THIS month the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) will be celebrating its 85th birthday. Originally established as the National Cancer Association in 1931, the non-profit organisation (NPO) has, over the years played a leading role in cancer research and cancer policy development, as well as providing care, support and education to South Africans who have been affected by the prevalent and dreaded disease.
“I believe our founders would be proud of what we have achieved and continue to strive for,” said Elize Joubert, chief executive officer. “We have not only built on their legacy, we have also expanded their vision to provide care, education and research,” she added.
CANSA has made a significant contribution to ban tobacco product advertising as per the anti-tobacco legislation of 1999.
What’s more, the organisation is pushing to ban the use of sunbeds by children under the age of 18. Recently the NPO presented the Deputy Minister of Health with a document of support with more than 16 000 signatures. CANSA is also currently advocating the amendment of the patent law that will result in more affordable medication for patients.
Cancer has become a household name, but Cecilia Tommy, a patient care volunteer, says they still need to address many myths and abolish the notion of ‘it wont happen to me’.
“People are either too scared to have themselves tested or have this idea that cancer will never happen to them. We need to keep emphasising the point that cancer is prevalent, but with early detection the disease can be beaten,” she said.
As a retired nurse of 20 years she said she has seen hundreds of people show up to the emergency room with tumours and other symptoms, which could have been treated.
“By the time they sought medical assistance it was too late,” she said.
To raise funds and awareness CANSA hosts several fun annual events, including the CANSA Shavathon, the CANSA Relay For Life and the Cuppa For CANSA.
For more information visit the CANSA website, www.cansa.org.za.
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