Focus on World Cancer Day 2017
Event brings together cancer survivors – and honours those who lost the battle
CANCER is a rising epidemic which has to be fought jointly by leaders, government officials, the health sector, cancer advocacy groups and individuals, said African Cancer Institute director Professor Vikash Sewram.
Sewram, who is based at Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, said World Cancer Day on February 4 had been set aside “to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer”.
In Sea Point yesterday, about 4 800 people completed the Lace Up for Cancer fun run/walk, which took participants from Cape Town Stadium, along Sea Point Promenade, to the end at Green Point Track. The event raised funds for organisations like Cancer Alliance and for increased research into cancer prevention, treatment and improving access to services.
Hospice Palliative Care Association of South Africa (HPCSA) chief executive, Dr Liz Gwyther, said “the event brought together cancer survivors, families and people who honoured those who lost their battle against cancer”.
“We were overwhelmed by the support. This event started off in 2012 with about 80 people and to see what it has grown into, is phenomenal,” said Gwyther. “All walkers came out in their craziest, most colourful ensembles and stayed true to our message that cancer isn’t the end but rather that life should be celebrated.”
Sewram said cancer has impacted on health in Southern Africa and “cancer-risk identification and prevention and advancements in early detection and treatment are emerging national health issues that need to be dealt with”, to improve the quality of lives and increase life expectancy.
Cancer rates are on the rise in Africa with about 1.3 million new cases expected by 2030 due to an ageing population. According to research, prostrate, lung and colo-rectal cancer are the most common cancers in men and the top three cancers in women are breast, cervical and colo-rectal cancers, he said.
Throughout Africa, more research is needed to come up with the best policies and practices for each country, as “there are huge disparities in health resources, infrastructure, human resources, and access to treatment that make populations extremely vulnerable to developing cancer”.
Jaco Gouws who heads up Old Mutual’s protection product unit, said there was a need for “financial defence” when paying for medical necessities and any additional costs that occur.
“The increasing rates of cancer and other lifestyle diseases highlights the importance of having adequate illness protection. The guidance of a professional financial adviser can make all the difference. Battling cancer is challenging enough, let alone the need to worry about your financial needs and those of your dependants,” said Gouws.
“WALKERS IN THEIR CRAZIEST, MOST COLOURFUL ENSEMBLES STAYED TRUE TO OUR MESSAGE CANCER ISN’T THE END …