Cancer. It’s a word that can cause the bravest of us to tremble. Today, 4 February is #WorldCancerDay and with that comes a call to action. Action that involves making our collective voices heard. In doing so we can work towards reducing cancer risk factors as well as overcoming barriers to early diagnosis.
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Global Cancer Stats
According to World Cancer Day, 9.6 million people die each year from cancer. That’s more than HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined. By 2030, experts project cancer deaths to rise to 13 million. Over half of these deaths are premature (people between the ages of 30-69 years old).
These statistics create a somewhat dreary picture. But fortunately there is so much being done in terms of support and awareness for those suffering from cancer.
ALSO SEE: Why Early Detection Is Key in Beating Breast Cancer
Cancer Support in South Africa
You’re not alone when you’re affected by cancer. Whether it’s yourself, a friend or relative – there are many ways of coping and receiving the support you need.
Here are three organisations we think are worth supporting:
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Reach for Recovery
Is a non-profit NGO that provides patient support for breast cancer sufferers nationwide. The organisation consists of volunteers who are breast cancer survivors themselves. One of their methods of fundraising is through collecting R1 from every punnet of mushrooms sold at Pick n Pay Stores throughout the country. This project is currently in its 10th year and has raised over R5 million in total.
They also help fund the mastectomies and breast prosthesis for women who are not able to afford it. Read more at Reach for Recovery
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Cancervive
Annually, Cancervive embarks on a 10-day motorcycle ride across South Africa. Participants include cancer survivors, support teams and members of the media. This is done in an effort to spread awareness and deliver a message of hope and encouragement to communities all throughout the nine provinces of South Africa. They work at educating communities about the cancers that people don’t feel comfortable talking about in order to dispel cultural taboos, and lack of knowledge.
Read more at Cancervive -
CANSA
As the country’s leading voice on all forms of cancer, CANSA has worked at changing the narrative on cancer. They provide some of the world’s foremost statistics on cancer and have many events that you can support to make a difference.
We love the Cuppa for Cancer initiative where you buy a keepsake mug and enjoy tea, or any other beverage with friends. The funds that are raised get donated to CANSA. Read more at CANSA
Tell us how you plan to bring awareness to #WorldCancerDay in the comments section below.
ALSO SEE: Breast Cancer: Why Mushrooms Are Good For You
By Features Writer, Andrea Cresswell
