Rural and Urban South African Women's Awareness of Cancers of the Breast and Cervix

The findings are of great concern and represent a significant challenge in post-apartheid South Africa. The need for vigorous health promotion programmes cannot be sufficiently emphasised, especially in view of the benefits of early detection and treatment. There also needs to be particular focus on rural women, considering the inadequate health care resources in their communities and the socio-economic hardships facing them. Women in these communities must be empowered with knowledge about their health and illness prevention options.