Support is key in fighting cancer

To raise awareness of the global impact of cancer and educate the world population on prevention, detection, treatment and care, World Cancer Day is marked annually on 4 February. Netcare Milpark Hospital and all Netcare branches are doing their part to support cancer patients.

With over 100 000 South Africans being diagnosed with cancer annually, and more people around the world dying from this illness than TB, Aids and malaria combined, cancer is clearly a force to be reckoned with, according to Noeleen Phillipson, oncology executive at Netcare.

“The theme for World Cancer Day 2015 is Not beyond us, which takes a proactive approach to the battle against cancer. This theme emphasises existing solutions within our reach that impact positively on the global cancer burden,” said Phillipson.

To support cancer sufferers, Netcare has teamed up with Cancer Buddies, the peer-to-peer support group for people living with this disease.

“Netcare believes that a solid support system which complements cancer treatment is vital in fighting this illness. Support groups like Cancer Buddies give cancer patients a way of coping with their diagnosis and improving their quality of life. These groups help to reduce loneliness and loss of hope, which are significant stressors associated with cancer. Participating in support groups can change cancer sufferers’ attitude toward their illness, decrease depression and give them a new lease on life,” she said.

Breast cancer survivor Louise Turner shared some advice to people suffering with cancer.

“This too shall pass. Get involved with a support group – cancer survivors that have experienced what you are going through. Don’t over Google. Only go to the reputable cancer sites. Make a list of questions you would like answers to and discuss it with your oncologist, pharmacist and surgeons. Take a friend or family member with you on your chemo visits.”

In order to show solidarity with cancer patients and promote a healthy lifestyle, Netcare employees will join representatives from Cancer Buddies in distributing food parcels to around 300 cancer patients at the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital in Johannesburg on 4 February.

“Cancer sufferers need to know that they are not alone in this battle. In addition, because 90 per cent of cancers are caused by environmental and lifestyle factors such as diet, smoking and exercise– healthy eating is key.”

Tebogo Ranoto, who works in Milpark, is one such person. She has lost relatives through cancer and the process of caring for a cancer patient and that of being scared for her own life eats away at her.

“I would like to mention the emotional distress that comes with it,” said Ranoto.

“The fear of losing your loved one, the uncertainty of what will happen next, the anger of why it is happening in our family and the tension in the house while praying that today won’t be the last day,” she added. According to Phillipson, cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide and accounted for 8.2 million deaths globally in 2012. Statistics also show that one in four people in South Africa is impacted by this illness, either as a cancer patient themselves or because they are close to someone who has cancer.

The 2015 World Cancer campaign will focus on four key areas:

• Making healthy life choices
• Promoting early detection
• Attaining treatment for all
• Enhancing quality of life