Cansa and Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) place the spotlight on World Cancer Day (February 4) and challenge individuals to lower their cancer risk through healthy living.
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The focus is on smart eating and drinking, participating in regular physical activity like the World Cancer Day 5k Challenge and avoiding known cancer-causing agents such as alcohol and tobacco.
Lorraine Govender, Cansa national manager, said health promotion emphasises that South Africans have the power to influence their well-being.
“This year’s World Cancer Day’s theme, ‘Close the Care Gap’, is all about uniting our voices and taking action.
Whoever you are, you have the power to reduce the impact of cancer on yourself and the people you love.
“The top three known changeable risk factors worldwide for cancer are smoking, alcohol consumption and high body weight (BMI 30 and above),” she said.
Govender added that nearly half the deaths due to cancer worldwide are due to these factors.
This means that individuals can play a significant role in lowering their cancer risk by avoiding these carcinogens and through a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
In South Africa, being overweight and obese is a growing public health concern.
Their incidence is rising and among the highest in sub–Saharan Africa.
Cansa encourages public health authorities to educate consumers regarding the health risks posed by unhealthy products, including ultra-processed foods and sugar-sweetened beverages and to offer guidelines on healthier alternatives.
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This is especially because colorectal cancer is the second most prevalent cancer among men and the third most prevalent among women in South Africa (National Cancer Registry 2019), and these risk factors have been shown to increase the risk for this type of cancer.
Cary Adams, CEO of the Union for International Cancer Control, advocates for reform and change: “Millions of avoidable cancer deaths are caused by unhealthy products. As we celebrate World Cancer Day, UICC stands ready to support governments in their efforts to limit people’s exposure to tobacco, alcohol and ultra-processed food products.”
World Cancer Day Challenge
“If you are not sure where to begin, our Cansa active campaign offers a good opportunity for you to get you moving and lower your cancer risk.
Grab a buddy and take part in a 5km event for Cansa to highlight World Cancer Day.
“It’s simple, close a loop of 5km, by walking, hiking, running, swimming or even dancing,” explained Govender.
Participants are encouraged to record it on their fitness tracker, post it on their social media platform of choice and nominate five others to take up the challenge and help spread the word.
You can also donate R50 towards Cansa’s health education initiatives and care and support programmes.
Cansa aims to educate the public about edible products which help lower cancer risk and promote physical activity through its Seal of Recognition Programme.
Products have gone through stringent testing to be approved as Seal partners.
Shoppers can look out for the Cansa seal on labels.
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It further educates the public through its Balanced Lifestyle campaign regarding the importance of a balanced diet and regular physical activity and the free online Lifestyle Risk Assessment tool helps to identify factors that put individuals at risk for cancer.
Govender added, “As a proud partner of World Cancer Day, we make it our mission to help everyone access cancer care.
“We also lobby at the government level for change and have supported efforts to pass the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill to improve health for our citizens.”Cansa recommends investing in your health by taking these actions:
• Cansa’s free online lifestyle risk assessment.
• Participate in the Lace Up For Cancer event by Life Healthcare, in partnership with the Cancer Alliance and Hospice Palliative Care Association, taking place in Stellenbosch on February 4.
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• 150 minutes per week is all that is necessary (see Cansa’s seal partners in the physical activity category for ideas).
• Pack a healthy lunch – get your share of fruit and vegetables for the day when you pack this meal.
• Go for regular cancer screening at a Cansa Care Centre or medical institution or government clinic.
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