The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) is encouraging all women to invest in their health by learning how to detect women’s cancers early. CANSA launched its Lymphoedema programme as part of its women’s health campaign to celebrate International Gynaecological Health Day on Thursday, 10 September.
“We would like to raise awareness of this challenging complication of cancer treatment, commonly found in women’s cancers, causing swelling mostly of the arm and legs from damaged lymph nodes. Our aim is to provide clinics countrywide to address the acute shortage of lymphoedema services,” said Sue Janse van Rensburg, CANSA’s CEO.

Key leaders from across South Africa attended the event, including First Lady of South Africa, Mrs Tobeka Madiba-Zuma, who recommitted government to the improvement of women’s health and the reduction of maternal mortality as well as Queen Mother Semane Molotlegi of Royal Bafokeng.

Commending CANSA for the role it played in the prevention and treatment of women’s cancers, Mrs Madiba-Zuma urged organisations to assist government in the fight against cancers of all types to ensure a healthier nation, citing that government alone cannot be expected to defeat the disease. “Government, NGOs and civil society groups should work in partnership in order to advocate for improved access to cervical screening services and affordable HPV vaccines,” she said.

The event included the unveiling of a commemorative tea table book ‘Sister Warriors’. “This publication is a testament to cancer survivors, caregivers and unsung heroines in our community who have taken up the fight against cancer,” Sue Janse van Rensburg added.

Sales from the book will go towards CANSA’s Lymphoedema programme that aims to help provide information about the signs and symptoms as well as the prevention and treatment of lymphoedema.

CANSA offers the following tips to all women on how to detect women’s cancers early:

• Cervical cancer - go for a Pap smear every two to three years if you are sexually active. Latest statistics indicate that 1 in 35 women are diagnosed with this cancer in South Africa.
• Breast cancer - do breast self examination (BSE) every 7 to 10 days after your period. Repeat monthly within same time interval. Have a mammogram yearly after age 40. Latest statistics indicate that 1 in 29 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in South Africa
• Ovarian cancer - often referred to as the “silent killer” as there are few symptoms until the final stage of the disease. Be aware of the risk factors - hormone replacement therapy after menopause, obesity, strong family history of cancer. Have regular medical check-ups. Latest statistics indicate that 1 in 297 women are diagnosed with this cancer in South Africa

Reduce your overall risk for cancer by: exercising regularly, eat wholegrain foods, vegetables and fruit, avoid being overweight, breastfeed your baby, avoid tobacco smoke and alcohol.

For more information on female cancers visit www.cansa.org.za or contact CANSA toll-free 0800 22 66 22, or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For more information or copies of fact sheets, please contact Lucy Balona, Head: Marketing and Communication at CANSA or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or
call 011 616 7662 or cell: 082 459 5230