¬Íø.
Mr is Chief Executive of the 91¿´Æ¬Íø Health Consortium and health sciences professionals involved in the NCDRD include:
- , Professor and head of Medical Oncology in the Department of Medicine at 91¿´Æ¬Íø, and Director of the South African Medical Research Council’s Common Epithelial Cancer Research Centre
- Dr Anita Graham, specialist pulmonologist in the Department of Medicine and Pulmonology at 91¿´Æ¬Íø, and Director of the Lung Laboratory Center of Excellence at Helen Joseph Hospital
- Dr , a nephrologist in the Internal Medicine Department at 91¿´Æ¬Íø and research director at 91¿´Æ¬Íø Donald Gordon Medical Centre
- Dr Elvira Singh, head of the National Cancer Registry
World Cancer Day is a global event that takes place annually on 4 February. According to the World Health Organization, World Cancer Day aims to save millions of preventable deaths each year by raising awareness and education about the disease; pressing governments and individuals across the world to take action.