Saturday 4 February marks the global observation of World Cancer Day. This year, the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) and Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) places the spotlight on and challenges people to lower their personal cancer risk through healthy living.

The focus is on smart eating and drinking, participating in regular physical activity like the World Cancer Day 5k Challenge and avoiding known cancer causing agents like alcohol and tobacco.

Lorraine Govender, Cansa’s national manager for health promotion, emphasised that South Africans have the power to influence their own well-being.

“This year’s World Cancer Day’s theme ‘Close the Care Gap’ is all about uniting our voices and taking action,” she said. “Whoever you are, you have the power to reduce the impact of cancer for yourself and the people you love.

“The top three known changeable risk factors worldwide for cancer are smoking, alcohol consumption and high body weight (BMI 30 and above). Nearly half the deaths from cancer worldwide are due to these factors. This means individuals can play a significant role in lowering their cancer risk, by avoiding these carcinogens and through a balanced diet and regular physical activity.”

In SA, being overweight and obese are a growing public health concern, and the incidence is rising and among the highest in sub–Saharan Africa. Cansa encourages public health authorities to educate consumers regarding the health risks posed by unhealthy products and to offer guidelines on healthier alternatives.

This is especially in view of the fact that colorectal cancer is the second most prevalent cancer among men and the third prevalent among women in SA, according to the National Cancer Registry 2019, and these risk factors have been shown to increase risk for this cancer.

Cary Adams, CEO of the Union for International Cancer Control, advocated for reform and change: “Millions of avoidable cancer deaths are caused by unhealthy products. As we celebrate World Cancer Day, UICC stands ready to support governments in their efforts to limit people’s exposure to tobacco, alcohol and ultra-processed food products.”

World Cancer Day challenge

“If you are not sure where to begin, our Cansa Active campaign offers a good opportunity to get you moving and lower your cancer risk,” said Govender. “Grab a buddy and take part in a 5 km event for Cansa to highlight World Cancer Day.

“It’s simple: close a loop of 5 km by walking, hiking, running, swimming or even dancing. Then record it on your favourite fitness tracker, post it on the social media platform of choice and nominate five others to take up the challenge and help spread the word. We also encourage you to donate R50 towards Cansa’s health education initiatives and care and support programmes.”

The organisation aims to educate the public around edible products, especially in terms of how to lower cancer risk, and promote physical activity through its Seal of Recognition Programme. Products have gone through stringent testing to be approved as Seal partners and shoppers can look out for the Cansa Seal on labels and know they are making a smart choice in terms of the products they are buying.

It further educates the public through its Balanced Lifestyle Campaign regarding the importance of a balanced diet and regular physical activity, while the free online lifestyle risk assessment tool helps to identify factors that put individuals at risk for cancer.

You can invest in your health and stay the course for the year ahead by:

1. Taking Cansa’s free online Lifestyle Risk Assessment.

2. Participating in the Lace Up For Cancer event by Life Healthcare, in partnership with the Cancer Alliance and Hospice Palliative Care Association, in Stellenbosch on 4 February.

3. Get moving; 150 minutes per week is all that is necessary.

4. Pack a healthy lunch; get your share of fruit and vegetables for the day when you pack this meal.

5. Go for regular cancer screenings at a Cansa Care Centre, medical institution or government clinic.

Visit www.cansa.org.za or call Cansa toll-free on 0800 226 622 for more information.