Mythbusting campaign for cancer
SUNNINGHILL - 'Cancer is a form of punishment because your ancestors are angry with you', is just one of the myths and stigmas that Campaigning for Cancer is aiming to dispel this year.
On 3 February Campaigning for Cancer launched their 2015 campaign in Sunninghill with the help of South Africa’s first lady, Tobeka Madiba Zuma, PinkDrive, More Balls than Most, and a host of celebrity ambassadors including Zuraida Jardine, Mapaseka Mokwele, Loyiso Bala and John Vlismas. The launch also included profound speeches by cancer survivors, David Mfeka and Thulani Sibisi, who is also a Two Oceans Marathon winner.
In 2012 Campaigning for Cancer conducted a snap survey among 200 Soweto residents. The survey found that just over half of the respondents knew where to access cancer-related information, the majority citing hospitals and clinics as their sources for information about cancer. However, when asked what would be the easiest way for respondents to access cancer education material, all answered radio, TV, newspapers and word of mouth.
The survey was the basis for a campaign which started in 2014, to address myths and stigmas surrounding cancer. Some of the most common myths people believe about cancer are that cancer is contagious and can spread like flu, that testicular cancer is an old man’s disease, that wearing a bra causes cancer and that people living with cancer are constantly in pain.
Some of these myths and stigmas form part of the reason why many people, who are not aware of the realities of cancer, decide to not get tested. Many people surveyed said they did not want to get tested because they were scared they would be diagnosed with cancer, and others felt they could not speak about cancer openly.
“Even today cancer remains a taboo subject and people living with cancer are subject to stigma and discrimination that may stop them from seeking care,” said Noeleen Kotschan, CEO of PinkDrive. “This campaign proves that through the collaborative efforts with PinkDrive’s community outreach programmes, Campaigning for Cancer’s development of education material, and the commitment shown by media owners and celebrities we are assured that these solutions are not beyond us.”
