CANSA asking women to take a stand against the disease

August marks Women’s Month which recognises the active roles women have played in South African history.

The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) acknowledges the collective power of women to achieve positive change, and calls on women to unite around the importance of cancer screening for them, and help prevent unnecessary loss of life. CANSA encourages women to arrange for cancer screening at their local CANSA Care Centre, or to purchase a screening voucher for a loved one, friend or employee.

Gerda Strauss, CANSA’s Head of Service believes that women can influence other women positively with regards to cancer screening. “Too many women still die of cancer because they aren’t encouraged to know their own bodies, be aware of the symptoms of cancer, take advantage of cancer screening, or understand how to lower their personal cancer risk profile,” Gerda said.

Covid-19 has also caused women who are aware of the importance of cancer screening to put it off, to avoid busy healthcare facilities. However, cancer remains a reality and early detection through screening can save lives. Women are encouraged to buy a screening voucher for a loved one, friend or employee who perhaps can’t afford it, or to urge them to take advantage of screening available.

Here are a few tips to help lower the risk of cancer:
– Know your body: Be aware of any changes to your body, do regular self-examinations and report changes to a medical health practitioner.
– Know signs of cancer: Read more about the symptoms of cancers affecting women in South Africa on the CANSA website.
– Regular cancer screening: Make an appointment at your local CANSA Care Centre for cancer screening on an annual basis or if you are concerned about a symptom you are experiencing.
– Share your knowledge: Empower other women by sharing the knowledge you have gained about cancer, screenings and lowering cancer risk. Buy another woman a cancer-screening voucher.