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:

WoW!#NoSugarNovemberChallenge

Calendar of events: Calendar_#WoW!NoSugar.
Pledge to Sign: No Sugar Pledge
Introduction as below: Welcome to the #WoW!NoSugar Challenge

WoW! No-Sugar November Challenge
#WoW!NoSugarChallenge

Welcome to the WoW! No-Sugar November Challenge! We are so thrilled that you have decided to join us in empowering yourself in body, mind and spirit. For the month of November, we challenge you to give up on added sugar!

What does that mean?
Quit added sugar for 30 days! One day at a time.
What to give up? Select at least one added sugar food item (that you have often) to quit during November. Select from: sweets/candy/; cakes/biscuits; sweet desserts/puddings; chocolates; sugar in tea/coffee; sweeteners; soft /fizzy/sugary drinks (including fruit juice, sports drinks, diet drinks; flavoured water); sweetened yoghurt; alcoholic drinks (including beer, cocktails, cider).
Move more! Aim for at least 30min of physical activity most days of the week.
Rethink your drink! Drink water! Flavour water by adding natural ingredients such as a slice of orange, lemon, apple or cucumber.
Read food labels! Make sure you read all food labels before just grabbing something from the shelves- even something you think is sugar-free could have hidden sugars.
Mindful eating! Get mindful of all of your food choices, start to explore alternative healthy options, eat and enjoy your food with others.

What are the benefits of reducing my sugar intake?
Some of the benefits that you might experience:
 Lose weight – this, in turn, reduces your risk of developing a chronic disease such as diabetes.
 Improve concentration.
 Clearer skin
 Reset your system.
 Recalibrate those taste buds.
 Sleep better.
 Improve health.
 Increase energy levels.
 Look and feel great in your summer clothing.
 Save money.

List 3 things that you want to achieve through this No-Sugar Challenge:
1. __________________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________________
3. __________________________________________________________

Actions for saying No-Sugar!
Clear out! Remove all sugary foods and treats from your cupboards.
Be prepared! Have healthy snacks available like raw nuts, fruit, unsalted popcorn….
Beat the boredom! Sometimes we simply eat to give yourself something to do!
Manage your stress! Take healthy actions such as going for a walk, rather than reaching for sweets/chocolates.
Social support! Surround ourselves with people like-minded people who will support you.
Learning through challenges! We know there is no such thing as failure. There is only learning and retrying for success!
Share experiences! Share your challenges, ideas, actions and progress on the WoW! Facebook group: WoW! WesternCape on Wellness

For more information about the WoW! No-Sugar November Challenge and the WoW! healthy lifestyles initiative:
Website: www.westerncape.gov.za/wow
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 021483 6651

Thank you for helping as to Co-Create a Culture of Wellness!

 

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.

World Heart Federation – Statement on the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World

Professor David Wood                                

President, CEO, The World Heart Federation. 

As you may have read, September 13th in New York City, a new global initiative was launched named the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World. This foundation – whose leadership includes former WHO official Dr Derek Yach – is a tobacco industry-funded initiative, set to receive $80 million of annual funding over the next 12 years from Philip Morris International (PMI).

Alongside our colleagues at the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and the Union, The World Heart Federation condemns this initiative in the strongest possible terms as an attempt by the tobacco industry to interfere in, and subvert public policy.

Despite funding a foundation that claims its goal is to ‘eliminate smoking’, PMI continues to invest billions of dollars in marketing cigarettes worldwide, focusing many of these efforts in low- and middle-income countries to gain new customers.

Throughout previous decades, the tobacco industry – including PMI – has sought to maintain its profits by sowing misinformation among the public and blocking policies designed to protect public health. PMI’s recent failed attempt to sue the government of Uruguay for implementing anti-smoking legislation is just one recent example of these efforts.

Tobacco use remains the leading cause of premature CVD mortality, in some regions accounting for 25-30% of all cardiovascular deaths. According to current WHO projections, tobacco use will kill one billion people this century.

As the leading global advocacy organization bringing together the CVD community to lead heart-healthy lives, the World Heart Federation will continue to support all legitimate efforts to achieve a smoke-free world.

The best path to tackle this epidemic and achieve a smoke-free world is by implementing policies set out in the WHO FCTC – not by engaging with an industry that has shown repeatedly that it cannot be trusted to defend, let alone promote, public health.

We ask you to share information about this foundation with your colleagues and networks so that they can also be made aware of the false nature of this initiative.