Join the fight against cancer
In February we commemorate World Cancer Day, a worldwide initiative that aims to raise awareness around a disease that was responsible for 20 million new cases and 10 million deaths globally in 2020.
Just over a million new cancer cases are reported each year in Africa, with about 700 000 deaths. In South Africa, around 85 000 people were diagnosed with cancer in 2019, with almost 44 000 recorded deaths, which made cancer the fourth leading cause of mortality in the country.
By 2040, cancer is expected to place an increased burden on health systems, individuals and communities. This burden is most likely to be felt in low and middle-income countries, due to rising populations, increased life expectancy and lifestyle behaviours.
Here are some tips for protecting your health and reducing your risk for developing cancer.
Just over a million new cancer cases are reported each year in Africa, with about 700 000 deaths. In South Africa, around 85 000 people were diagnosed with cancer in 2019, with almost 44 000 recorded deaths, which made cancer the fourth leading cause of mortality in the country.
By 2040, cancer is expected to place an increased burden on health systems, individuals and communities. This burden is most likely to be felt in low and middle-income countries, due to rising populations, increased life expectancy and lifestyle behaviours.
Here are some tips for protecting your health and reducing your risk for developing cancer.
1. Undergo regular screening tests
Early detection, through regular screening, saves lives. This includes screening for breast cancer (mammograms), cervical cancer (Pap smears), colon cancer and lung cancer.
Early detection, through regular screening, saves lives. This includes screening for breast cancer (mammograms), cervical cancer (Pap smears), colon cancer and lung cancer.
2. Get vaccinated
There are vaccines to protect against human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B. HPV and hepatitis B have been associated with cervical and liver cancer respectively.
There are vaccines to protect against human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B. HPV and hepatitis B have been associated with cervical and liver cancer respectively.
3. Avoid tobacco products
Tobacco use is associated with 40% of all diagnosed cancer cases. Group therapy, relaxation strategies such as yoga and meditation, or registering on a stop-smoking programme can help you to quit tobacco products. Please refer to your member guide for details about your available benefits to help you stop smoking.
Tobacco use is associated with 40% of all diagnosed cancer cases. Group therapy, relaxation strategies such as yoga and meditation, or registering on a stop-smoking programme can help you to quit tobacco products. Please refer to your member guide for details about your available benefits to help you stop smoking.
4. Limit alcohol intake
Of the 7% disease burden associated with alcohol, 3.4% is related to cancer. Setting limits, seeking help, and avoiding triggers such as social events and bars can help cut back on alcohol consumption.
Of the 7% disease burden associated with alcohol, 3.4% is related to cancer. Setting limits, seeking help, and avoiding triggers such as social events and bars can help cut back on alcohol consumption.
5. Manage your weight
Regular exercise and a healthy, balanced diet won’t just manage your weight. They can also reduce your risk for cancer and death from cancer.
Join the fight against cancer by protecting your health and reducing your risk.
Regular exercise and a healthy, balanced diet won’t just manage your weight. They can also reduce your risk for cancer and death from cancer.
Join the fight against cancer by protecting your health and reducing your risk.
References:
- https://www.paho.org-en-campaigns-world-cancer-day-2023-close-care-gap
- https://www.afro.who.int-regional-director/speeches-messages/world-cancer-day-2023
- https://www.spotlightnsp.co.za-2023-05-24-new-report-paints-grim-but-incomplete-picture-of-cancer-in-sa-
- https://www.nature.com-articles-s41591-022-01738-x
- https://www.mdanderson.org-publications-focused-on-health-HepatitisB-cancer-risk.h25Z1592202.html
- https://www.who.int/news-room-fact-sheets-detail-human-papilloma-virus-and-cancer
- https://www.cdc.gov-cancer-dcpc-prevention-vaccination.htm
- https://www.mayoclinic.org-healthy-lifestyle-quit-smoking-in-depth-nicotine-craving-art-20045454
- https://cansa.org.za-no-alcohol-is-best-the-hidden-toll-of-alcohol/