I Can, We Can – World Cancer Day – CANSA

CANSA - World Cancer Day

We Can. I Can: Make an Impact and Lower Cancer Risk

FACT: On 4th February each year, it’s World Cancer Day (WCD).

WHY? To give people, everywhere, a platform to create cancer awareness, sharing knowledge to lower the cancer risk.

World cancer day

CONSIDER: The impact you could make through your family, local school, library, health practitioners, sports clubs, organisations, workplace and social media platforms to get the message out there, potentially saving lives.

PREDICTION: Cancer deaths may increase to over 14 million per year, globally, over the next 10yrs…

Local Cancer Landscape: In South, Africa, cancer is under–reported due to the lack of a comprehensive cancer surveillance system. In 2012, 77 440 cases were referred to the NCR. The latest Stats SA figure shows a steady increase in deaths attributable to cancer from 5.6% in 2006 to 9.1% in 2015.

Global Cancer Landscape:

  • Approximately 8.2 million people die from cancer worldwide every year
  • 4 million of these deaths are premature (aged 30 to 69 years)

ACT: The facts should lead you to act – NOW. What will you do this WCD and beyond to fight cancer in your community? See some great ideas below and join CANSA in being an active participant in the global effort to combat cancer.

We can inspire

World Cancer Day Goals for 2018

The 3 year theme, “I Can.We Can”, concludes in 2018, with the focus being on “inspiring healthy communities”.

View media release: English | Afrikaans

How can you and role players in your local community take hands to lower cancer risk where you live, work and play?

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Infographic

CANSA urges everyone to be more active – in every sense – in the fight against cancer by incorporating sport-related and wellness activities into daily routines.

Physical activity has been shown to combat cancer, including: lowering cancer risk, and helping cancer patients manage the side-effects of treatment such as fatigue, depression and heart damage.

We can inspire

CANSA will be participating as a member of the Cancer Alliance, in the ‘Patent Reform’ Media Round Table / Webinar, on 30 January 2018, to mark World Cancer Day & raise awareness. We’d love to have you  show your support at the following events:

Schools, libraries, health clinics, service groups, sports clubs and education professionals are encouraged to promote and educate our youth about their health and well-being and WCD is a great opportunity to learn more, take action and engage in this critically important health issue.

We can create healthy schools
I can. We can.

Spread the Word

You can also raise and amplify awareness about fighting cancer with your community and contacts, by downloading these WCD Selfie posters. Print the messages that are meaningful to you, and share your selfie and message, using the hashtags #WorldCancerDay #WeCanICan, on your social media platforms.

Selfies video

Our Advocacy, Research and Service Delivery team members share their WCD message and encourage you to do the same

Light the Way

Cities and towns provide a valuable platform in promoting and protecting public health. It would be fantastic to add iconic landmarks in South Africa to that list, and light them up in blue on World Cancer Day. Let’s light up the way to a world without cancer. City or provincial representatives can contact the closest CANSA Care Centre to make arrangements.

I can. We can.

If you miss the opportunity to create awareness on World Cancer Day, all is not lost! Join us at public Shavathons at local shopping centres countrywide, on the 24th February 2018, and let your hair make a bold statement for you. Shave, spray or donate your hair in honour of cancer Survivors, raising funds for care & support programmes.

Shavathon 2018
 We look forward to seeing how you choose to participate in World Cancer Day – let’s see #WorldCancerDay and #WeCanICan trending!

Live Your Best Life with CANSA Active

Live Your Best Life with CANSA Active

CANSA is excited to launch our NEW CANSA Active website, where you can find out how to get active and healthy, while having Feel Good Fun.

You also have the opportunity as an individual to truly make a difference for good, by raising awareness of cancer, and funds to help us detect cancer early, and through education programmes, to help reduce cancer risk.

CANSA Active is not about being a star athlete, it’s about being a team player in the fight against cancer!

Don’t forget to tag us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and use the hashtag #CANSAactive while having #FeelGoodFun!

Regular Excercise

The CANSA Active Way

CANSA Active promotes regular exercise and physical activity which play a major role in leading a healthy balanced lifestyle – aimed at lowering your cancer risk.

Lack of regular exercise and physical activity; being overweight or obese; combined with unhealthy dietary habits and recreational activities, for example, tanning, smoking and drinking, are all factors increasing your cancer risk.

Furthermore, it’s important to be #SunSmart, while you are working up a sweat! Our staff and volunteers attending CANSA Active events, provide free sunscreen to participants and spectators to help protect them from the sun.

Join Our Team

1.     Choose an event you enjoy:

Do you enjoy cycling, running or something a little less traditional and adventurous (go wild)? Choose an event after your own heart and represent the #CANSAactive way.

We have listed some events in our calendar for your convenience, but not all events are listed. You may participate in any event to raise funds for CANSA.

CANSA Active Merchandise

2.     Get Your CANSA Active Gear

Our CANSA Active branding, sportswear, gear and apparel is predominantly orange, as we believe this colour represents energy and vibrancy – it ignites action and movement!

Orange is also a colour associated worldwide with caution. CANSA Active cautions you to take responsibility for your health by reducing your cancer risk though exercise, physical activity and by protecting yourself from the sun’s harmful rays.

We have running vests, short sleeve shirts, UV wraps, cycling shirts and bib shorts. Check out our vibrant merchandise and place your order here…

3.     Raise Funds Online:

Our CANSA Active Campaign also gives you the opportunity to raise funds online, while participating in your favourite event.

Create your own Online Fundraising Page for one of our CANSA Active Online Fundraising Projects: 

CANSA Active – Cycle  or  CANSA Active – Go Wild  or  CANSA Active – Run

Invite your social & business contacts to show their support by making an online donation on your fundraising page.

Start Training for Upcoming Events:

Impi Challenge

Impi Challenge & Festival

18 November 2017: The IMPI Challenge offers exhilarating obstacles, mud, music and an amazing festival experience.  Categories cater for a variety of fitness levels: elite athletes, runners of all abilities, or kids and families looking for a fun experience.

Although our entries are sold out, come support participants and visit our CANSA Active stand for your free sunscreen, and purchase CANSA Active merchandise.

iloveboobies

Iloveboobies_za

You can also help the Iloveboobies teams raise money to bring Mobile Health Clinics to remote areas for early breast cancer detection.  They will be selling their new must-have design socks at most events, be on the lookout for them!  You can also order online at www.iloveboobies.co.za.   Read more about the fearless members of the Iloveboobies team, their participation in the upcoming Cape Epic and other events.

94.7

94.7 Cycle Challenge

19 November 2017: we have 90 cyclists cycling for us, and have a hospitality area for the cyclists, where free sunscreen will be provided.

 

11 March 2018: Join our CANSA Active team and ride the 2018 Cape Town Cycle Tour to help support CANSA.Cost: R2 000 which includes a CANSA goodie bag and cycle shirt. NOTE: Entries close at the end of January 2018. For more info contact Stefan Brink: [email protected]

Cape Town Cycle Tour
Two Oceans

Two Oceans Marathon

30 – 31 March 2018: Entries opened and closed soon after 1 November due to high demand – if you’ve missed the boat – we have up to 80 entries available. Contact Stephan Brink, [email protected] to pre-book, on a first paid, first entered basis.  Participants can get entries directly from CANSA. Read more…

Jacques Slabber and the Runners Against Cancer team will yet again be participating in the Two Oceans Half Marathon to raise funds for CANSA. View video here and make an online donation to support this phenomenal team.

See what motivates Jacques and team mates to raise awareness and funds in the fight against cancer.

Thank You Purple Orchid Project Team

The ‘Purple Orchid Project’ comprises a motley crew of 11 friends that cycled in support of CANSA, from Johannesburg to Durban, from the 17 – 22 October 2017. Their purpose was to raise funds and awareness, specifically regarding testicular cancer for CANSA’s Men’s Health initiatives that focus on men’s cancers. They have to date raised a whopping R53K!

The Purple Orchid was born when Sybrandt Fouché was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2016. “My wife felt that it’s just as important for men to go for check-ups, as a woman, and following a random visit to the urologist, the cancer was detected. Three months later, and it might have been too late. Men generally do not like talking about cancer, let alone testicular cancer – until it knocks on your own door,” he says.

POP Team

“The ribbon for all cancer is a deep purple, however, the recognisable colour for testicular cancer is orchid (light purple). Orchids were once called “ballcocks, dogstones” and similar names, because their roots resemble the human testicle. The name “Orchid” derives from Orchis, the Greek word for “testicle” – hence the Purple Orchid Project.” Read full story here…

Support these brave cyclists and CANSA by making an online donation, before their fundraiser closes in two months’ time.

Get In Touch

We are always looking for energetic volunteers to assist us at our many events.  Should you wish to do so, or require more information regarding a particular event, please contact your closest CANSA Active Co-ordinator:

CANSA Newsletter – October 2017

 

Available for download from CANSA:

Infographics: Breast Cancer | Cervical Cancer | Colorectal Cancer | Uterine Cancer | Lung Cancer

 

Knowing the Big Five that Assail South African Women

1 October 2017 – The link between the Big 5 and South African women has nothing to do with our country’s magnificent wildlife legacy, but rather everything to do with the disease, cancer, that plays havoc with South Africa’s sisterhood.

With October being Woman’s Health Awareness month, the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) highlights the five leading types of cancer that indiscriminately afflict women in South Africa – breast, cervical, colorectal, uterine, and lung cancer.

While access to good healthcare for all, would be a significant contributing factor to lowering cancer deaths and improving outcomes, CANSA firmly believes in sharing awareness and knowledge and how this strategy can go a long way in lowering cancer risk and improving the overall disease landscape in the country.

Elize Joubert, CANSA CEO states, “Early detection and diagnosis, reduces the severity of the disease and also decreases the mortality rate.  Research has shown that a regular breast self-examination plays an important role in discovering breast cancer, compared to finding a breast lump by chance.”

The Big 5 Cancers

Both breast and cervical cancer have been identified as a national priority with increasing incidences occurring.  Approximately 19.4 million women aged 15 years and older live at-risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer – the cancer affecting women in South Africa the most.  In 2013, deaths from breast cancer and cancers of the female genital tract, accounted for 0.7% and 1% of all deaths in South African respectively.[1]

“We encourage all women to conduct regular self-examinations once a month. CANSA advocates a mammogram every year for all women from age 40 for purposes of non-symptomatic breast screening.  Women 55 years and older should change to having a mammogram every two years – or have the choice to continue with an annual mammogram.  Know how your breasts look and feel – discuss any changes you observe with your health practitioner. And get to know the warning signs or symptoms.” Joubert added.

The Radiological Society of South Africa (RSSA) are offering special mammography reduced fees at all RSSA affiliated mammography clinics throughout the country, during October – http://www.cansa.org.za/files/2017/10/RSSA-Discount-Breast-Awareness-Participation-2017.pdf

The second most common cancer amongst women in South Africa is cervical cancercaused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). CANSA strongly recommends all women who have been sexually active should start having Pap smears between the ages of 18 and 20 years, and Pap smears may cease at the age of 70 years if the individual has had two normal Pap smears within the last five years. Pap smears tests are uncomfortable but painless – they help lower the risk of cervical cancer, not just detect it early. When abnormal cells are identified and removed, in many cases it is prior to cancer cells actually developing.

Colorectal cancer or colon cancer is the third most common cancer affecting women in SA.   CANSA continues to appeal to women to get to know their bodies and start looking out for any telling signs and symptoms that may reveal this hidden scourge.  Change in bowel habits (diarrhoea/constipation), rectal bleeding or blood in stools and persistent abdominal discomfort (cramps, gas or pain) are among some of the warning symptoms of colorectal cancer.

Millicent Mulelu, colorectal cancer survivor says although a cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on one’s life and those around you, it should not be regarded as a death warrant. “There are ways to beat the condition but you need to remain optimistic, resilient and never give up hope, because only hope will see you through.”

Cancer of the uterus, also known as endometrial cancer or uterine cancer is number four of the most common cancers affecting women occurring in the tissue of the endometrium which is the lining of the uterus.

Joubert explains, “Again, we advise that should any of the following warning signs appear, they should be investigated further by a medical practitioner – abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge; and pain in the pelvis or abdomen especially when urinating or during sexual intercourse. Early detection is key and leads to better treatment outcomes.”

And then there is lung cancer that occupies position five.  Statistics reveal that the more a person smokes, the greater the risk of developing lung cancer. It’s also more likely to develop in people who start smoking at a young age. However, if someone stops smoking, the risk of developing lung cancer falls dramatically and after approximately 15 years, the chance of developing the disease is similar to that of a non-smoker.

 

 

Infographics: Breast Cancer | Cervical Cancer | Colorectal Cancer | Uterine Cancer |Lung Cancer

 

By paying greater attention to the ‘Big Five’, women will be better prepared to reduce their personal cancer risk and avoid the physical and emotional impact that can accompany a cancer diagnosis.

“We recognise the role of women as societal and economic participants as well as caretakers who influence the health of the whole family.  Clinical Breast Examinations, Pap smears and Healthy Lifestyle Risk Assessments are all offered at CANSA Care Centres country-wide to increase early detection.  We also support patients and their families through counselling and support groups,” concluded Joubert. (http://www.cansa.org.za/cansa-care-centres-contact-details/).

CANSA also has various Mobile Health Clinics which offer screening to people in communities who do not have easy access to health screening (http://www.cansa.org.za/cansa-mobile-health-clinics/). During October, people can participate in a CANSA ‘Shades of Pink’ Walk to raise awareness about cancers affecting women and funds to help CANSA in its screening and support efforts for women. See here for the nearest event.

Visit www.cansa.org.za, contact the nearest CANSA Care Centre, call CANSA toll-free 0800 22 66 22 or email: [email protected].  CANSA offers multi-lingual support on Whatsapp: 0721979305 for English and Afrikaans and 0718673530 for Xhosa, Zulu, Sotho and Siswati.  Follow CANSA on Twitter: @CANSA (http://www.twitter.com/CANSA), join CANSA on Facebook: CANSA The Cancer Association of South Africa and follow CANSA on Instagram: @cancerassociationofsouthafrica

[1] Vorobiof D, Sitas F, Vorobiof G. Breast cancer incidence in South Africa. Journal of Clinical Oncology 2001 (September 15 Supplement); Vol 19, No. 18s: 125s -127s.

Childhood Cancer in South Africa – CANSA

According to the South African Medical Journal¹ the overall survival rates for childhood cancer in South Africa remain low when compared to international data. Greater awareness of the warning signs of childhood cancer can encourage earlier diagnosis and lead to improved outcomes for all ethnic groups.

Many childhood cancers are treatable with high treatment success rates between 70% and 80% in well-resourced countries, while approximately 80% of children with cancer in Africa die without access to adequate care. Whilst South Africa has an established oncology healthcare service, the infrastructure is overburdened, the cancer awareness in the primary healthcare service is poor, and widespread service delivery challenges exist. A 2014 research paper carried in Stones, David K., et al. entitled “Childhood cancer survival rates in two South African units”, quotes South African overall survival rates at 52.1%. ¹

CANSA’s CEO, Elize Joubert says: “It’s estimated that currently less than half of the children with cancer in South Africa are diagnosed and many of those who are diagnosed are already in the advanced stages of the illness.  Early detection will go a long way in reducing the fatality rate, however this can only be done by creating greater awareness and instilling knowledge in parts of the healthcare system and with the public.”

Cancers in children tend to be different from those found in adults with most of them often occurring in the developing cells such as bone marrow, blood, kidneys and nervous system tissues. According to the recent South African Children’s Cancer Study Group (SACCSG) registry statistics, for 2009 to 2013, the five foremost childhood cancers in South Africa are leukaemia, followed by lymphoma (tumours that begin in the lymph glands), then brain tumours, nephroblastomas, or Wilms tumours – cancer of the kidneys – and then soft tissue sarcomas, which are tumours that begin in the connective tissue. Read more about the types of childhood cancers…

Early Detection is Key

Part of CANSA’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Programme is aimed at educating the public on the early warning signs and in South Africa, the Saint Siluan Warning Signs list is used as per below…

St Siluan Warning Signs Childhood Cancer:

  • S – Seek medical help early for persistent symptoms
  • I – White spot in the eye, new squint, sudden blindness or bulging eyeball
  • L – Lump on the stomach, pelvis, head, arms, legs, testicle or glands
  • U – Unexplained fever present for over two weeks, weight loss, fatigue, pale appearance, easy bruising & bleeding
  • A – Aching bones, joints, back and easy fractures
  • N – Neurological signs, a change in walk, balance or speech, regression, contiguous headaches with/without vomiting & enlarged head

PDF: Childhood Cancer Red Flags Bookmark

The advice given to parents by CANSA should they have any concerns about their child showing symptoms, they need to seek medical help immediately. Children with cancer need to receive the right treatment, preferably in a paediatric oncology unit.

A young cancer Survivor, Thandi* and her mom Jessica*, were being rejected by their community.  Jessica says: “The lack of knowledge and understanding in our village is extreme. The majority still believe that my child is contagious and can harm them.”  CANSA’s TLC Staff in Kimberley stepped in to offer support and information to their community.  (*Names changed to protect privacy)

PPT: Childhood Cancer Awareness | Symptoms | Myths | CANSA TLC Support

PPT: How to Support Your Friend who has Cancer

Support by CANSA TLC

CANSA offers a programme called CANSA Tough Living with Cancer (TLC) that supports not only the diagnosed child or teen, but also the family and loved ones affected by cancer, as well as children who have a parent with cancer.  #CANSAtlc

CANSA embraces a holistic approach to include all aspects of physical, spiritual, psychological and social well-being.

CANSA TLC Offers:

  • support groups
  • prosthetic assistance
  • skills development
  • educational school programmes
  • volunteer training

CANSA TLC Facilities:

Currently, five CANSA TLC facilities for children/teens and parents and families affected by cancer, are available:

Watch video of when CANSA TLC Nicus Lodge was visited by SABC Real Talk with Anele on #MandelaDay 2017:

Do You or Your Child / Teen Need Support?

Parents in need of support are invited to join a TLC Support Group in their area (contact the nearest CANSA Care Centre), or help to establish one if one doesn’t exist. Parents, families, and supporters can also join the ‘CANSA TLC’ Facebook group to connect with others in a similar position.

¹ Stones, David K., et al. “Childhood cancer survival rates in two South African units.” SAMJ: South African Medical Journal 104.7 (2014): 501 – 504.

About CANSA

CANSA offers a unique integrated service to the public and to all people affected by cancer. CANSA is a leading role-player in cancer research (more than R12 million spent annually) and the scientific findings and knowledge gained from our research are used to realign our health programmes, as well as strengthen our watchdog role to the greater benefit of the public.

Our health programmes comprise health and education campaigns; CANSA Care Centres that offer a wide range of care and support services to those affected by cancer; stoma and other clinical support and organisational management; medical equipment hire, as well as a toll-free line to offer information and support.

We also supply patient care and support in the form of 11 CANSA Care Homes in the main metropolitan areas for out-of-town cancer patients; a Wellness Centre based in Polokwane; and CANSA-TLC lodging for parents and guardians of children undergoing cancer treatment.

For more information contact CANSA:
Visit www.cansa.org.za or contact CANSA toll-free on 0800 22 66 22 or email [email protected] – follow CANSA on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram. CANSA offers multi-lingual support on WhatsApp: 0721979305 for English and Afrikaans, and 0718673530 for Xhosa, Zulu, Sotho and Siswati.

CANSA – Media Release August 2017

CANSA Offers Complimentary Skin Cancer Screening

The most serious type of skin cancer is melanoma, with South Africa having the highest incidence in the world.

In a bid to reduce the scourge of this disease, CANSA is partnering with the Skin Cancer Foundation of South Africa, on National Skin Cancer Screening Day, on 1 September 2017, by offering free FotoFinder mole examinations at all their main metro CANSA Care Centres, as well as at participating dermatologists nationwide.  #MelanomaAwareness

“As a proud partner of the Skin Cancer Foundation of South Africa, CANSA is looking forward to taking part. We have FotoFinder devices at most CANSA Care Centres in South Africa, allowing us to examine moles and spots to help lower the risk of skin cancer,” says Gerda Strauss, CANSA Head: Service Delivery.

FotoFinder Assists with Early Detection

The FotoFinder is a mole mapping and dermascope device used in skin cancer screening and is neither invasive nor painful.

Early detection, minimises the severity of the disease, as well as reduces and prevents severe disfigurement. #LowerCancerRisk

According to CANSA, skin cancer is on the rise and diagnosis continues to be seen in much younger individuals. However, the good news is that the risk of skin cancer can be reduced, by simply being more SunSmart and properly protecting bodies in order to lower the risk. #SunSmart

Free Screening 1st September

Free FotoFinder screenings will be on offer on 1 September 2017 at the following CANSA Care Centres:

·         Eastern Cape – CANSA East London Care Centre: 043-727 0120

·         Free State – CANSA Bloemfontein Care Centre: 051-444 2580

·         Gauteng – CANSA Pretoria Care Centre: 012-329 3036

·         KZN – CANSA Pietermaritzburg Care Centre: 033 342 9837

·         Mpumalanga – CANSA Nelspruit Care Centre: 013-741 5441

·         Northern Cape – at the Kimberley Gariep Festival
(2 September 2017): 053-831 2968

·         Western Cape – Cape Metro Care Centre: 021-689 5347

What is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. It occurs when unrepaired DNA damage to skin cells (most often caused by ultraviolet radiation from sunshine or tanning beds) triggers mutations, or genetic defects, that lead the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumours. Many dermatologists believe that increased UV exposure resulting from the hole in the ozone layer, has contributed greatly to the rise in melanoma rates over the past two decades.

View the CANSA Car Melanoma campaign

 {for which FCB Cape Town won a Loerie 2017 Bronze Award for Media Innovation}