World Cancer Day – Who are You and what will You Do?

On the 20th anniversary of World Cancer Day (4 February 2020), CANSA and Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), challenge individuals to make a personal commitment to lower the impact of cancer for themselves, the people they love and the world.

PROBLEM:

• Every year 9.6 million people die from cancer globally.
• In 2018, an estimated 107 467 new cases of cancer in South Africa occurred.*
• Non-communicable diseases, including cancer, are one of the World Health Organization’s ‘ten threats to global health’.

* International Agency for Research on Cancer. South Africa Fact Sheet. 2018; Available here

SOLUTION:

• There are risk reducing measures for at least one third of common cancers. This means that up to 3.7 million lives globally could be saved each year through sharing of knowledge.
• Each person is connected to others in a unique way with a sphere of influence. So use your voices in your communities to raise awareness of cancer, improve knowledge of cancer and lowering risk by improving lifestyle and going for screening.
• Cancer affects us all and we have the power to make change for a cancer-free world.

* International Agency for Research on Cancer. South Africa Fact Sheet. 2018; Available here

International Survey Highlights Cancer Perceptions

To mark the 20th anniversary of World Cancer Day, the UICC commissioned a global survey to form an up-to-date picture of the public’s experiences, views and behaviours around cancer. Conducted by Ipsos (independent market research company), the survey includes more than 15,000 adults across 20 countries (including South Africa) in the first multi-country public survey on cancer perceptions in a decade. The results, detailed in UICC’s report released 4 February 2020, International Public Opinion Survey on Cancer 2020: What people feel, think and believe about cancer today, indicates a clear divide between higher and lower socioeconomic groups when it comes to knowledge and awareness of cancer risks and as a result, the practice of behaviours to limit such risk.

The results show that there is generally a high level of cancer awareness among the surveyed population globally. Tobacco use (63%), exposure to harmful UV rays (54%) and exposure to tobacco smoke from others (50%) appear to be the most recognised factors that can increase a person’s risk of cancer. Meanwhile, a lack of exercise (28%), exposure to certain viruses or bacteria (28%), being overweight (29%) and drinking alcohol (35%), appear to be the least recognised cancer risk factors.

Elize Joubert, CANSA CEO says "The fact that lack of exercise and being overweight are not clearly recognised as cancer risk factors is of great concern within the South African context, and we’ll have to redouble our efforts at making sure this information reaches all sectors of the public. Over the past 15 years research indicates high levels of physical inactivity across the lifespan. A recent study found that only 57% of children aged 8-14 years were moderately active while 31% did not meet the recommendation of moderate to vigorous physical activity. Physical activity levels tend to decrease with age, and this has been shown in other studies with adolescents and young adults, as well as older adults in South Africa. Even more concerning is that physical inactivity has been associated with colon and breast cancers. In South Africa there is an alarming increase in the amount of overweight and obese individuals, with more than 29% of men and 56% of women classified as being overweight or obese. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of several cancers, including breast (in women post-menopause), endometrium (the lining of the uterus), oesophagus, pancreas, and kidney, among others.” *

* https://www.cansa.org.za/be-physically-active-maintain-a-healthy-weight/

The poll also revealed that an overwhelming 84% of individuals surveyed felt that governments should be taking action in relation to cancer while nearly a third of individuals surveyed believed that it’s most important for governments to improve the affordability of cancer services – a measure notably emphasised by people surveyed in lower middle-income countries.

How Can Workplaces Help?

The total annual economic cost of cancer is estimated at approximately US$1.16 trillion globally. Employers can help lower their employees' cancer risk by helping to:

• promote awareness of cancer warning signs
• promote the choice of healthy foods, moving more, quitting the use of tobacco products, avoiding alcohol, being SunSmart, avoiding pollutants and chemicals (including asbestos, pesticides and containers containing BPA) and vaccinating against cancer-causing infectious agents
• take advantage of CANSA's employee wellness programme

Employee Wellness Video

What Can Individuals Do?

• use World Cancer Day as an opportunity to improve understanding of cancer risk factors and share knowledge with others – view awareness posters and selfie boards
• make a personal commitment to lower cancer risk and live a balanced lifestyle, including choosing healthy foods, moving more, quitting the use of tobacco products, avoiding alcohol, being SunSmart, avoiding pollutants and chemicals (including asbestos, pesticides and containers containing BPA)
• Take advantage of what the health system can provide, including getting a check-up, getting screened, and getting vaccinated – visit local CANSA Care Centres for cancer screening.
• Join a support group
•  CANSA encourages sport activities as exercise can lower cancer risk by 30 to 40%. Take part in CANSA events such as Gijima for CANSA (a 5km fun run) or join our CANSA Active team and raise funds for CANSA while taking part in the sport close to your heart. View more events...

CANSA and Netcare Join Hands to Establish Cancer Support Groups

CANSA and Netcare are excited to announce that the two organisations have partnered to establish cancer support groups at nine of the private healthcare group’s hospitals. These support groups will be open to all persons impacted by cancer, from newly diagnosed individuals starting their cancer treatment journey to cancer Survivors, even those who have been in remission for years, as well as family members and caregivers. Read more...

#IAmAndIWill lower my cancer risk…