Take Action for World Cancer Day of February 4

#CloseTheCareGap #WorldCancerDay #BalancedLifestyle #LowerCancerRisk

The Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) and the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) place the spotlight on World Cancer Day (February 4) and challenge individuals to lower their personal cancer risk through healthy living.

The focus is on smart eating and drinking, participating in regular physical activity like the World Cancer Day 5k Challenge and avoiding known cancer-causing agents such as alcohol and tobacco.

Lorraine Govender, Cansa national manager of health promotion, emphasises that South Africans have the power to influence their well-being.

She said this year’s theme, ‘Close the Care Gap’ is about uniting our voices and taking action.

“Whoever you are, you have the power to reduce the impact of cancer for yourself and the people you love.

“The top three known changeable risk factors worldwide for cancer are smoking, alcohol consumption and high body weight (BMI 30 and above).

“Nearly half the deaths due to cancer, worldwide are due to these factors,” said Govender.

“This means that individuals can play a significant role in lowering their cancer risk by avoiding these carcinogens through a balanced diet and regular physical activity.”

In South Africa, being overweight and obese is a growing public health concern.

Cansa encourages public health authorities to educate consumers regarding the health risks posed by unhealthy products, including ultra-processed foods and sugar-sweetened beverages and to offer guidelines on healthier alternatives.

Colorectal cancer is the second most prevalent cancer among men and the third most prevalent among women in South Africa, according to the National Cancer Registry of 2019. These risk factors have been proven to increase the risk for this type of cancer.

Cary Adams, CEO of the Union for International Cancer Control, advocates for reform and change.

“Millions of avoidable cancer deaths are caused by unhealthy products. As we celebrate World Cancer Day, the UICC is ready to support governments in their efforts to limit people’s exposure to tobacco, alcohol and ultra-processed food products.”

World Cancer Day Challenge
“If you are not sure where to begin, our Cansa Active campaign offers a good opportunity to get you moving and lower your cancer risk.

“Grab a buddy and take part in a 5km event for Cansa to highlight World Cancer Day.

“It’s simple, close a loop of 5 km, by walking, hiking, running, swimming or even dancing. Then record it on your favourite fitness tracker, post it on your social media platform of choice and nominate five others to take up the challenge and help spread the word.

“We also encourage you to donate R50 towards Cansa’s health education initiatives and care and support programmes,” explained Govender.

Cansa recommends investing in your health and staying the course for the year ahead.

Simple actions can include:
1. Take Cansa’s free online Lifestyle Risk Assessment.

2. Get moving – 150 minutes per week is all that is necessary (see Cansa’s Seal partners in the physical activity category for ideas).

3. Pack a healthy lunch – get your share of fruit and vegetables for the day when you pack this meal (see Cansa’s Seal partners in the edible goods category for ideas and more information on the Cansa website).

4. Go for regular cancer screening at a Cansa Care Centre, medical institution or government clinic.

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