Cancer Association of South Africa reminding the community to make use of its screening days and other services
Through regular screenings and knowledge of the early warning signs, cancer can be detected early, treated and lead to a life fulfilled.
Lifesaving reminders can never come too often or too loud.
The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) is encouraging everyone to be aware of the ever-present threat of the life-altering disease. Through regular screenings and knowledge of the early warning signs, cancer can be detected early, treated and lead to a life fulfilled. The team at CANSA want to put a reminder out that while CANSA’s physical office may be closed, their mission to assist cancer sufferers goes beyond bricks and mortar.
CANSA’s work is not limited to just testing and treating as they also care for the children. CANSA TLC is a national programme focused on providing support for sufferers of childhood cancer. CANSA TLC has several ways in which those who are willing to help can be involved and with that support CANSA TLC is able to change and improve children’s lives all over South Africa.
Smoking will always be one of the primary causes of a variety of cancers as tobacco use is considered the single most important man-made cause of cancer that can be avoided. “Some people think that swapping their cigarettes for an e-cigarette or hubbly-bubbly is a good alternative but they actually are worse,” said retired nurse and CANSA volunteer, Sister Monica Grové.
Exacerbating poor health, the global health panic has created a scenario where people have missed their regular screenings and have led less active lifestyles. CANSA Service Support Officer, Isabel Gomes, and Sister Monica stated how at a recent screening at a company on the East Rand, 30 of the 100 employees screened were found to have markers associated with cancer. There has also been an uptick in colon cancer diagnosis, with the pair stressing that unhealthy lifestyles are the key cause of the escalating stats.
Also read: Cancer Association of South Africa completes migration to virtual services
Every cent or contribution counts and the volunteer and donation-funded organisation is appealing to the public to help them tick items off their wish list. They are in need of a portable oxygen machine as the one they have is broken, and the part that needs replacing can only be sourced from overseas and costs more than a new machine. Additionally, electric hospital beds are required as frail cancer sufferers and their carers have difficulty operating the older manual versions.
Walkers with seats and baskets, both of the three and four-wheeled variety, as well as a new blood-pressure tester and oximeters are all in short supply at CANSA. To find out how one can assist or for more information on testing and screening, contact Isabel on 066 475 0149 or at igomes@cansa.org.za.
