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Category:
Insurance
News /
Medical
Aid /
February 2008
More People Dying of Cancer Worldwide than of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis
and Malaria combined
HIV/AIDS has
become synonymous with cancer due to the increase in certain types
of cancers that HIV/AIDS patients are diagnosed with. The high
incident of rare cancers in the US in the early 1980's was the
catalyst in the identification of HIV/Aids. Cancer types such as the
Kaposi Sarcoma, at one time considered to be prevalent exclusively
in the ageing population, were attacking a far younger populace.
"We firmly
believe that HIV/AIDS is inextricably linked to cancer and
vice-versa, both are symptomatic of the lifestyles we lead and both
can be prevented somewhat by small changes in our everyday
behaviour", says Sue Janse van Rensburg, National Executive Director
of CANSA.
CANSA has been
champions of the cause for 76 years and in that time have been
instrumental in assisting, counselling and advising thousands of
people living with cancer.
On the 1st of
February 2008, Sappi handed over the keys of a R1 million property
to CANSA, the largest donation in kind ever received by CANSA
Mpumalanga.
"It is
difficult to express our gratitude in words, because Sappi's gift
transcends the boundaries of money. In the hearts and minds of those
affected by cancer, this house represents a haven of safety and is a
symbol of hope", says Janse van Rensburg.
With more
people dying of cancer than of HIV/Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria
combined worldwide, companies such as Sappi are essential to sustain
charities such as CANSA.
"At Sappi we
believe that with right intentions and energetic application, dreams
can come true. We regard our support as an investment in life. We
hope that Sappi's contribution will bring CANSA one step closer to
achieving their goal of a cancer-free South Africa", says Jan
Labuschagne, Chief Executive Officer, Sappi Forest Products.
"Cancer and
HIV/AIDS know no boundaries, there is no clear demarcation between
who will and who wont get it. What we can do as an organisation is
to inform all South Africans of the benefits of living a lifestyle
that is not a death sentence. Sun worshippers and smokers play
Russian Roulette with their lives and often do not consider the
consequences. It is those who are left behind with just photographs
and memories who suffer," adds Janse van Rensburg.
1 in 4 people
are affected by cancer at some point in their lives and great
strides have been made, both locally and internationally in finding
ways of reducing the amount of people dying on an annual basis
because of it. The Burden of Disease statistics of the Medical
Research Council for 2002 showed that more than 60 000 deaths were
due to cancer in 2002 in South Africa. Liver cancer statistics from
Taiwan are showing a 75% decrease in young Taiwanese who were
vaccinated against Hepatitis B virus since middle 80's. The same
outcome is expected in South Africa as children have been receiving
the same vaccine since the middle 90's in a programme that was
catalysed by CANSA. A vaccine for cervical cancer has been developed
internationally and CANSA is advocating for its availability in
South African in the near future.
"CANSA plays a
leading role in cancer research in South Africa. In conjunction with
research, CANSA also plays an advocacy role in order to translate
the research results into concrete strategies to fight cancer. To
bolster these activities, money and resources need to be invested.
We are seeing the positive results of these activities, but further
support and investment is essential", ends Janse van Rensburg.
Author:
Sue Janse van
Rensburg - National Executive Direct
Cancer
Association of South Africa (CANSA)
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