I Can, We Can – World Cancer Day – CANSA
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.
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.
How can you and role players in your local community take hands to lower cancer risk where you live, work and play?
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.
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:
- Gijma for CANSA in Durban
- Gijima for CANSA in Pietermaritzburg
- Gijima for CANSA in Vaal Triangle (17 Feb)
- Lace Up for Cancer in Cape Town
- Once Step at a Time – Cancer Warrior Walk in Johannesburg
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.
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.
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.
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.