#IAmAndIWill this World Cancer Day
JOHANNESBURG – Help educate and raise awareness on cancer in aid of World Cancer Day on 4 February
Each year, 4 February marks World Cancer Day, providing an opportunity to educate and raise awareness on the global impact this disease has.
World Cancer Day is an initiative by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) – the leading international non-governmental organisation which unifies the cancer community to reduce the global burden and promote greater equity.
According to the World Health Organization, cancer is one of the 10 non-communicable diseases which threaten global health. Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed diseases among South African women and testicular cancer in men.
Under this year’s theme #IAmAndIWill, individuals are urged to make a personal commitment to increase their efforts on impacting the future of cancer prevention and treatment.
According to Stephné Jacobs, a breast cancer survivor and management board chairperson of the Reach for Recovery organisation (international breast cancer support group), educating one’s self puts you at an advantage. “Stay ahead – go for regular checks, live well and eat well,” she said referring to her personal experience with breast cancer.
“It never occurred to me to worry about something being wrong with my breasts. With no family history of breast cancer, nor any other known risk factors and living a health-conscious lifestyle, breast cancer came as quite a surprise just days before my 43rd birthday,” Jacobs said.
According to the UICC, every year 9.6 million people die globally from cancer but progress is possible as an estimated 3.7 million people can be saved each year if society takes action. “There is a lot we can do because genetic mutations play a role in 5 to 10 per cent of cancers whereas 27 per cent of cancer relates to tobacco and alcohol use,” the initiative noted in a statement.
What can you do to reduce your cancer risk?
- Choose healthy foods
- Move more
- Quit smoking
- Cut down on alcohol
- Be sun-smart and stay away from solariums
- Avoid pollutants and chemicals (including asbestos, pesticides and containers containing BPA)
- Get vaccinated
- Know the signs and symptoms
Find out more information on the Cancer Association of South Africa’s (Cansa) website: www.cansa.org.za
Get involved and join the fight against cancer. The Daredevil Run, which aims to raise awareness on testicular cancer, will take place on 13 March at Zoo Lake.
Eighty per cent of the proceeds from entrance fees will go to Cansa for testing, counselling, and educating men in mostly underprivileged communities, while the remaining 20 per cent will go to the Prostate Cancer Foundation to support awareness programmes.
Details: www.daredevilrun.com
Related articles
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/244576/living-with-cancer-and-hope/
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/232464/cancer-does-not-discriminate/
