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MEDIA RELEASE FROM THE CANCER ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH AFRICA (CANSA)

Date: 14 January 2011

Att: News Editor

For immediate release

Sign up for a cancer-free world!

2011 Promises to be an important year, not only forthe Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), but also for the bigger global cancer community.The 4th of February is World Cancer Day and CANSA is showing its commitment to the fight by declaring that “Together we are stronger”.

With the UN Summit on Non-Communicable Diseases taking place in September, member countries of the Unionfor International Cancer Control (UICC)will put the global cancer burden on the UN’s agenda by getting a million people to sign a declaration against cancer. The Union is the leading non-governmental organisation dedicated exclusively to global cancer control and works toachieve 11 targets by 2020 including: Significant drops in global tobacco consumption; universal vaccination programmes for hepatitis B and human papilloma virus; and universal availability of effective pain medication.
The declaration, launched in 2006 and revised in 2008, is a call to action to take immediate steps to reduce the global cancer burden by 2020.CANSA will take the lead in South Africa and launch the campaign on the 4th of February withthe signing of the declaration by Sue Janse van Rensburg, CANSA CEO and cancer survivor of over 27 years.
“More than ever before there isa need for a concerted and coordinated fight against cancer, and I believe that CANSA can play an important part by signing the UICC declaration,” Janse van Rensburg. “This will create a global platform for cancer awareness and governmental support,” she says. The initiative will be followed in cities, towns and smaller communities throughout the country during the duration of the campaign.
The aim is to get as many South Africans as possible to give their signatures and signing the declaration for a cancer-free society. “We are part of a global campaign,” continues Van Rensburg.“At a recent UICC congress in China in 2010, CANSA made a Bronze pledge to collect up to 500 signatures, butwe know we can collect more. We are calling on all South Africans to help us achieve the most possible signatures and change the lives of thousands.”
The World Cancer Declaration is a tool to help bring the growing cancer crisis to the attention of government leaders and health policymakers in order to significantly reduce the global cancer burden by 2020.It represents a consensus between government officials, public health experts and cancer advocates from around the world who are committed to eliminating cancer as a life-threatening disease for future generations.
Cancer kills more people than AIDS, Malaria, and TB combined and the death toll is set to rise dramatically in the coming decades. Demonstrateyour commitment to the fight against cancer by signing today at or download the form and fax to 086512 8589 or visit your nearest CANSA office and sign the pledge.
Fast Facts

What is the World Cancer Declaration?
  • Launched in 2006 and revised in 2008, the World Cancer Declaration is a call to action to substantially reduce the global cancer burden by 2020.
  • It was developed by international cancer control advocates to bring the cancer crisis to the attention of policymakers worldwide.
  • It lays out an ambitious set of 11 targets and action plan to stop and reverse current trends.
  • It was unanimously adopted at the World Leader’s Summit of policymakers, leaders & health experts during the 2008 World Cancer Congress in Geneva, Switzerland. UICC is the “custodian” of the World Cancer Declaration and prioritizes development of a comprehensive response.
Why is it important?
  • Cancer is a life threatening disease that affects everyone: men and women, young and old, rich and poor.
  • Worldwide cancer kills more people world-wide than AIDS, Malaria, and TB combined and the death toll is set to rise dramatically in the coming decades.
  • Two-thirds of cancer-related deaths occur in countries where resources available for cancer control are limited or non-existent.
  • Without significant improvement, over 17 million people are projected to succumb from this disease by 2030.
  • Many cancers can be cured if detected early and treated appropriately.
  • Many cancers can be prevented - this includes not using any tobacco products, eating whole grain foods and low fat foods, drinking lots of safe, fresh clean water, getting plenty of exercise and watching your weight. Furthermore, research shows that eating five portions of fruits and vegetables daily, reduces your risk of cancer and many other lifestyle-related diseases
Why is it important in South Africa?
  • Up to 40% of preventable cancers in the world occur in low and middle income countries of which South Africa forms part.
  • Research shows that up to 90% of cancers are caused by environmental factors
  • One in four South Africans are affected by cancer.
  • One in eight women in South Africa is at risk of being diagnosed with cancer and one in six men is at risk of being diagnosed with cancer.
  • Top cancers affecting South African males are: prostate, lung, and cancer of the oesophagus
  • Top cancers affecting South African females: are breast, cervix, and colorectal cancer
  • South Africa has the second highest incidence of skin cancer in the world after Australia. Over 700 South Africans die every year of skin cancer.

Statistics are based on the South African 2001 National Cancer Registry (NCR).Although the NCR is outdated and a pathology-based registry, resulting in under-reporting of many cancers, this is the only official verifiable South African data available at present.

What can you do to help?
In one easy step you can make a difference! By signing the World Cancer Declaration you join a global community calling on key decision makers to reduce the cancer burden by committing to 11 key targets:

1Ensure effective cancer control systems are available worldwide
2 Significantly improve the measurement of the cancer burden
3Decrease tobacco use, alcohol consumption and obesity
4Ensure universal coverage of the HPV/HBV vaccine
5Dispel damaging myths and misconceptions
6More cancers are diagnosed through early detection programmes
7Improve access to diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and patient care
8Universal availability of effective pain control for cancer patients
9Improve training opportunities for cancer professionals
10Reduce emigration of healthcare workers specialised in cancer
11Major improvements in global cancer survival rates

These targets are ambitious, but through collaborative action we can make a significant difference in a short time.

How can individuals and organisations support the Declaration?
  • Sign the Declaration, visit and sign directly or download the form on or visit your nearest CANSA office
  • Become a Declaration partner.
  • Encourage other individuals & organisations to endorse the Declaration.
  • Encourage local & national media coverage on the Declaration.
  • Develop advocacy campaigns focused on the Declaration.
  • Develop translations of the Declaration in your native language.
  • Develop and/or review national adaptations of the Declaration.

About CANSA

CANSA offers a unique integrated service to the public and all people affected by cancer. As a leading role-player in cancer research (R4,5 million spent annually), the scientific findings and knowledge gained from our research are used to realign our health programmes as well as strengthen our watchdog role to the greater benefit of the public

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We fight cancer by making the public aware of the importance of early detection of cancer that enables more effective treatment and a better chance of recovery. This is achieved by our cancer screening clinics. CANSA recorded:

20 428 Pap smears to help detect cervical cancer

24 908 breast self-examinations (BSE) to help detect breast cancer

4 957 Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test to help detect prostate cancer

5 904 skin examinations to help detect skin cancer

For more information, please contact Lucy Balona, Head: Marketing and Communication at CANSA or email: , call 011 616 7662 or cell: 082 459 5230. Or visit or call CANSA toll-free 0800 22 66 22, or email: )

ENDS