CANSA Newsletter – July 2017

    CANSA’s Kidney Cancer Fact Sheet(pdf)

·         World Kidney Cancer Q&A Backgrounder (pdf)

·         World Kidney Cancer Day Q&A Photo(jpg)

 ·         World Kidney Cancer Q&A Day Logo (jpg)

·         World Kidney Cancer Day Q&A Photo 2 (jpg)

 

First-Ever World Kidney Cancer Q&A Day Celebrated Worldwide

 

People around the world are asking questions and seeking answers to help fight #KidneyCancer

Kidney cancer is a serious disease that affects hundreds of thousands of people worldwide.  However, very few people in South Africa know even the basics about kidney cancer – what causes it, how to lower the risk, or why it’s on the rise.

The global incidence of kidney cancer is predicted to rise by a shocking 22 percent by 2020. Populations are aging, known risk factors like obesity and high blood pressure are increasing, and smoking continues to be prevalent in many parts of the world. In fact, in South Africa, the most latest cancer statistics show that just over 600 individuals were diagnosed with kidney cancer – 98 of which were children under the age of 19. When it’s caught early, kidney cancer can be treated, but in advanced stages, kidney cancer is still a lethal disease in search of better answers.

That is why the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) is joining forces with kidney cancer organisations around the world to mark the first-ever World Kidney Cancer Q&A Day.  On 22 June, #WorldKidneyCancerDay, patients, caregivers, health care professionals and local organisations across the country and worldwide will be uniting to raise awareness for the disease. See link to fact sheet http://www.cansa.org.za/files/2017/06/Fact-Sheet-Kidney-Cancer-NCR-2012-web-June-2017.pdf

“Making a significant difference in the lives of patients starts by increasing awareness – knowing the symptoms, knowing treatment options and knowing where to find support,” says CANSA CEO, Elize Joubert.

“Medical experts agree there is an opportunity for global collaboration to raise awareness about kidney cancer – because when we all work together we are stronger and can have a greater impact than we can alone.”

World Kidney Cancer Q&A Quiz

As part of the World Kidney Cancer Q&A Day, the International Kidney Cancer Coalition has launched the World Kidney Cancer Day Q&A Quiz. It’s an interactive, seven-question quiz that tests what you know – and what you need to know – about kidney cancer.  It’s about promoting greater awareness about this type of cancer.

“Despite the effect kidney cancer has on patients and health care systems around the globe, it is a little-known type of cancer with many unanswered questions related to risk reduction, risk factors, treatment practices and widening gaps in mortality rates,” says Dr. Rachel Giles, Chair, International Kidney Cancer Coalition.  “Not only will the quiz help teach people more about the disease, but the funds raised will be directed to a high-priority research project that will benefit patients worldwide.”

For every quiz that’s completed online, $5 will be donated to help find answers to vital questions about kidney cancer. The quiz is available in a variety of languages, including English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Dutch, Polish, Greek and Arabic.  Click here to take the quiz https://worldkidneycancerday.org/

Great Voice for a Great Cause

Globally-recognised celebrity and humanitarian Juliet Ibrahim is the campaign’s Global Ambassador.

“Just like art, kidney cancer knows no boundaries.  Working together – sharing our experience and our knowledge – we make a difference for the people affected by kidney cancer,” says Juliet. Learn more about the Juliet Ibrahim Foundation and the hope it gives to kidney cancer patients throughout Africa.

World Kidney Cancer Q&A Day has been established by the International Kidney Cancer Coalition, a global body of 30 cancer organisations focused on improving the lives of people affected by kidney cancer.  CANSA is an affiliate member of IKCC since 2015 and was part of the establishment of World Kidney Cancer Day through Prof Michael Herbst, CANSA’s Health Specialist who is a Board Member and Director.

ENDS

(For more information, please contact Esti Lindner, Marketing and Communication Coordinator at CANSA at email [email protected]. Call 011 616 7662 or cell: 072 529 6082. You can visit www.cansa.org.za or call CANSA toll-free 0800 22 66 22 or email: [email protected].)

About the International Kidney Cancer Coalition

The International Kidney Cancer Coalition (IKCC) is an independent network of 30 patient organisations from around the world.  Founded in 2014, the organisation was born from a very strong desire among various national patient groups to network, cooperate and share materials, knowledge, and experiences. It is IKCC’s mission to empower and represent the kidney cancer community through advocacy, awareness, information and research.

For more information about the International Kidney Cancer Coalition, please visit www.ikcc.org.

Smoking Robs Your Health and Your Wallet – CANSA

Tobacco use is a threat to any person, regardless of gender, age, and race, cultural or educational background that causes over 18 types of cancer, and accounts for over 20% of cancer deaths worldwide. CANSA advocates stopping the use of any and all tobacco products.

Tobacco can be found in many forms, and all tobacco use is harmful. “People only think of cigarette smoking when you talk about tobacco, but it goes beyond that. They need to be aware that hubbly bubbly and e-cigarettes are just as harmful to your health and the health of those around you. It’s not just the smoker who has increased risk of disease, but also people exposed to second-hand smoke,” says CANSA Health Specialist, Prof Michael Herbst.

Tobacco Products Expensive

On top of the health implications, tobacco products are getting more expensive and are creating a huge negative impact on the economy.

“The tobacco industry produces and markets products that kill millions of people prematurely, rob households of finances that could have been used for food and education, and impose immense healthcare costs on families, communities and countries,” says Dr Oleg Chestnov, World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Assistant Director-General for Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Mental Health.

“There is so much more you can do with an average R30 a day, instead of buying a pack of cigarettes. Have you thought about that? Giving up smoking one pack a day, will free up close to R1 000 a month, which can be used in better ways than harming your health, and the health of those around you. The financial impact is huge,” adds Herbst.

Hookah, or hubbly bubbly use is especially concerning among the youth. The tobacco is no less toxic in a hookah pipe and the water in the hookah does not filter out the toxic ingredients in the tobacco smoke. Hookah smokers may actually inhale more tobacco smoke than cigarette smokers do, because of the large volume of smoke they inhale in one smoking session. In South Africa, hubbly and their related tobacco products, fall under the definition of ‘tobacco product’ as indicated in the Tobacco Products Control Amendment Act (2007). This means that its use and sale have to comply with the regulations that apply to a tobacco product in the country. This includes the prohibition of the sale of hookahs and their products to anyone under the age of eighteen.

“Electronic cigarettes and similar devices are frequently marketed as aids to quit smoking, or as healthier alternatives to tobacco. This has not been proven, and e-cigarettes are not a better alternative to cigarettes. They still contain harmful chemicals, and it’s rather recommended to quit smoking by proven treatments. CANSA has a e-Kick Butt programme, which assists with quitting smoking (www.ekickbutt.org.za),” continues Herbst.

Know the law – it’s Your Right to a Smoke-free World

CANSA has played a significant role in contributing to tobacco control legislation in South Africa. Every person should be able to breathe tobacco-smoke-free air. Smoke-free laws protect the health of non-smokers. Report offenses here…

  • Legislation is very clear about where people may smoke and where smoking is prohibited
  • It’s your right to complain when someone smokes in your presence
  • It’s also your right to take remedial steps if someone smokes in any area where smoking is prohibited
  • Adults may not smoke in a car when a passenger under 12 years is present
  • Smoking is not allowed in premises (including private homes) used for commercial childcare activities, such as crèches, or for schooling or tutoring
  • No person under 18 may be allowed into a designated smoking area
  • No smoking in partially enclosed public places such as balconies, covered patios, verandas, walkways, parking areas, etc.
  • The fine for the owner of a restaurant, pub, bar and workplace that breaks the smoking law is a maximum of R50 000 and for the individual smoker R500
  • The tobacco industry can no longer use ‘viral’ marketing like parties to target young people
  • The sale of tobacco products to and by persons under the age of 18 years is prohibited
  • Cigarette vending machines that sell tobacco products cannot be used to sell other products like crisps, chocolates etc.

Download all the materials and infographics here

Help CANSA Cycle Tours Reduce Cancer Risk & Fund Patient Support

Two cycle tours from Gauteng to CPT will be raising important awareness regarding cancer, reducing cancer risk and raising funds for support of cancer patients and loved ones.

On the 3rd March 2017, 11 cyclists gathered at the Grasmere Plaza just outside Johannesburg, to kick off the ‘Tour of Light Cycle Tour’ to Cape Town in support of CANSA, just over 1 400 km’s away. Read more…

 
The tour with its back-up vehicles sponsored by Europcar will see the cyclists ride from Grasmere to Kroonstad on the first day, and then on to Bloemfontein on the second. From there they will ride through Colesberg, Richmond, Beaufort West, Matjiesfontein, Paarl and finally end off in Cape Town on 10 March 2017.
 

Founder of the Tour, Cecilia Hiemstra, who was diagnosed with leukaemia adds, “Our aim is to spread light and hope to others and raise awareness for CANSA. Two other cyclists who have conquered cancer, Ray Funnell and Lawrence Brittain, will also taking part.”

The Tour includes visits to hospitals and cancer treatment centres on the route, including the CANSA Katleho Care Home in Bloemfontein. When the team arrives in Cape Town, cyclists will be accompanied by other riders who have overcome cancer, to the finish line at Caffe Neo, opposite the lighthouse in Seapoint.

The tour will be concluded with a celebration fundraising gala dinner on 10 March 2017. Funds raised will go towards CANSA’s care and support services, including the CANSA Cape Metro Care Centre in Mowbray.

The guest speaker is South Africa’s hero and inspiration Lawrence Brittain, who overcame Hodgkin’s disease and won a silver medal for rowing at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Carletonville to Cape Town Cycle Tour

The Carletonville to CPT Cycle Tour for CANSA’s 85th  Anniversary, is all about showing support for cancer Survivors & helping to reducing cancer risk, by raising awareness along the way. Read more…

Cancer Survivors will be top of mind for the team of riders who are going to cycle close to 1 500 km in 12 days.

“It’s not just about cycling for these riders,” says Lucy Balona, one of the cyclist team and CANSA’s Head of Marketing and Communication. “Almost without exception, each participant has been affected by cancer in some way. This is our way of making a difference for cancer Survivors by not only raising funds but also raising awareness of how to lower the cancer risk and to show support for cancer Survivors.”

Organiser Navarre Kruger, who is based in Carletonville says that the team, who is funding itself, has raised just over R105 000 through sponsorships and donations. This money will go to CANSA’s care and support services, including the CANSA Care Centre in Carletonville.

 

  
The tour, with its two back-up vehicles sponsored byTempest Car Hire and South32 and support members, left Carletonville on 25 February and will arrive in Cape Town on 8 March. After a few days of rest, they will then tackle the Cape Town Cycle Tour on 12 March 2017.