01 February 2017

CANSA calls on the community to 'Inspire Action, Take Action' for World Cancer Day

Submitted by: MyPressportal Team
CANSA calls on the community to 'Inspire Action, Take Action' for World Cancer Day

This year’s World Cancer Day, taking place on Saturday, 4 February is the second to fall under the three-year World Cancer Day ‘We Can, I Can’ campaign. The theme highlights how everyone can help reduce the global burden of cancer. 'Inspire Action, Take Action', is the message the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) is emphasising.

"We sometimes hold the mistaken belief that cancer is a dread disease that other people experience," says CANSA CEO, Elize Joubert. "However, the reality is that we’re all affected by cancer in some way. If you think about it, you will know someone who is a cancer survivor. The good news is that we all also have the power to take action to reduce the impact of the disease on individuals, families and communities." 

"World Cancer Day gives us a chance to reflect on what we can do individually and collectively to fight this disease which affects people of all ages, races, and gender. It doesn’t discriminate,” says Joubert. “CANSA’s theme this year is ‘Inspire Action, Take Action’."

‘Support Through Sport’ - Get Active 

CANSA recognises the unifying power of sport to transform lives and societies and seeks the support of the sporting community to help fight cancer by raising awareness among athletes, sports fans, officials, coaches, and personalities. Being active and choosing a healthy lifestyle are key messages promoted by World Cancer Day. 

Joubert adds, “Aside from lowering the cancer risk, a growing body of evidence shows that physical activity significantly helps cancer patients, not only to manage the life-altering side-effects of treatment such as fatigue, depression, and heart damage, but also in reducing the risk of the disease worsening or recurring. Physical activity also helps to maintain a healthy weight that will assist in lowering the risk for various types of cancer, including cancer of the breast, prostate, lung, colon, and kidney.”

Steps To Take

“We [are] driving progress in cancer control by calling on government, corporates, organisations, and communities to push for actions that we know will improve survival rates and cancer survivors’ quality of life and decrease the burden of cancer,” she says.

These actions include awareness campaigns that equip people with knowledge of the links between lifestyle choices and cancer, encouraging them to follow healthier options. 

Corporates are also encouraged to implement measures that will motivate and sustain healthy habits among employees. It’s also imperative that they create a safe and supportive environment for cancer survivors while they undergo their treatment and when they return to the workplace.

“Schools throughout South Africa need to champion healthy behaviours for learners, educators and parents. This will not only assist in the battle against cancer, it will also help to prevent and manage other dread diseases,” says Joubert. 

Local government and communities are encouraged to prioritise cancer risk-reduction, as well as treatment and care at a local level. Communities can support a healthy environment that encourages good nutrition and physical activity.

“We also advocate improved access to cancer treatment and services, from diagnosis to completion of treatment, rehabilitation, and beyond,” says Joubert.

Cancer Survivorship

It’s important to note that people living with cancer and their caregivers can ask for support. Survivors can take control of their cancer journey by actively taking part in their own care and having their choices respected and their needs met. Key to all of this is that people should know that early detection and seeking timely care saves lives. 

“Now that you know what to do, go out there and inspire action, take action,” concludes  Joubert.

For more information, visit www.cansa.org.za. Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook or on Twitter.

Published in Health and Medicine