Redouble prevention efforts, says Sama
CANCER prevention efforts need to be increased to reduce risk factors, the SA Medical Association (Sama) said.
In a statement to mark World Cancer Day on Saturday, Sama said cancer was a global problem affecting 33 million people with 8.2 million annual deaths.
In South Africa, more than 100 000 people are diagnosed with cancer annually, highlighting the reason Sama once again gave its full support to World Cancer Day, celebrated under the theme “We Can, I Can”.
“This is an important day to recognise those who have cancer and the efforts made to deal with it. The theme demonstrates that every person, individually and collectively, can make a significant difference in the fight against cancer. It’s a fight many are battling to overcome and we must demonstrate our support,” Sama chairperson Dr Mzukisi Grootboom said.
This year’s World Cancer Day came in light of recent local experiences that had highlighted the magnitude of the blight of cancer.
“In recent months, two of South Africa’s most celebrated icons, singers Thandi Klaasen and Mandoza, succumbed,” he said. Cancer affects 25% of South Africans through their own or a relative’s diagnosis with the condition.
Nearly 60 000 South Africans die from cancer each year. Breast and cervical cancer are the most common types in women while prostate and colorectal cancer are most common among men. With effective screening it is possible to prevent these major cancers.
Preventive efforts needed to be redoubled, especially given that 90% of cancers are caused by risk factors that could be modified, such as smoking, drinking alcohol excessively, lack of physical exercise, poor diet and obesity.
“Cancer is not a death sentence. The battle should not cease. We cannot afford to ignore a scourge that is so severely affecting every segment of our population. There is so much we can do as individuals and as communities to deal with this disease and eradicate it. We must stand together and support all efforts to find a cure once and for all,” Grootboom said. – ANA