Estimating and Ranking of Common Cancers in South Africa’s Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga Provinces: A Patient Survey in Three Referral Hospitals

<b>Background</b>: Cancer is a rising public health concern in South Africa, with varying incidence and prevalence trends between provinces. <b>Objectives</b>: This study aimed to investigate the approach to estimating and ranking common cancers in South Africa's Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga provinces through a patient survey in three referral hospitals. <b>Methods</b>: A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed from 1 April 2022 to 31 July 2022. A total of 425 patients were recruited to participate in this study. Patients were purposively sampled. Pretests were conducted to determine the reliability and validity of the instruments. Data were coded in Microsoft Excel and Stata; version 18 was used for data analysis. Ethical principles were observed and ensured throughout the study. <b>Results</b>: The results show the highest prevalence as breast cancer with 37.65% representing 160 cases, followed by cervical cancer with 19.06% (81 cases), and prostate cancer with 12.00% (51 cases). <b>Conclusions</b>: This study provided valuable insights into the prevalence and distribution of common cancers in the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga provinces of South Africa based on data collected from patients across three referral hospitals.