Latest news with #CancerAssociationofSouthAfrica
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
CANSA condemns vaping industry for luring South African youth
The Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) called out the tobacco industry for deliberately marketing vaping products to teenagers and younger children to mark World No Tobacco Day on May 31. On May 30, the organisation will walk with SA youth to draw attention to this alarming trend. This year's World No Tobacco Day theme 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. Cansa, in collaboration with the South African Tobacco Free Youth Forum (SATFYF), will host youth-led walks in Cape Town, Durban, Bloemfontein and Johannesburg to bring attention to the big tobacco companies purposeful marketing of their products to youngsters. The walks will be from 09:00 to noon on the day, and young people are encouraged to participate. To do so, email mdlamini@ ALSO READ: Bishop Twala shares life lessons in debut book After the walking events, Cansa and the SATFYF will submit a memorandum of demands to parliament demonstrating support for the formulation of the Tobacco Control Bill. The organisations will urge the Portfolio Committee on Health to continue prioritising the nation's health and expedite the passage of the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill. They will also emphasise that delays will lead to increased recruitment of young people by the tobacco industry, resulting in higher rates of nicotine addiction and tobacco-related illnesses, including cancer. Lesego Mateme, the project co-ordinator at the SATFYF, said, 'In Johannesburg, we will walk to the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa to submit a memorandum to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco-related products. 'In particular, we want to highlight the harmful consequences of allowing the subliminal advertising and promotion of these products through broadcast channels. 'Such promotions often glamorise the use of vapes and hubbly bubblies, associating them with a luxurious lifestyle and success, which misleads the public, especially young people, about the risks involved.' Cansa warns young people and their parents, guardians and teachers that vaping is not a safe option. Minenhle Dlamini, Cansa's tobacco control programme co-ordinator and social worker, added, 'Despite 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.' The problem in SA • A 2023 study found that 16.83% of the 25 149 SA high school learners (grades Eight to 12) from 52 schools surveyed used vaping products, while 36.71% reported having used vaping products. The odds of vaping increased by grade, but did not depend on how wealthy the school was; Of those learners who vaped, 47% did so within the first hour of waking, suggesting high nicotine addiction; ALSO READ: WATCH: Tragedy strikes as family of six perishes in shack fire, seven-year-old sole survivor • SA's current tobacco control policies do not effectively regulate vaping, allowing the industry to exploit legal loopholes; • Nicotine addiction among adolescents has been linked to cognitive impairment, increased anxiety and an increased risk of developing smoking-related diseases later in life; • Vape shops and online retailers often fail to verify age, making access easy for underage users. The SATFYF's 2023 Big Tobacco Tiny Target SA study revealed that tobacco products are purposefully sold, displayed and marketed to attract children. Big Tobacco, Tiny Targets is a global campaign that monitors the tobacco industry marketing that targets young people by observing the advertising of tobacco and nicotine products (TNPs) near primary and secondary schools. The 2023 study observed 409 TNP points of sale within a 300m radius of primary and secondary schools in the cities of Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Pietermaritzburg, Pretoria and Stellenbosch. Almost half, or 45.2% of the points of sale, were spaza shops and small grocery stores. The findings revealed that most (92.2%) of the points of sale sold cigarettes, and 68.2% of them displayed these products at children's eye level. Cansa's proposed solutions • Stronger regulations: Cansa calls for fast-tracking the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill to ban child-friendly flavours, impose strict advertising controls and enforce age verification for all tobacco-related product purchases; • Education and awareness: Schools, parents and community leaders must launch comprehensive anti-vaping campaigns to teach youngsters about the hidden dangers of vaping, including its impact on brain development; • Social media accountability: Implement stricter regulations on paid influencer promotions to prevent deceptive marketing tactics. • Holding tobacco companies accountable: Cansa supports higher taxation on vaping products to curb affordability and discourage youth uptake; • Access to cessation support: Government and health organisations must provide accessible nicotine addiction treatment and counselling services for young people who want to quit. Cansa offers a free online smoking cessation programme that provides guidance, mentorship and practical tools to help smokers quit for good. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
27-05-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Bedfordview survivor shares skin cancer warning
According to the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa), South Africans are at a higher risk of skin cancer. For over three decades, 83-year-old Frank Payne has called Bedfordview home. However, in the last four years, his life has been marked by an unexpected health battle: skin cancer. Payne is now using his journey to shed light and educate others on the dangers of sun exposure. ALSO READ: Campaign urges full support for child cancer survivors 'I was always out in the sun, playing water polo and golf, all without a cap. 'It didn't seem like a big deal back then,' he explained. Little did he know that that time in the sun would eventually catch up with him. Payne was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, a common but potentially dangerous type of skin cancer caused by prolonged sun exposure. 'It's basically sun damage. 'It starts as a crusty lesion, like a pimple or dry patch on exposed skin.' Basal cell carcinoma is just one of several types of skin cancer, including melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma. While melanoma is the deadliest, all skin cancers pose a threat if not detected and treated early. His journey has involved multiple surgeries, some requiring skin grafts to remove cancerous lesions from his scalp, nose, ear, and even under his eye. 'The ones on my head were the worst. 'Now they catch them earlier.' His treatment was conducted by a team including a dermatologist and a plastic surgeon, who work together to biopsy and remove cancerous spots while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. ALSO READ: World Cancer Day on February 4 gets new campaign 'Fortunately, my skin heals well. I experienced very little pain following surgery. I've had a shoulder replacement, and even then, I didn't need painkillers,' he said. 'The damage was done when I was young. It's not about what you're doing now; it's about what you did back then,' he said. 'I think the biggest message is prevention. 'Our children should be wearing hats. 'In Australia, they can't even go outside during school without one,' he warned. Though his journey has been filled with hospital visits, biopsies, and surgeries, he credits his sense of humour, family and his dogs for keeping his spirits high. Now in his eighties, he has become a living reminder of the importance of early detection and sun safety. 'If something looks suspicious, a spot that doesn't heal, something crusty or new, go get it checked. Don't wait.' Cansa explained that while May marks the end of summer for South Africans with winter fast approaching, it's also Melanoma Awareness Month, reminding us to continue to be sunsmart throughout the year, no matter the weather conditions. 'South Africa could become the skin cancer capital of the world,' said general medical practitioner Dr Donny Fick, who raised awareness for skin cancer when he took part in the 2024 Two Oceans run half marathon in April this year. 'I used the event to spotlight skin cancer because South Africa has high running participant numbers, with an increasing number of people having taken up the sport since COVID-19.' Fick said, while he is not saying there is a connection between more runners and a higher occurrence of skin cancer, he says runners focus on the proper shoes and nutrition, but not so much on protecting themselves from the sun. 'Not enough runners use Sunscreen, and very few wear hats. 'Using the Two Oceans as a platform was an attempt to educate the runners and the rest of the population about the harmful effects of the sun.' Figures prove that South Africans are at a higher risk of skin cancer. Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, is one of the top 10 cancers in the country among men and women, according to the National Cancer Registry, 2023. ALSO READ: Breast cancer and mental health in the spotlight at Edenvale chambers The May melanoma awareness drive focuses on cancer risk reduction and early detection, which applies to most types of cancer. It means adjusting lifestyle choices if necessary to lower the risk of cancer and to keep a watchful eye for warning signs that need to be checked by a medical professional. Melanomas develop in the cells (melanocytes) that produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour. Melanomas can develop on any skin colour and anywhere on the body, including the head, neck, eyes, under the fingernails, the genitals and the soles of the feet or palms of the hands. They can be similar in colour to a mole, have no colour at all or be slightly red. While melanomas most often develop in areas exposed to the sun, such as the back, legs, arms, and face, they can also occur in areas that don't receive much sun exposure and can show up inside the body. All ethnic and racial groups are susceptible to melanoma; however, the typical patient has a fair complexion and a tendency to burn in the sun, even after a brief exposure to sunlight. Although there is no conclusive evidence that exposure to sunlight causes melanoma, lesions are most commonly found on sun-exposed areas of the body. ALSO READ: Ekurhuleni Population-Based Cancer Registry sheds light on cancer in the region Other risk factors include the occurrence of a previous melanoma in the patient and a close family member, such as a parent or a sibling. According to Lorraine Govender, Cansa national manager of health programmes, 'We advocate checking your spots. It's a highly presentable cancer; you can easily detect it on your skin.' Cansa also advises companies whose employees work outside in the sun, such as those in the agricultural or building industries, to ensure they have adequate protection against the sun. Look out for sunscreens, clothing, hats, and summer accessories that bear the Cansa Seal of Recognition. 'Even driving, you need to protect yourself,' she explained. 'Certain UV rays penetrate windows.' She added that they also penetrate clouds, so you must wear sunscreen on overcast days. Ficks said that the sooner people start using sunscreen, the better. 'Protecting yourself from the sun slows down the ageing process,' he said. Govender agreed, stating, 'Sunscreen should be a mandatory part of any beauty regime for both men and women. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 20 or higher, according to skin type. 'Men can be really bad at remembering to use sunscreen,' said Fick. Part of his awareness campaign is to emphasise that men also need sun protection. 'Just do it,' he said, 'You will thank me later.' ALSO READ: Celebrate October as the Breast Cancer Awareness Month In South Africa, the risk of melanoma seems to be increasing in people under 40, especially women. Signs and symptoms of melanoma To help identify characteristics of unusual moles that may indicate melanomas or other skin cancers, think of the letters A, B, C, D and E: • Asymmetry: Halves might not match when you draw a line through the mole. • Border irregularities: Edges may be scalloped or notched. • Colour variations: Different shades or unconventional colours may appear. • Diameter: Moles that are wider than a pencil eraser. • Evolving characteristics: Encompasses any change in size, shape, colour, elevation, or new symptoms like bleeding or itching. Cancerous (malignant) moles vary in appearance, with some showing all the changes listed above and others having only one or two unusual characteristics. ALSO READ: CHOC calls for support for children living with cancer The first sign of melanoma is usually a new spot or an existing mole or freckle that changes in appearance. Some changes can include growing in size or evolving; edges that are irregular rather than smooth and even; a range of colours such as brown, black, blue, red, white or light grey and moles becoming itchy or bleeding. Any irregularities should immediately be reported to a doctor or dermatologist. It is a good idea to arrange an annual skin examination with a dermatologist. Bookings for screening may be made at your nearest Cansa Care Centre. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
26-05-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Cansa condemns vaping industry for targeting South African youth
The Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) called out the tobacco industry for deliberately marketing vaping products to teenagers and younger children to mark World No Tobacco Day on May 31. On May 30, the organisation will walk with SA youth to draw attention to this alarming trend. This year's World No Tobacco Day theme 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. ALSO READ: Give back on #GivingTuesday with Cansa's eShop Cansa, in collaboration with the South African Tobacco Free Youth Forum (SATFYF), will host youth-led walks in Cape Town, Durban, Bloemfontein and Johannesburg to bring attention to the big tobacco companies purposeful marketing of their products to youngsters. The walks will be from 09:00 to noon on the day, and young people are encouraged to participate. To do so, email mdlamini@ After the walking events, Cansa and the SATFYF will submit a memorandum of demands to parliament demonstrating support for the formulation of the Tobacco Control Bill. The organisations will urge the Portfolio Committee on Health to continue prioritising the nation's health and expedite the passage of the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill. ALSO READ: Cansa tackles prostate among men to mark Health Awareness Month They will also emphasise that delays will lead to increased recruitment of young people by the tobacco industry, resulting in higher rates of nicotine addiction and tobacco-related illnesses, including cancer. Lesego Mateme, the project co-ordinator at the SATFYF, said, 'In Johannesburg, we will walk to the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa to submit a memorandum to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco-related products. 'In particular, we want to highlight the harmful consequences of allowing the subliminal advertising and promotion of these products through broadcast channels. 'Such promotions often glamorise the use of vapes and hubbly bubblies, associating them with a luxurious lifestyle and success, which misleads the public, especially young people, about the risks involved.' Cansa warns young people and their parents, guardians and teachers that vaping is not a safe option. Minenhle Dlamini, Cansa's tobacco control programme co-ordinator and social worker, added, 'Despite 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.' ALSO READ: Cansa puts cervical cancer in the spotlight The problem in SA • A 2023 study found that 16.83% of the 25 149 SA high school learners (grades Eight to 12) from 52 schools surveyed used vaping products, while 36.71% reported having used vaping products. The odds of vaping increased by grade, but did not depend on how wealthy the school was; Of those learners who vaped, 47% did so within the first hour of waking, suggesting high nicotine addiction; • SA's current tobacco control policies do not effectively regulate vaping, allowing the industry to exploit legal loopholes; • Nicotine addiction among adolescents has been linked to cognitive impairment, increased anxiety and an increased risk of developing smoking-related diseases later in life; • Vape shops and online retailers often fail to verify age, making access easy for underage users. The SATFYF's 2023 Big Tobacco Tiny Target SA study revealed that tobacco products are purposefully sold, displayed and marketed to attract children. Big Tobacco, Tiny Targets is a global campaign that monitors the tobacco industry marketing that targets young people by observing the advertising of tobacco and nicotine products (TNPs) near primary and secondary schools. ALSO READ: Celebrate the annual Cuppa with Cansa The 2023 study observed 409 TNP points of sale within a 300m radius of primary and secondary schools in the cities of Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Pietermaritzburg, Pretoria and Stellenbosch. Almost half, or 45.2% of the points of sale, were spaza shops and small grocery stores. The findings revealed that most (92.2%) of the points of sale sold cigarettes, and 68.2% of them displayed these products at children's eye level. Cansa's proposed solutions • Stronger regulations: Cansa calls for fast-tracking the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill to ban child-friendly flavours, impose strict advertising controls and enforce age verification for all tobacco-related product purchases; • Education and awareness: Schools, parents and community leaders must launch comprehensive anti-vaping campaigns to teach youngsters about the hidden dangers of vaping, including its impact on brain development; • Social media accountability: Implement stricter regulations on paid influencer promotions to prevent deceptive marketing tactics. • Holding tobacco companies accountable: Cansa supports higher taxation on vaping products to curb affordability and discourage youth uptake; • Access to cessation support: Government and health organisations must provide accessible nicotine addiction treatment and counselling services for young people who want to quit. Cansa offers a free online smoking cessation programme that provides guidance, mentorship and practical tools to help smokers quit for good. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
26-05-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Cansa takes stand against youth vaping
The Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) called out the tobacco industry for deliberately marketing vaping products to teenagers and younger children to mark World No Tobacco Day on May 31. On May 30, the organisation will walk with SA youth to draw attention to this alarming trend. This year's World No Tobacco Day theme 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. ALSO READ: Give back on #GivingTuesday with Cansa's eShop Cansa, in collaboration with the South African Tobacco Free Youth Forum (SATFYF), will host youth-led walks in Cape Town, Durban, Bloemfontein and Johannesburg to bring attention to the big tobacco companies purposeful marketing of their products to youngsters. The walks will be from 09:00 to noon on the day, and young people are encouraged to participate. To do so, email mdlamini@ After the walking events, Cansa and the SATFYF will submit a memorandum of demands to parliament demonstrating support for the formulation of the Tobacco Control Bill. The organisations will urge the Portfolio Committee on Health to continue prioritising the nation's health and expedite the passage of the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill. ALSO READ: Cansa tackles prostate among men to mark Health Awareness Month They will also emphasise that delays will lead to increased recruitment of young people by the tobacco industry, resulting in higher rates of nicotine addiction and tobacco-related illnesses, including cancer. Lesego Mateme, the project co-ordinator at the SATFYF, said, 'In Johannesburg, we will walk to the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa to submit a memorandum to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco-related products. 'In particular, we want to highlight the harmful consequences of allowing the subliminal advertising and promotion of these products through broadcast channels. 'Such promotions often glamorise the use of vapes and hubbly bubblies, associating them with a luxurious lifestyle and success, which misleads the public, especially young people, about the risks involved.' Cansa warns young people and their parents, guardians and teachers that vaping is not a safe option. Minenhle Dlamini, Cansa's tobacco control programme co-ordinator and social worker, added, 'Despite 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.' ALSO READ: Cansa puts cervical cancer in the spotlight The problem in SA • A 2023 study found that 16.83% of the 25 149 SA high school learners (grades Eight to 12) from 52 schools surveyed used vaping products, while 36.71% reported having used vaping products. The odds of vaping increased by grade, but did not depend on how wealthy the school was; Of those learners who vaped, 47% did so within the first hour of waking, suggesting high nicotine addiction; • SA's current tobacco control policies do not effectively regulate vaping, allowing the industry to exploit legal loopholes; • Nicotine addiction among adolescents has been linked to cognitive impairment, increased anxiety and an increased risk of developing smoking-related diseases later in life; • Vape shops and online retailers often fail to verify age, making access easy for underage users. The SATFYF's 2023 Big Tobacco Tiny Target SA study revealed that tobacco products are purposefully sold, displayed and marketed to attract children. Big Tobacco, Tiny Targets is a global campaign that monitors the tobacco industry marketing that targets young people by observing the advertising of tobacco and nicotine products (TNPs) near primary and secondary schools. ALSO READ: Celebrate the annual Cuppa with Cansa The 2023 study observed 409 TNP points of sale within a 300m radius of primary and secondary schools in the cities of Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Pietermaritzburg, Pretoria and Stellenbosch. Almost half, or 45.2% of the points of sale, were spaza shops and small grocery stores. The findings revealed that most (92.2%) of the points of sale sold cigarettes, and 68.2% of them displayed these products at children's eye level. Cansa's proposed solutions • Stronger regulations: Cansa calls for fast-tracking the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill to ban child-friendly flavours, impose strict advertising controls and enforce age verification for all tobacco-related product purchases; • Education and awareness: Schools, parents and community leaders must launch comprehensive anti-vaping campaigns to teach youngsters about the hidden dangers of vaping, including its impact on brain development; • Social media accountability: Implement stricter regulations on paid influencer promotions to prevent deceptive marketing tactics. • Holding tobacco companies accountable: Cansa supports higher taxation on vaping products to curb affordability and discourage youth uptake; • Access to cessation support: Government and health organisations must provide accessible nicotine addiction treatment and counselling services for young people who want to quit. Cansa offers a free online smoking cessation programme that provides guidance, mentorship and practical tools to help smokers quit for good. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
