Cansa calls for action on cancer perceptions

World Cancer Day, observed by the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) and led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), aims to mobilise urgent action from individuals, government and the global cancer community.

Lucy Balona, head of marketing and communication at Cansa head office in Bedfordview, said this is to close the clear and unacceptable gaps in cancer risk awareness between higher and lower socioeconomic groups.

She said 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 Independent Market Research Company, Balona said 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 are detailed in UICC’s International Public Opinion Survey on Cancer 2020 report, released on February 4.

Balona said the results show that there is generally a high level of cancer awareness among the surveyed population globally.

Tobacco use at 63 per cent, exposure to harmful UV rays at 54 per cent and exposure to tobacco smoke from others at 50 per cent, appear to be the most recognised factors that can increase a person’s risk of cancer.

A lack of exercise at 28 per cent, exposure to certain viruses or bacteria at 28 per cent, being overweight at 29 per cent and drinking alcohol at 35 per cent, appear to be the least recognised cancer risk factors.

“The fact that lack of exercise and being overweight are not clearly recognised as cancer risk factors are 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 per cent of children aged eight and 14 years were moderately active, while 31 per cent 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 per cent of men and 56 per cent of women classified as being overweight or obese.

Being overweight or obese increases the risk of several cancers, including breast, endometrium oesophagus, pancreas and kidney, among others,” said Elize Joubert, Cansa CEO.

Balona said the poll also revealed that an overwhelming 84 per cent of individuals surveyed felt that government should be taking action in relation to cancer.

She added nearly a third of individuals surveyed believed that it’s most important for government to improve the affordability of cancer services – a measure notably emphasised by people surveyed in lower middle-income countries.

“To help raise greater awareness around cancer and to support health-promoting behaviours so that no one gets left behind, Cansa and the UICC are calling on all government to prioritise cancer awareness.

“Raising through progressive health policies and education to support healthy decisions and health-promoting behaviour, with a focus on engaging lower socioeconomic populations,” said Balona.

She said this is to ensure the public is provided with up-to-date information on cancer risks and how to lower their cancer risk and importantly, that the information is presented and delivered in a way that is accessible by individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.