Africa’s premier cardio-oncology centre secures international recognition for excellence
Cardiologist and certified cardio-oncologist, Dr YT (Trishun) Singh
Image: Supplied
Africa’s first and only Cardio-Oncology Centre of Excellence at Netcare uMhlanga Hospital has once again been recognised by the International Cardio-Oncology Society (IC-OS).
This esteemed recognition, which extends for another three years, underscores the significance of a multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment that prioritises the heart health of patients undergoing cancer therapies.
Established in 2019 by cardiologist and certified cardio-oncologist, Dr YT (Trishun) Singh, the Cardio-Oncology Centre of Excellence was born out of Singh's vision to meet the critical need for collaborative care in cancer treatment.
The centre operates on the principle of bringing together cardio-oncologists, oncologists, and haematologists to ensure the best possible outcomes for cancer patients.
Dr Erich Bock, managing director of Netcare’s hospital division, congratulated Dr Singh.
“Dr Singh has been instrumental in upskilling our local clinicians and building South African expertise in the field, emphasising heart health within cancer care, which is essential for the best and safest standards of health and care aligned with international guidelines,” said Bock.
Cardiotoxicity, an increasingly recognised side effect of various cancer treatments, poses a significant risk to heart health.
“Cardiotoxicity does not just involve the heart muscle, but may also include heart rhythm disturbances, arteries and veins, heart valves, pericardium, and conduction system,” said Singh, founder of the Cardio-Oncology Society of Southern Africa (Cososa), who leads the Centre of Excellence.
He added that the earlier people undergoing cancer treatment are identified as being potentially at risk for cardiotoxicity, the sooner doctors can begin interventions to help prevent or minimise damage to the heart.
“At the Centre of Excellence, we also recognise that damage to the heart muscle, valves, coronary arteries, and pericardium may occur secondary to radiation therapy to the chest, which can manifest a few years after completing chest radiation, thereby requiring a plan for careful ongoing surveillance,” said Singh.
Cososa, in collaboration with IC-OS, recently hosted the Global Cardio-Oncology Summit 2025 in Cape Town.
This event marked a historic first for Africa, providing a crucial platform for healthcare professionals from diverse specialties, including , bringing together healthcare professionals from cardiology, oncology, haematology, internal medicine, surgery, pharmacy, radiology, nursing, and research, to gather.
The summit aimed to enhance awareness and promote the establishment of additional cardio-oncology centres across South Africa and Africa, addressing an urgent need in the region.
Thea Janse van Rensburg, general manager of Netcare uMhlanga Hospital, said: “Thanks to Dr Singh’s pioneering work, the home of world-class South African cardio-oncology is on the doorstep of the communities our hospital serves, and we thank Dr Singh for lighting this torch of hope for better outcomes, right here on KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast.”