Get the truth about cancer
World Cancer Day (February 4) is a chance to raise our collective voices in the name of improving general knowledge around cancer and dismissing misconceptions about the disease.
JOBURG- The 2014 World Cancer Day campaign is taking place under the tagline ‘Debunk the Myths’, and the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) will be focusing on four general misconceptions around cancer which are common around the world.
These are: ‘We don’t need to talk about cancer’, ‘There is nothing I can do about cancer’, ‘There are no signs or symptoms of cancer’ and ‘I don’t have the right to cancer care’.
Globally, more people die from cancer than from AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis combined.
Each year, 14.1 million people learn they have cancer, and 8.2 million people die from the disease worldwide.
The World Health Organization projects that without immediate action, the global number of deaths from cancer will increase by nearly 80 per cent by 2030, with most occurring in low and middle-income countries.
Research suggests that one-third of cancer deaths can be avoided through education, the dispelling of myths and misconceptions and addressing the known modifiable risk factors, which are known to cause cancers.
Cansa believes that all corporations and organisations are in a unique position to help raise awareness and promote education for employees and their loved ones.
“We encourage all workplaces, organisations and corporates to view World Cancer Day as an
opportunity to involve your employees and partners actively in the theme of the day,” said Cansa CEO Sue Janse van Rensburg.
“Express your commitment to raising awareness of cancer within your communities by disseminating information
about cancer inside and outside your business.
“We also believe that corporates should use World Cancer Day to unite your employees around an issue which affects so many.” In South Africa, one in four people are affected by cancer.
“This is something we should all talk about,” said Janse van Rensburg.
“Senior leaders in all corporations are in a unique position to help us raise the visibility and understanding of cancer issues across your employees, customers, stakeholders and local communities given your scope, extensive internal and external networks and communication expertise and platforms.”
Cansa staff are available to visit your workplace on World Cancer Day, during which a 30 minute presentation can be provided.
Contact the association on 0800 22 66 22 (toll-free) or send an email to info@cansa.org.za.
