CANSA’s ‘Tell Her, Tell All’ Women’s Health Campaign strives to educate women regarding female cancers, including breast and gynaecological cancers, such as cervical, ovarian and uterine cancer, but it is important for women to be aware of their general cancer risk and how to reduce it too.
 Ignorance: Women who are not sexually active think that screening isn’t necessary. Many young women mistakenly believe that only older women get cancer and that going for screening can be postponed as a result. Other women are ignorant of factors which may cause cancer, the need for screening and how it may reduce their cancer risk.
 Convenience: Some women say they don’t have the time or fear the potential discomfort, or embarrassment they may experience.
 Finances: Others say they do not have the funds to afford screening.
 Fear: Sometimes women fear what examination results may confirm or have had an unpleasant experience during a prior examination. In certain communities women shun examinations due to cultural taboos or because they fear the stigma often mistakenly associated with a diagnosis of gynaecological cancer & subsequent judgement by their loved ones and community.
CANSA stresses the importance of regular cancer screening to promote early detection and improve treatment outcomes. Women who avoid screening are putting their lives at risk.
These women are urged to educate themselves & bust cancer myths; make the time to be examined; investigate options for affordable screening; and to overcome fear by taking control of their health and responsibility for their bodies; to be guided by their inner voice and not be concerned with what others may think; to choose slight discomfort over a diagnosis of advanced cancer.