Latest news with #CANSA
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Health
- The Citizen
‘Vaping is not a safe form of smoking'
AS the world marks World No Tobacco Day today, May 31, young people led the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) march in Durban calling out the tobacco industry for deliberately marketing vaping products to teenagers and younger children. The march, also attended by Nkosikhona Mpungose, the chairperson of the South African Tobacco Free Youth Forum, was held on Friday, in preparation for the big day. It was held in conjunction with the movement in Cape Town and Johannesburg. Mpungose, who was very vocal against the use of tobacco by young people, called for stricter measures to be put in place by government to limit the use of e-cigarettes by the youth. He said, 'We need to sensitise society, especially the youth, about the dangers of tobacco. 'What the industry is doing to our youth is concerning. Young people need to be aware of what they are consuming because most of them don't even know that these electric cigarettes have tobacco in them and flavours that are dangerous to their health.' Also Read: Tobacco companies are targeting teens, says CANSA His sentiments were shared by Lorraine Govender, CANSA health promotions manager, who said, 'There is a high use of e-cigarettes by our youth and we are very concerned about the tactics that are being used by the tobacco industry in creating a new group of people who are addicted to nicotine. With this march we are raising awareness and telling government that we are in support of the Tobacco Control Bill.' This year's theme for World No Tobacco Day is Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing the Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products. It's about revealing how the tobacco and nicotine industries make their harmful products seem attractive, particularly to young people, through manipulative marketing, appealing flavours and deceptive product designs. A memorandum of demands was submitted by the demonstrators. In it they called on the Portfolio Committee on Health to continue prioritising the health of the nation and expedite the passage of the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill. Also Read: #WorldNoTobaccoDay: 'Commit to quit,' says Heart and Stroke Foundation They will also emphasise that delays will lead to increased recruitment of young individuals by the tobacco industry, resulting in higher rates of nicotine addiction and tobacco-related illnesses, including cancer. Minenhle Dlamini, CANSA's tobacco control programme co-ordinator and social worker, said, 'In spite of claims that vaping is a 'harmless alternative' to smoking, there is ever-increasing evidence of serious health risks. These risks include nicotine addiction, lung damage and the increased likelihood of moving onto traditional tobacco products. A new generation of nicotine-dependent individuals is being created with seemingly innocent flavoured vapes and sleek, tech-inspired designs targeting young consumers.' For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
27-05-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
National Cancer Registry and partners to unveil Cancer Survivors Month plans
The National Cancer Registry (NCR), based at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), will collaborate with Living with Cancer South Africa, a non-profit organisation, and the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) to host a pre-launch event for Cancer Survivors Month on Tuesday, May 27. Observed annually in June, Cancer Survivors Month celebrates the strength, resilience, and perseverance of individuals who have overcome cancer. 'It is a time to honour their courage, acknowledge their journey, and offer support to those still battling the disease,' the statement read. At the pre-launch, the three organisations will pay tribute to cancer survivors and unveil a symbolic giant ribbon statue, which will be installed at the NICD. The statue was sponsored by Johan Groenewald, who lost his beloved wife, Heidi, to cancer in October last year. This gesture serves as a heartfelt tribute and a symbol of remembrance for all families affected by the disease. Head of the NCR, Dr Mazvita Muchengeti, said he was looking forward to unveiling plans for Cancer Survivors Month, developed in collaboration with our partners. 'It is important to commemorate survivors and provide a space for those who have lost loved ones to reflect and remember,' Muchengeti said. These sentiments were echoed by Belinda Wagner, founder of Living with Cancer SA, who started the organisation in 2017 after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Wagner said Cancer Survivors Month is more than a celebration – it is a call to recognise every life touched by cancer. 'This initiative gives voice to the silent strength of survivors, the enduring love of families, and the memories of those we have lost. Through this partnership with the National Cancer Registry, we are honouring journeys of survival and igniting awareness, advocacy, and action for a better future in cancer care,' Wagner added. Since 1986, the NCR has conducted pathology-based cancer surveillance, where data on cancer cases diagnosed by histology, cytology, and bone marrow aspirate and trephine are collected, analysed, and reported annually. Meanwhile, Living with Cancer SA was established by Wagner in 2017, while CANSA has been a leader in the fight against cancer in South Africa since 1931, leading the country towards a cancer-free society. CANSA is a leading role-player in cancer research, and the scientific findings and knowledge gained from research are used to realign health programmes, as well as strengthen the watchdog role to the greater benefit of the public. – At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
22-05-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Recognise the signs of melanoma
May has been designated as International Skin Cancer Awareness Month, an important time to raise awareness and educate the public on skin cancer, its detection, and prevention. According to CANSA (The Cancer Association of South Africa), skin cancer is the fourth most prevalent cancer among male South Africans and the fifth most prevalent among female South Africans. South Africa has a high rate of skin cancer, likely due to our location and the harshness of the African sun. Exposure to UV radiation (from the sun or tanning beds) is the number one cause of skin cancer. The sun's UV rays damage skin cells, leading to abnormal cell growth and the development of cancerous tumours. While it is more common for skin cancer to develop over a long term due to prolonged UV exposure, it is also possible for it to develop after short periods of intense sun exposure or burning. This is why it is imperative to drive education on sun safety practices. After all, prevention is better than cure. There is a common misconception that only men and women with fair skin tones are at risk of developing skin cancer. While fairer skin tones (Fitzpatrick types I and II) have a higher risk of developing melanoma than people with naturally darker skin tones, dark-skinned men and women are not exempt from sunburn or skin cancer. Dark skin produces more melanin (the pigment that gives our skin its colour). This offers some protection against sunburn and skin cancer, but it is a myth that darker skin tones are immune to the harmful effects of UV radiation. So what can be done? In short, plenty. Taking precautions when spending time outdoors goes a long way in preventing skin cancer. Apply (and reapply) a broad-spectrum SPF product to all exposed areas of the body when outdoors. Wear sunscreen on your face every single day, even during winter. Cover up with a hat, sunglasses and loose, comfortable clothing and avoid spending time in direct sunlight during peak hours (10am to 2pm). Never make use of a sun bed and don't expose your skin to the sun in an attempt to sun tan. A tan is a sign of skin damage, so invest in a good quality self-tan product instead. Visit a dermatologist for a check-up every few years and – importantly – if you notice something different on your skin, be it a mole, a sore that doesn't heal or an unexplained mark, visit your healthcare practitioner. Like with all forms of cancer, early detection is key. Learn the simple ABCDEs of skin cancer and monitor your moles to determine when to visit your healthcare provider. A simple self-exam could save your life! A: Asymmetry If your mole is different on one side and looks asymmetrical (i.e. its sides don't match), it may be a sign of melanoma. B: Borders A mole with an uneven border at its edges could be a sign of melanoma or other types of skin cancer. C: Colour Your mole should be one colour. If it appears to have more than one colour or varying shades of colour, it should be looked at by a professional. D: Diameter A larger mole (with a diameter of around 6mm or larger) could be a warning sign of skin cancer. If it's bigger than the size of an eraser on a pencil, get it checked. E: Evolving If your mole evolves or changes, in terms of colour, shape or size, it could be a sign of melanoma. Look closely at your skin in front of a full length mirror, as well as with a hand mirror. Examine your body from front to back, and remember to raise your arms, look on the inside of your mouth, between your fingers and toes, the soles of your feet, under your breasts and the back of your neck. Try to do this about once a month, and if you notice anything strange, visit your healthcare provider. Remember, early detection saves lives! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
08-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
VC Cares spearheads colourful egg hunt for Sunshine Association Centre children
A vibrant trail of colourful chocolate eggs, carefully laid out for an inclusive chocolate egg hunt, sparked joy and excitement among the children and staff at the Sunshine Association Centre. The Sunshine Association Centre is dedicated to the development and inclusion of children with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities. From following playful bunny footprints, to engaging with specifically designed sensory bins, the activation highlighted the importance of inclusion, as the children explored the colourful grounds of the Sunshine Association Centre in search of the hidden chocolate eggs. Also read: Bryanston golfers swing into action for CANSA This initiative, co-ordinated by VC Cares, the student volunteer body, formed part of The IIE's Varsity College Sandton's recent student wellness week. VC Cares members, along with some of the Sunshine Association Centre staff members, guided and supported the children to ensure that every child participated in the fun during the chocolate egg hunt. Read more: The IIE breaks ground on new Sandton campus Blessing Moyo, the facilitator at the Sunshine Association Centre, said: 'This initiative bought so much joy to our children. We appreciate that the chocolate egg hunt was so inclusive, and gave each child an equal opportunity to participate'. Moyo concluded by stating that the chocolate egg hunt highlighted the importance of wellness and inclusion, and reinforced the power of community and compassion. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts!
IOL News
06-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Skin cancer awareness: Why you need sun protection in winter
As temperatures drop and layers go up, many South Africans ease off their sun protection routines—yet skin cancer doesn't take a break when summer ends. May marks Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a reminder that UV rays remain a threat even in winter. With South Africa among the countries with the highest rates of skin cancer, experts warn that vigilance is crucial no matter the season. South Africa sees over 20,000 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer diagnosed each year, with around 1,500 cases of melanoma, according to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA). While these numbers are alarming, most skin cancers are highly preventable through consistent sun safety habits and early detection.
