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Cancer survivors Triumph on two wheels
(Cape Town, 22 June 2013) The wheels are once again in motion for another spectacular Cancer.vive
tour, sponsored by Revlon, which sees cancer survivors taking to the open road on Triumph
motorcycles to spread a powerful and passionate message of hope and awareness. Over 50 people,
including 30 cancer survivors, celebrities and supporters, will be taking part in the NGO People Living
with Cancer (PLWC)’s annual colourful 2300km cancer awareness motorcycle ride from 6 – 15
September. After conquering the mines and small towns in Mpumalanga last year, this colourful
procession of motorbikes and brightly branded support vehicles will be travelling south this year,
from Johannesburg to Cape Town reaching thousands of South Africans along the way.
Whilst the Cancer.vive team works throughout the year to raise funds and fight the disease, the
annual motorcycle ride remains the organisation’s flagship event supported by their passionate
sponsors Revlon, Caltex, Imperial and Triumph motorcycles.
Cancer.vive Operational Manager and cancer survivor, Frieda Henning says it’s a spectacular sight
when their long procession roars into the small towns along the way. “In the rural villages, it is as if
life comes to a standstill when we arrive. We are always welcomed with great enthusiasm and it’s an
exciting highlight when onlookers realise most of the bikers are women.”.
The education and awareness programmes of Cancer.vive target the early detection and treatment
of all cancers, with the focus on the ‘shy’ cancers which, due to social or cultural stigmas, people are
hesitant to talk about. The so-called shy cancers include testicular, cervical, prostate, ovarian,
breast and colon cancer. These cancers are known as the silent killers as they often go undetected
for far too long due to a lack of knowledge, fear or shame.
The message is clear…
Cancer affects millions of South Africans and is the leading cause of death globally. However,
knowledge is the key to saving lives as, 30% of all cancers can be prevented and treated if detected
early.
At a recent International Cancer Conference held in Cape Town, Cancer.vive was applauded?/hailed?
as one of the most dynamic cancer charity organisations?/campaigns? in the world. Celebrities in
South Africa such as Karen Zoid, Lillian Dube, Janie du Plessis, Myra Maud and Shimmy Isaacs to
name but a few, have been inspired and have since pledged their patronage and support to this
vibrant cancer awareness campaign.
The highlight of every visit to a small town or rural community, is the musical, theatrical and
entertaining performances that precede the personal testimony and educational messages by
survivors.
“We want all South Africans to understand what the risks and the signs are. We want our audiences
to truly grasp the importance of self-examination, regular check-ups and the different treatments
and support structures available” says Frieda Henning.
The team will be travelling through Gauteng, stopping in among others Potchefstroom, Kroonstad,
Wolmaranstad, Bloemhof, Warrenton, Kimberley, Douglas, Prieska, Williston, Calvinia, Clanwilliam,
Piketberg, Tulbach, Worcester, Villiersdorp, Bredasdorp, Somerset West and finally end in Cape
Town.
The Cancer.vive team members all have inspiring stories to tell and are living examples of how
important early detection is and that every second of life is truly worth celebrating. Lillian Dube says:
“We feel blessed and privileged to be survivors of cancer and can now make a difference by
inspiring others”.
Revlon SA is the key partner in this project. Proud Managing Director, Scott Maddock, says they are
eager to once again be lending their support. “This initiative encourages people to talk to one
another about this disease that is still so stigmatised in our country. We believe in speaking about
Cancer, debating and advocating at all levels with the relevant stakeholders, to ensure that the
frightening statistics are reversed. At Revlon, we do not just care about peoples’ looks, but we care
about their lives and we will continue to ensure that the plight of millions of people, that do not
have access to even the most basic treatment facilities, is addressed”.
END
For more information please contact Janie du Plessis on 082 3341455 or email
[email protected].
NOTES TO EDITOR:
Thank you for taking your time reading this information document. We appreciate the support we
get from the media and realise that without your participation we would not be able to reach out
to the thousands of people we’re touching and helping.
We have some very special people involved in this campaign and have many moving and inspiring
stories that the survivors amongst us can tell. The volunteers and several celebrities on board have
all indicated that they will be available for interviews. If you need any assistance in creating
‘new’angles for stories, please contact us. We’ll be able to prepare and write any articles to
facilitate your coverage.
How you can help
Cancer Statistics
 Cancer is the leading cause of death throughout the world.
 Globally, more people die from cancer than HIV, TB and malaria combined.
 It is estimated that one in three people will get cancer during their lifetime, a figure
expected to rise to one in two by 2020.
 While not all cancers can be prevented, healthy lifestyle choices, such as not smoking,
regular exercise and wearing sunscreen, can reduce your risk of cancer.
 Skin cancer is the most common cancer in South Africa, with about 20 000 cases reported
annually and 700 deaths.
 South Africa men have a lifetime risk (LR) of 1 in 6 of getting cancer.

South African women have a lifetime risk (LR) of 1 in 8 of getting cancer.
*(South African statistics are based on the South African 2001 National Cancer Registry (NCR).
Although the NCR is outdated and a pathology-based registry, resulting in under-reporting of many
cancers, this is the only official verifiable South African data available at present).
More about Cancer.vive
 Cancer.vive is a cancer awareness and educational initiative which falls under the umbrella
of the well-established NGO, PLWC (People Living With Cancer).
 The initiative was started by a group of breast cancer survivors who have been campaigning
for years and who recognised the need for awareness and education around other cancers
as well.
 Throughout the year Cancer.vive has various initiatives all over the country that include
fundraising, educational and awareness campaigns and projects.
 The main event for the year however is the motorcycle ride through South Africa, now an
annual event.
 Cancer.Vive s to reaches in the region of 30 000 people directly with their message through
various initiatives during the year.
 The project is supported by various celebrities including the award-winning comedian,
Shimmy Isaacs, Lillian Dube, Janie du Plessis, Myra Maude, Karen Zoid, Claude Pretorius, to
name but a few…

Aims include:
 to tell people about the importance of early detection and that it can save lives;
 to highlight the importance of the proper treatment;
 to set up Cancer Buddy Support groups all over the country for cancer patients and their
families;
 to raise funds to focus on creating effective educational materials, training, etc.
More about the Cancer.vive ride
 The group enjoys support from others on motorbikes along the way as well as a procession
of 9 support vehicles (including a Netcare Unit.)
 The distance travelled is about 2 300 km.
 During the ride the public will be updated with daily reports and AV clips on the Cancer.Vive
website
 The song “I can survive” was especially written and recorded for the initiative by cancer
survivor Adri van Niewenhuizen.
 The members of Cancer.Vive all have one important thing in common; they want to fight the
disease with all that they have. But they also want to demonstrate that despite their
challenges, they know how to celebrate life!
 Live music, movement and audience interaction ensure that every Cancer.vive talk is vibrant
and fun.
 This year multi-talented South African dancer and award-winning choreographer John
Sithole promises to get the crowds on their feet with his impressive array of dance moves,
supported by singers and a storytelling poet..
 The motorcycles are supplied by Triumph and vehicle support is courtesy of Imperial. Caltex
will keep the tanks and tummies full all along the road.
 Show your support for this inspiring initiative by liking Cancer.vive on Facebook or follow our
Tweets on Twitter Cancervive_ride. You can also visit our website www.cancervive.co.za.
The riders will receive all the messages and words of encouragement. To make a financial
donation click here or follow this link to become involved with the Cancer Buddy Support
Groups.
More about the so-called “Shy Cancers”:
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer is a malignant growth that begins in the tissues of the breast. It can be cured if detected early
and treated correctly. Three ways to detect breast cancer early: Breast self-examination, mammograms and
sonars.
What are the signs?
-
A lump, hard know or thickening in your breasts, above and below the collar-bone and in your armpit
Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of skin on your breasts, above and below the collar-bone and
in your armpit
Change in the size or shape of the breast
Dimpling or puckering of the skin on your breasts, above and below the collar-bone and in your
armpit
Itchy, scaly painful rash on the nipple
Indenting of your nipple
Nipple discharge
New pain in one area
What are the risks?
-
Women and men are both at risk, although more than 80% of breast cancer cases occur in women
over 50 and less than 1% of breast cancer cases occur in men
If you have family history of breast cancer
Women who started menstrual periods early (before age 12) or went through menopause late )after
age 55) are at higher risk\Birth control pills may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer
Women who have used HRT run a slightly higher risk of getting breast cancer
What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is safe low-dose X-ray examination of the breast to detect abnormal changes in the breast.
This takes only a few minutes. The results are recorded on X-ray films or directly onto a computer for a doctor
(radiologist) to read.
What is breast self-examination?
This is when you examine your breasts yourself for changes in the texture and for lumps. If you get to know
the look and feel of your breasts yourself, you’ll be able to detect any changes that take please. These changes
could be the first signs of breast cancer. Breast self-examinations should be done once a month in the week
following your menstrual period if you are age 20 or older or the same day of the month if you are in your
menopause.
What is cervical cancer?
Remember
Signs
-
The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb)
One is 35 women in South Africa will develop cervical cancer
It is curable if diagnosed early
Pain during sexual intercourse
Vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse
Pain in the lower part of your stomach (pelvis)
Unusual vaginal discharge
Abnormal bleeding between your menstrual period
Urinating more than usual
Who should be more careful?
Women who:
-
Smoke
Take birth control pills for a long time
Do not go for a pap smear regularly
Have many different sexual partners, which increases the risk of Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
infection
What to do?
Have a pap smear
-
A pap smear can be done by your doctor, at some women’s health centers or at some community
health centers
It is a quick, simple and painless test during which the doctor collects cells from your cervix
You receive he results of the test within a week or two
If you are between 18 and 70 years of age and have sexual intercourse you should have a pap smear
every two years
90% of cervical cancers can be prevented if you go for a pap smear regularly
Ask your doctor for a vaccine that can prevent new infection with the types of HPV that causes most cases of
cervical cancer.
What is ovarian cancer?
Remember
Signs
-
This illness is very shy and hides itself. Therefore be careful and watchful
Ovarian cancer starts in the ovaries
Symptoms are very non-specific and there is no reliable screening test. Patients at risk should have
regular gynecological examinations.
If the cancer is detected early, it can be cured or managed
Pain and discomfort in the lower part of the stomach (pelvic or abdominal areas)
Regular gas, nausea and indigestion
-
Unexplained weight gain or weight loss
Swelling/ bloating or a feeling of being full in the lower part of the stomach (pelvic and/ or abdominal
areas)
Feeling very tired all the time
Bowel movements that are different than usual
Who should be more careful?
-
Women going through change of life or menopause
Women on Oestrogen or hormonal replacement treatment
Women who are extremely overweight
Women who are smoking
If you have a breast cancer you have an increased risk of getting ovarian cancer
A family history of ovarian, breast or colorectal (colon) cancer increase the risk
What is prostate cancer?
Remember
Signs
Prostate cancer is a slow growing, malignant cancer that develops in the walnut-size prostate gland
Most patients do not have symptoms until the cancer is advanced
Screening is important for over 50
Digital rectal examination and PSA blood test allow the doctor to evaluate if the prostate is enlarged
If detected early through screening services and treatec, this disease can be successfully managed
- Urinating more than usual
- Difficulty starting urination or holding back the urine
- Pain or burning when urinating
- Not being able to empty out all of the urine
- Urine leaking or dribbling, most often after urinating (not in all cases)
- Pain in the lower back, pelvic area, or upper thighs
Who should be more careful?
-
As you get older your risk increases especially after age 50
Person with a family history of prostate cancer
What is testicular cancer?
Remember
-
Testicular cancer usually affects men between 18 and 35 years old. Testicular cancer originates in the
testes which produce sperm and male sex hormones.
Signs
-
Symptoms are often present in one testicle only
A lump on a testicle
Scrotum that seems swollen or bigger than usual
Dull pain or ache in the testicle
Some men experience dull ache or heaviness in the lower part of the stomach
Who should be more careful?
-
Young boys/ men between age 15 and 35
Men with a testicle that did not descend into the scrotum as a baby, even if corrected
Men with a father or brother with testicular cancer
Men with a mother with breast cancer
Males who are not able to conceive children
What can you do to prevent this illness?
PERFORM A TESTICULAR SELF-EXAMINATION
-
Check each testicle separately. One may normally be larger than the other but always be aware of any
unusual changes.
Place your index and middle fingers under the testicle and your thumb on top
Gently roll the testicle between your thumb and fingers. It should feel smooth to the touch. A small
firm area can be felt at the back of the testicle- it’s called the epididymis and is normal
Feel for any hard lumps on the testicle
Repeat the process with the other testicle
Check for any swelling of the testicle or groin by standing in front of a mirror
If you find a lump, see your doctor immediately. Early detection will result in a possible cure
Diagnosis is made by ultrasound and/ or biopsy, physical examination, blood tests (tumor markers)
and a chest X-ray