CANSA: Hollard DareDevil Run 2018

#DaredevilRun2018

Your Options for Participation are Limited to ONE

A 5km Run with a Difference that Makes a Difference

The Hollard DareDevil Run has grown from one brave soul daring to jog through peak hour traffic in a Speedo, to a massive countrywide phenomenon with a noble cause.

The only way to beat cancer is to raise awareness through initiatives like the Hollard DareDevil Run. Because early detection saves lives.

So check your jewels, pull on that purple DareDevil Speedo and let’s run cancer outta town. After all “It’s the one time in the year where you can run almost naked and not get arrested.” Sounds like a fair trade-off in the fight against cancer. #DaredevilRun2018 literally saves lives.

Says Thulani Sibisi, 2 Oceans Marathon winner and prostate cancer survivor: “I knew the word ‘cancer’. But I didn’t know what it was about. Now, I know’ – see why Thulani believes initiatives like DareDevil are vital in raising awareness about male cancers:

VIDEO INTERVIEW Thulani Sibisi:

So sign up at www.daredevilrun.com, join us on Friday, 16 March in #Johannesburg, #CapeTown, #Durban, #Bloemfontein and#Mbombela – let’s run cancer out of town! #WozaBozza

CANSA MANVan

Make some noise for the CANSA MANVan, sponsored by Hollard! This is your roving mobile clinic, bozza – an unstoppable force that’s driven to fight male cancers by providing PSA tests to men age 40+

The CANSA MANVan, sponsored by Hollard, is coming to your area soon. Be on the lookout for our MANVan and get free health checks, cancer screening and awareness materials to help you lower your cancer risk. The MANVan is shared between all regions that participate in the #DaredevilRun2018.

Screening Offered:

Blood pressure
Blood sugar level
BMI and a body composition analysis
Skin scanner analysis – FotoFinder skin screening ( on request)
** Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) fingerpick tests for males older then 40 – to help detect prostate abnormalities
Health awareness sessions offering advice on improving health and providing information on the early signs and symptoms of various cancers

** PSA is a protein produced by both cancerous (malignant) and non-cancerous (benign) prostate tissue. High PSA levels may indicate inflammation of the prostate or even cancer. A blood test or finger prick test can establish if PSA levels are raised.

Your options for participation are limited to ONE:

YOU’RE DOING IT!

Who will you run for?

#DaredevilDedication – Hollard calls on all Daredevils to dedicate their run to someone they know or love who has been affected by cancer. Runners can share their dedications on signboards, or even write them on themselves, seeing as there will be so much skin on show!

A Start -10 Draft Cancer Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs) + plus 1 added

PMBs are a vital tool used by medical schemes because they explain the minimum services for which your medical scheme will pay. These are the “benefits” of belonging to a private medical scheme. As beneficiaries, we must know about these rather than the number of free movies!

The PMBs have been a bone of contention for over a decade because they are outdated and don’t reflect current practice and care. Usually to the user’s detriment. The custodian of PMBs is the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS). Remember, PMBs are just as important for public sector care as this is the process that will be used to start the NHI care benefits.

NCDs categories at last

A recently published draft PMB benefit classification refocuses on health services. The change, from long-criticised disease /condition related benefit packages to one based on services, is welcomed. Look at the draft, it and give your comments. These are your health care benefits which serve as a minimum package that must be available in different settings from a primary care setting to hospitals.

More work is needed to further expand the categories to include the setting in which the service must be accessed:

The classification includes NCDs and communicable diseases in one category. This is probably meant to reflect that the chronic and comorbid nature of the conditions: The SA NCDA hopes it heralds integrated health care. These are the elements of NCDs care:

Screening and assessment of risk factors and co-morbidities
Initiation of early treatment
Screening and management of complications
Follow up and monitoring of treatment adherence
Interpretation of common laboratory and radiological results
Specialised geriatric care, including foot care
Referral to a higher level of care when required.

PMB cancer definition starts

The PMB Benefit Definition Project (started in 2010) must clarify the benefits to which medical scheme users are entitled in terms of the Medical Schemes Act (131 of 1998). Sadly, these guidelines lack a legal status.

The project is a CMS-led process that uses criteria to define the prevention and treatment for a specific condition. There are lots and lots of conditions to get through. Cervical cancer, a major problem, has yet to be published.
A CMS-appointed Clinical Advisory Committee (one per medical discipline) with members drawn from medical and health professions, funders (medical schemes) and patient groups. However, the mechanism of patient group involvement is neither clear nor transparent. Patient groups need to be vigilant on this matter as the CMS does not have a clean record of including patients or “users” in a meaningful way.

Eleven PMB draft definitions released in the last year all relate to cancer. Medical scheme users should comment to make it relevant. There is no time limit for comments stated in the drafts but another newsletter version shows it to be about 3 weeks from release date. However, you are encouraged to comment no matter the timeline as these are your benefits and make sure that they meet your needs.

Draft PMB definition guideline title with links	Date released
1. Non-small cell lung cancer	26 Feb 2018
2. Medical nutrition therapy in palliative care (adults)	12 Feb 2018
3. Small cell lung cancer	1 Feb 2018
4. Mesothelioma	25 Jan 2018
5. Hepatocellular carcinoma	6 Dec 2017
6. Early stage colon and rectal cancer 2nd edition	4 Sept 2017
7. Metastatic colon and rectal cancer 2nd edition	4 Sept 2017
8. Early stage pancreatic cancer 2nd Edition	31 Mar 2017
9. Early stage oesophageal cancer 2nd edition	31 Mar 2017
10. Best supportive care for 4 cancers 2nd edition	31 Mar 2017
11. Early stage gastric/ gastro-oesophageal junction cancer 2nd edition	31 Mar 2017

CMS Script on oesophageal cancer

I Can, We Can – World Cancer Day – CANSA

We Can. I Can: Make an Impact and Lower Cancer Risk

DONATE HERE

FACT: On 4th February each year, it’s World Cancer Day (WCD).

WHY? To give people, everywhere, a platform to create cancer awareness, sharing knowledge to lower the cancer risk.

CONSIDER: The impact you could make through your family, local school, library, health practitioners, sports clubs, organisations, workplace and social media platforms to get the message out there, potentially saving lives.

PREDICTION: Cancer deaths may increase to over 14 million per year, globally, over the next 10yrs…

Local Cancer Landscape: In South, Africa, cancer is under–reported due to the lack of a comprehensive cancer surveillance system. In 2012, 77 440 cases were referred to the NCR. The latest Stats SA figure shows a steady increase in deaths attributable to cancer from 5.6% in 2006 to 9.1% in 2015.

Global Cancer Landscape:

Approximately 8.2 million people die from cancer worldwide every year
4 million of these deaths are premature (aged 30 to 69 years)

ACT: The facts should lead you to act – NOW. What will you do this WCD and beyond to fight cancer in your community? See some great ideas below and join CANSA in being an active participant in the global effort to combat cancer.

World Cancer Day Goals for 2018

The 3 year theme, “I Can.We Can”, concludes in 2018, with the focus being on “inspiring healthy communities”.

View media release: English | Afrikaans

How can you and role players in your local community take hands to lower cancer risk where you live, work and play?

Slideshow

Infographic

CANSA urges everyone to be more active – in every sense – in the fight against cancer by incorporating sport-related and wellness activities into daily routines.

Physical activity has been shown to combat cancer, including: lowering cancer risk, and helping cancer patients manage the side-effects of treatment such as fatigue, depression and heart damage.

CANSA will be participating as a member of the Cancer Alliance, in the ‘Patent Reform’ Media Round Table / Webinar, on 30 January 2018, to mark World Cancer Day & raise awareness. We’d love to have you show your support at the following events:

Schools, libraries, health clinics, service groups, sports clubs and education professionals are encouraged to promote and educate our youth about their health and well-being and WCD is a great opportunity to learn more, take action and engage in this critically important health issue.

Spread the Word

You can also raise and amplify awareness about fighting cancer with your community and contacts, by downloading these WCD Selfie posters. Print the messages that are meaningful to you, and share your selfie and message, using the hashtags #WorldCancerDay #WeCanICan, on your social media platforms.

Our Advocacy, Research and Service Delivery team members share their WCD message and encourage you to do the same

Light the Way

Cities and towns provide a valuable platform in promoting and protecting public health. It would be fantastic to add iconic landmarks in South Africa to that list, and light them up in blue on World Cancer Day. Let’s light up the way to a world without cancer. City or provincial representatives can contact the closest CANSA Care Centre to make arrangements.

If you miss the opportunity to create awareness on World Cancer Day, all is not lost! Join us at public Shavathons at local shopping centres countrywide, on the 24th February 2018, and let your hair make a bold statement for you. Shave, spray or donate your hair in honour of cancer Survivors, raising funds for care & support programmes.

CANSA Shavathon 2018

We look forward to seeing how you choose to participate in World Cancer Day – let’s see #WorldCancerDay and #WeCanICan trending!

The Big 5 Cancers Affecting Men in South Africa

A Call to Arms against the Top 5 Cancers Affecting SA Men

Gents, although you may think you may never be drafted into the battle against cancer, you are possibly at risk. By being pro-active, stepping up and taking responsibility for your health, you can actively reduce your cancer risk. We’ve identified the top 5 cancers affecting SA men to increase your awareness and help you on your way to a balanced lifestyle. Read media release: English | Afrikaans

Know the Enemy

It’s a battle to stay healthy in an age that promotes self-indulgence, instant gratification, fast foods and inactive leisure time. Even work is no longer as physically demanding as it used to be for most men, many men driving or being office-bound. Climbing the stairs is mostly a choice – in fact your entire work and social communication can be managed from your mobile device, moving little more than your fingers!

Men who do more physical work outside, are exposed to the harsh African sun over a prolonged period and other men may work in industries which produce carcinogens.

Research has shown that inactivity, unhealthy diet or weight, high risk social pursuits such as drinking, smoking and risky sexual behaviour, as well as exposure to environmental carcinogens can increase one’s cancer risk.

Perhaps it’s time for a change in tactics gentlemen – forewarned is indeed forearmed – if you know what increases your cancer risk, and the warning signs of cancer, you are more likely to triumph over the enemy.

The Battleground

The ‘Big 5’ cancers affecting SA men are prostate cancer (lifetime risk 1 in 18 men); colorectal cancer – cancer of the colon or rectum (lifetime risk 1 in 75 men); lung cancer (lifetime risk 1 in 76 men); Kaposi Sarcoma (lifetime risk 1 in 315 men); and bladder cancer (lifetime risk 1 in 148 men).

Gaining Tactical Advantage

1. Know the Facts

Slideshow

Read more about the top 5 cancers and other cancers affecting men, including testicular cancer, breast cancer, anal and penile cancer.

Infographics

2. Listen to the Chaps

Sybrandt Fouché was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2016. “My wife felt that it’s just as important for men to go for check-ups, as a woman, and following a random visit to the urologist, the cancer was detected. Three months later, and it might have been too late. Men generally do not like talking about cancer, let alone testicular cancer – until it knocks on your own door!” Read more

Henk Ferreira was 45 years old when he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Henk warns, “It’s a myth that only older people get diagnosed with colorectal cancer.” Henk’s message to all is that cancer can be beaten. “If you detect cancer early enough, it doesn’t have to become a big issue – awareness and early detection is key.” Read more…

CANSA TESTI-MONIALS:
Back to Normal after Testicular Cancer

3. Check Your Gear

Put a reminder on your favourite mobile device, your dashboard, medicine cabinet or locker and go for regular health checks and cancer screening, annually. Early detection gives you an edge on the enemy and your best fighting chance.

CANSA’s Care Centres provide PSA screening to detect signs of prostate cancer and certain CANSA Care Centres offer faecal occult blood tests that identify microscopic blood in the faeces, which may be a sign of a growth, inflammation or bleeding in the digestive system. Our FotoFinder machines can detect abnormal moles. Health professionals will refer you for screening regarding bladder or lung complaints.

Find out when our Hollard MaNVan will be in your area, by contacting your local CANSA Care Centre. In 2016 / 7 a total of 7 924 men underwent Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) screening – which helps detect prostate cancer – in our ManVan. Read more…

Knowing what’s normal for your body is also important, and monthly testicular self-examination is recommended.

4. Steer Clear

Smoking and the use of tobacco productsaccounts for the majority of lung cancer diagnoses, and you double your chances for bladder cancer by smoking, so it makes sense to quit as soon as possible.

A recent study (by the World Cancer Research Fund International) has confirmed the link between obesity and 11 cancers. Diet and leading an active, balanced lifestyle can play a significant role in reducing your cancer risk.

What you drink also affects your health. Alcohol increases your cancer risk.

More than 30 to 40 types of HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) are typically transmitted through sexual contact and infect the anogenital area, which in some cases, can result in cancer. Avoid unsafe sex.

Be aware of possible carcinogens in the environment and avoid them or take the necessary measures to protect yourself.

5. Win through Discipline

#PracticeMakesPerfect – practice and repeat:

Annual health check-ups and cancer screening
Monthly self-examination
Daily living an active, balanced lifestyle (including a healthy diet)
Always avoiding known carcinogens

Take up your Battle Cry

Don’t keep what you have learnt to yourself – tell your friends and raise awareness of cancer where you work, play and live.

CANSA Newsletter – October 2017

Available for download from CANSA:

Infographics: Breast Cancer | Cervical Cancer | Colorectal Cancer | Uterine Cancer | Lung Cancer

Knowing the Big Five that Assail South African Women

1 October 2017 – The link between the Big 5 and South African women has nothing to do with our country’s magnificent wildlife legacy, but rather everything to do with the disease, cancer, that plays havoc with South Africa’s sisterhood.

With October being Woman’s Health Awareness month, the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) highlights the five leading types of cancer that indiscriminately afflict women in South Africa – breast, cervical, colorectal, uterine, and lung cancer.

While access to good healthcare for all, would be a significant contributing factor to lowering cancer deaths and improving outcomes, CANSA firmly believes in sharing awareness and knowledge and how this strategy can go a long way in lowering cancer risk and improving the overall disease landscape in the country.

Elize Joubert, CANSA CEO states, “Early detection and diagnosis, reduces the severity of the disease and also decreases the mortality rate. Research has shown that a regular breast self-examination plays an important role in discovering breast cancer, compared to finding a breast lump by chance.”

The Big 5 Cancers

Both breast and cervical cancer have been identified as a national priority with increasing incidences occurring. Approximately 19.4 million women aged 15 years and older live at-risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer – the cancer affecting women in South Africa the most. In 2013, deaths from breast cancer and cancers of the female genital tract, accounted for 0.7% and 1% of all deaths in South African respectively.[1]

“We encourage all women to conduct regular self-examinations once a month. CANSA advocates a mammogram every year for all women from age 40 for purposes of non-symptomatic breast screening. Women 55 years and older should change to having a mammogram every two years – or have the choice to continue with an annual mammogram. Know how your breasts look and feel – discuss any changes you observe with your health practitioner. And get to know the warning signs or symptoms.” Joubert added.

The Radiological Society of South Africa (RSSA) are offering special mammography reduced fees at all RSSA affiliated mammography clinics throughout the country, during October – http://www.cansa.org.za/files/2017/10/RSSA-Discount-Breast-Awareness-Participation-2017.pdf

The second most common cancer amongst women in South Africa is cervical cancercaused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). CANSA strongly recommends all women who have been sexually active should start having Pap smears between the ages of 18 and 20 years, and Pap smears may cease at the age of 70 years if the individual has had two normal Pap smears within the last five years. Pap smears tests are uncomfortable but painless – they help lower the risk of cervical cancer, not just detect it early. When abnormal cells are identified and removed, in many cases it is prior to cancer cells actually developing.

Colorectal cancer or colon cancer is the third most common cancer affecting women in SA. CANSA continues to appeal to women to get to know their bodies and start looking out for any telling signs and symptoms that may reveal this hidden scourge. Change in bowel habits (diarrhoea/constipation), rectal bleeding or blood in stools and persistent abdominal discomfort (cramps, gas or pain) are among some of the warning symptoms of colorectal cancer.

Millicent Mulelu, colorectal cancer survivor says although a cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on one’s life and those around you, it should not be regarded as a death warrant. “There are ways to beat the condition but you need to remain optimistic, resilient and never give up hope, because only hope will see you through.”

Cancer of the uterus, also known as endometrial cancer or uterine cancer is number four of the most common cancers affecting women occurring in the tissue of the endometrium which is the lining of the uterus.

Joubert explains, “Again, we advise that should any of the following warning signs appear, they should be investigated further by a medical practitioner – abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge; and pain in the pelvis or abdomen especially when urinating or during sexual intercourse. Early detection is key and leads to better treatment outcomes.”

And then there is lung cancer that occupies position five. Statistics reveal that the more a person smokes, the greater the risk of developing lung cancer. It’s also more likely to develop in people who start smoking at a young age. However, if someone stops smoking, the risk of developing lung cancer falls dramatically and after approximately 15 years, the chance of developing the disease is similar to that of a non-smoker.

Infographics: Breast Cancer | Cervical Cancer | Colorectal Cancer | Uterine Cancer |Lung Cancer

By paying greater attention to the ‘Big Five’, women will be better prepared to reduce their personal cancer risk and avoid the physical and emotional impact that can accompany a cancer diagnosis.

“We recognise the role of women as societal and economic participants as well as caretakers who influence the health of the whole family. Clinical Breast Examinations, Pap smears and Healthy Lifestyle Risk Assessments are all offered at CANSA Care Centres country-wide to increase early detection. We also support patients and their families through counselling and support groups,” concluded Joubert. (http://www.cansa.org.za/cansa-care-centres-contact-details/).

CANSA also has various Mobile Health Clinics which offer screening to people in communities who do not have easy access to health screening (http://www.cansa.org.za/cansa-mobile-health-clinics/). During October, people can participate in a CANSA ‘Shades of Pink’ Walk to raise awareness about cancers affecting women and funds to help CANSA in its screening and support efforts for women. See here for the nearest event.

Visit www.cansa.org.za, contact the nearest CANSA Care Centre, call CANSA toll-free 0800 22 66 22 or email: [email protected]. CANSA offers multi-lingual support on Whatsapp: 0721979305 for English and Afrikaans and 0718673530 for Xhosa, Zulu, Sotho and Siswati. Follow CANSA on Twitter: @CANSA (http://www.twitter.com/CANSA), join CANSA on Facebook: CANSA The Cancer Association of South Africa and follow CANSA on Instagram: @cancerassociationofsouthafrica

[1] Vorobiof D, Sitas F, Vorobiof G. Breast cancer incidence in South Africa. Journal of Clinical Oncology 2001 (September 15 Supplement); Vol 19, No. 18s: 125s -127s.

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