Cancer affects many people's lives. While some have managed to beat it, not everyone is fortunate to have a happy ever after.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), about 16 percent of people die of cancer. Men are most affected by lung, liver, stomach, colorectal, and prostate cancer, while women are most affected by breast, lung, colorectal, cervical, and stomach cancer.
Between 30 and 50 percent of cancer types are preventable by avoiding, amongst others, tobacco products.
There are a number of South African celebrities have had to fight cancer but lost the battle.
Hugh Masekela
The legendary musician lost his battle to prostate cancer in 2018. The jazz veteran had been fighting prostate cancer since 2008.
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A post shared by Hugh Masekela(@hughmasekela) on Jan 24, 2019 at 12:11am PST
Koyo Bala
Koyo Bala was first diagnosed with cancer in 2013 and died in 2016. The gay socialite was determined to beat the cancer and go back to making music but lost the battle before he could release another album.
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A post shared by Koyo Bala(@koyo_bala) on Feb 6, 2016 at 5:26am PST
Ray Phiri
At the age of 70, the legendary producer, jazz, fusion and mbaqanga musician succumbed to lung cancer.
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Forever in our hearts ❤️ #RIPRayPhiri
A post shared by Ray Phiri(@ray_phiri_) on Jul 14, 2017 at 1:15am PDT
Xolani Gwala
The 44-year-old died on Friday after battling colon cancer for two years. The radio veteran announced in 2017 that he would be off-air as he fought the disease. He returned to the airwaves in August last year for a short time but lost the battle last week.
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A post shared by Kerishnie Naiker(@kerishnie_naiker) on Nov 1, 2019 at 3:21am PDT