Campaign raises awareness

One in four people in South Africa is affected by cancer.

According to statistics revealed by the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) last Thursday, a percentage of cancer cases are lifestyle related.

Speaking at the launch of the organisation’s new campaign, Ms Vlooi Venter said people need to start taking responsibility for their health.

“It really starts with you. For some people it is genetic, but for most people cancer is as the result of poor lifestyle choices,” said Ms Venter.

Cansa commemorated this year’s World Cancer Day with the launch of the #NoHairSelfie campaign, aimed at raising awareness of the hair loss suffered by cancer patients while undergoing treatment.

Members of the public were also given an opportunity to show solidarity with cancer patients and survivors around the world, by using an app to virtually shave their heads.

The launch was held at the organisation’s headquarters in Bedfordview.

#NoHairSelfie was launched as lead up to the Cansa’s annual fundraiser, the Shavathon, which will take place on February 27 and 28.

Ms Venter said although the biggest thieves of people’s health are the things they put into their bodies through their mouths, more effort is needed from the powers that be if the fight against cancer is to be won.

She called on the government to fight cancer at at the highest political level.

Ms Venter said she is disturbed by myths that people believe about the disease.

“People believe cancer is deadly and that it’s a white man’s disease. Because of these beliefs, we see women coming into our centres with stage four already and yet they believe they are bewitched. This is part of the reason we need education from a government level,” she said.

In order to educate more people about the disease, Cansa is also in talks with the Traditional Healers Association to help create more awareness.