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MEDIA RELEASE FROM THE CANCER ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH AFRICA (CANSA)
Date: 23 January 2014
Att: News Editor
For immediate release
Get the Truth about Cancer on World Cancer Day, 4 February 2014
Tuesday 4 February 2014 marks World Cancer Day and the Cancer Association of South Africa
(CANSA) is using this day of awareness to highlight and tackle common cancer myths.
Sue Janse van Rensburg, CANSA’s CEO says “Each year, 14 million people learn they have
cancer and in SA, 1 in 4 people are affected by cancer. This is something we should all talk about
to help challenge negative beliefs, attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate myths, cause fear and
stigma, preventing people from seeking early detection and treatment, as well as declining
vaccination.”
Cancer knows no prejudice and affects people of any age, race, creed, gender and economic
status - the most powerful weapon when faced with the disease, is education and knowledge.
CANSA is focussing on four common cancer myths, as well as providing the facts on each:
1. We don’t need to talk about cancer
2. There are no signs or symptoms of cancer
3. There is nothing I can do about cancer
4. I don’t have the right to cancer care
Myth 1: We don’t need to talk about cancer
Truth: Cancer can be a difficult topic to address, particularly in some cultures and settings,
however, dealing with the disease openly can improve outcomes at an individual, community and
policy level. For most people, a diagnosis of cancer is a life-changing event commonly evoking
feelings of shock, fear, anger, sadness, loneliness and anxiety. When someone has cancer, talking
about cancer to partners, family members, friends and colleagues can help alleviate these
feelings. Investing in the prevention and early detection of cancer is cheaper and more effective
than dealing with the consequences of the disease.
CANSA has various active support groups (details can be found at http://www.cansa.org.za/cansacare-centres-contact-details/) that connect patients, survivors and their loved ones with others who
have ‘been there’ for insight, moral support, understanding, hope and inspiration. Join other
‘cancer survivors’ (anyone who has heard the words “you have cancer”) on CANSA’s Champions
of Hope Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/ChampionsofHope/
More information about myth 1 can be found at http://www.cansa.org.za/myth-1-we-dont-need-totalk-about-cancer/
Myth 2: There are no signs or symptoms of cancer
Truth: For many cancers, there are warning signs and symptoms while the benefits of early
detection are beyond doubt. “It’s important to know and recognise the general signs and
symptoms for cancer. While some symptoms might be caused by another health problem, if you
notice one or more and if the above symptoms persist, go see a health professional without delay. ”
adds Janse van Rensburg.
Get to know the adult and childhood cancer warning signs, click on http://www.cansa.org.za/myth2-there-are-no-signs-or-symptoms-of-cancer/ call toll-free 0800 22 66 22.
More information about myth 2 can be found at http://www.cansa.org.za/myth-2-there-are-no-signs-or-
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symptoms-of-cancer/
Myth 3: There is nothing I can do about cancer
Truth: Cancer can be prevented and treated more effectively if diagnosed early and it’s vital to be
aware of risk factors and ways to reduce the cancer risk. It all starts with making smart lifestyle
choices.
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Lead a balanced lifestyle whether at work or at home – protect and promote health
http://www.cansa.org.za/adopt-a-balanced-lifestyle/
Eat a healthy diet – healthy choices will help reduce the cancer risk such as eating plenty
of vegetables and fresh fruit in season; limit fat intake; avoid or limit alcohol; cut down on
salt; reduce sugar intake and include sources of omega-3 in your diet
Maintain a healthy weight and be active to assist in lowering the risk for various types of
cancer
Protect your skin - skin cancer is the most common caused by the harmful UV rays of the
sun http://www.cansa.org.za/be-sunsmart/
Make Smart Choices – the CANSA Seal of Recognition encourages everyone to read
product labels and make informed choices http://www.cansa.org.za/cansa-seal-ofrecognition/
Avoid risky behaviours that can lead to infections which, in turn, might increase the
cancer risk
Don’t use tobacco products – a common myth is that smoking hubbly bubbly (water
pipes) is less harmful than smoking cigarettes – the truth is that it’s more harmful.
http://www.cansa.org.za/avoid-tobacco/
Get vaccinated against cancer causing viruses, namely Hepatitis B which causes mainly
primary cancer of the liver, as well as the Human Papilloma virus which causes mainly
cervical cancer. The incidence of infectious cancers (mainly caused by different viruses, is
as high as 20% in Africa.)
Get regular medical care and do self-examinations to increase chances of discovering
cancer early, when treatment is most likely to be successful. Ask a doctor about the best
cancer screening available. CANSA offers a variety of screenings at our CANSA Care
Centres & Mobile Health Units countrywide http://www.cansa.org.za/cansa-care-centrescontact-details/
More information on myth 3 can be found at http://www.cansa.org.za/myth-3-there-is-nothing-i-can-doabout-cancer/
Myth 4: I don’t have the right to cancer care
Truth: The Constitution of South Africa (Bill of Rights) guarantees all people the right to access
proven and effective cancer treatments and services on equal terms and without suffering hardship
as a consequence – however, the right to health and health care is a derogable (non-guaranteed),
meaning that it is dependent on whether the State can afford such therapy.
Tertiary hospitals in South Africa have specialised oncology units, while most cancer treatments
are also available at secondary hospitals. The State included Hepatitis B and recently the HPV
vaccination as part of its Expanded Programme of Immunisation. In the private sector, most
Medical Aid organisations provide special oncology managed care programmes to its members
while private Hospitals may provide oncology services.
Janse van Rensburg concludes, “Our CANSA Care Centres country-wide offer a comprehensive
prevention, care and support programme for cancer survivors, loved one and caregivers.” Find out
more on http://www.cansa.org.za/support-groups/
More information on myth 4 can be found at http://www.cansa.org.za/myth-4-i-dont-have-the-right-to-
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cancer-care/
Get the truth about cancer
There are many myths and half truths about cancer readily available on the internet and elsewhere
– what should you as a member of the public believe? For all the cancer myths and facts, visit the
CANSA website http://goo.gl/TJnkr or contact CANSA toll-free at 0800 22 66 22. You can also
email [email protected] if you have any additional queries or if you require more evidence-based
information on these or other topics.
For any CANSA related enquiries or requests, contact Lucy Balona (Head of Marketing and Communication
at CANSA) on [email protected] | +27 11 616 7662. Or visit www.cansa.org.za or call CANSA toll-
free 0800 22 66 22
About CANSA
CANSA offers a unique integrated service to the public and all people affected by cancer. As a leading roleplayer in cancer research (more than R6 million spent annually), the scientific findings and knowledge gained
from our research are used to realign our health programmes as well as strengthen our watchdog role to the
greater benefit of the public. Our wide-reaching health programme comprises prevention and education
campaigns; over 30 CANSA Care Centres that offer stoma support and organisational management; medical
equipment hire; a toll-free line and support to those affected by cancer; patient care and support in the form
of 12 CANSA Care Homes in the main metropolitan areas for out-of-town cancer patients plus one hospitium
based in Polokwane, as well as CANSA-TLC lodging for parents and guardians of children undergoing
cancer treatment.