'An eye-opener and helpful intervention strategy': Experiences and perceptions of community members on the volunteer-led community strategy on lung cancer awareness and mobilisation in KwaZulu-Natal.

Authors

Sthabile W Mtolo, Themba G Ginindza, Siyabonga B Dlamini

Published in

Journal of public health in Africa. Volume 17. Issue 1. Pages 1609. Epub Oct 08, 2026.

Abstract

Community health awareness initiatives are important for promoting health, encouraging early prevention and improving health-seeking behaviour. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally.
This study explored community members' experiences and perceptions of a volunteer-led lung cancer awareness and mobilisation strategy.
The study was conducted in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, across Durban (Umlazi, Chatsworth, and South Durban Basin) and Pietermaritzburg (Imbali and Sobantu).
A qualitative design was used involving 13 adult community members who had received lung cancer education through a volunteer-led intervention implemented by the Cancer Association of South Africa-Multinational Lung Cancer Control Programme. Focus group discussions explored participants' experiences of the intervention. Participants were selected based on availability, age (18 years and older) and prior exposure to the programme. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis.
Participants recognised the value of the volunteer-led strategy and reported positive impacts on health knowledge, health-seeking behaviour, community engagement and cultural receptivity. Suggestions for improvement included greater community involvement, stronger cultural integration and enhanced feedback mechanisms. Overall, participants viewed the initiative as an effective approach for increasing community awareness and education about lung cancer.
Community health volunteers are increasingly recognised as important contributors to health promotion. Findings highlight the need for culturally grounded lung cancer awareness strategies and supportive health policies.
To inform policy development on community-level lung cancer awareness and mobilisation, with a focus on understanding community members' experiences of these approaches, particularly within underserved populations.

PMID:
43011441
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 11 Nov 2026.

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