Workplace wellness key to early cancer detection, says Cansa

The Citizen

06-07-2025

'We know only too well that the workplace often leaves employees little or no time to seek medical advice from healthcare professionals,' said Lorraine Govender, the Cansa national manager for health promotion.
'We also know that this often leads people to input their symptoms into Google or other search platforms, hoping to get sensible answers and advice.'
Many people are reluctant to seek proactive medical advice due to a complex interplay of social, cultural, psychological and systemic factors.
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Practical challenges, such as taking time off work, long waiting periods and limited access to healthcare professionals, further discourage timely health consultations.
Cancer symptoms alone generate hundreds of thousands of Google searches each month across the globe.
''Dr Google' is a poor substitute for regular cancer screenings and medical check-ups by qualified health professionals,' warned Govender.
'The generic and sometimes conflicting advice produced by Google and AI-powered platforms like Copilot and ChatGPT often causes more confusion and may result in missed diagnoses of serious conditions.'
To mark Corporate Wellness Week, which took place from July 1 to 5, Govender believes it is the ideal opportunity to address this issue.
Bringing health solutions into the workplace
A proactive approach to employee health can significantly reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
This not only enhances employee well-being but also reduces sick days and improves productivity, ultimately contributing to business continuity and sustainability.
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Cansa has developed a comprehensive workplace wellness programme, offering general health and cancer screenings alongside health-boosting advice directly within the corporate environment.
'We take a multi-faceted approach to assist employees in lowering their risk, not only for cancer but for other non-communicable diseases too.
'Through various services and activities, we promote the benefits of a healthy work environment and encourage employees to adopt positive lifestyle habits and schedule regular medical check-ups,' explained Govender.
Employers need to understand that a cancer diagnosis does not necessarily mean an employee has to reduce working hours or leave the workforce. Early detection significantly increases the chance of positive outcomes.
The benefits for employers and employees.
Corporate wellness initiatives offer far-reaching benefits. By integrating health services into the workplace, companies help achieve sustainable development goals such as promoting good health and well-being, supporting a productive and inclusive workforce and fostering sustainable economic growth.
'Employee wellness programmes are not just a perk, they are a strategic investment. They help to build a healthier, more resilient and motivated workforce, which is essential in today's competitive business landscape,' Govender noted.
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How the programme works
The programme is funded by the employer and is free of charge to employees.
'The frequency of the programme is tailored to each company's needs. It can be a one-day initiative, run over several days, or repeated multiple times a year based on the organisation's request,' said Govender.
In addition to screenings and personalised health advice, Cansa's corporate wellness days may feature educational talks and interactive exhibitions covering a range of cancer-related topics.
Presentations often focus on the most common cancers affecting men and women in South Africa. Informational leaflets and demonstration models are provided to educate employees on self-examination techniques.
Supporting cancer risk reduction in South Africa
'The importance of health risk assessments and screenings cannot be overstated. Cancer is a growing health priority in South Africa and around the world.
'According to the 2021 Percept Report, cancer cases in South Africa are projected to double to 220,000 new cases annually by 2030,' said Govender.
By partnering with Cansa, companies can play a crucial role in lowering the nation's cancer risk and supporting a culture of wellness at work.
For enquiries about Cansa's Corporate Wellness Programme, complete the online booking form or email [email protected].
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