World Cancer Day is highlighted internationally on the 4 February annually. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a multi-faceted approach is needed to reduce the risk of cancer, which includes nutrition, physical activity and body composition. Therefore a balanced lifestyle plays a significant role in reducing the risk of cancer.
The Western Cape Department of Health not only advocates by creating awareness and programmes for healthy lifestyles to prevent or reduce the risk of cancer, but also offers extensive support for cancer patients, from early detection to diagnosis.
Treatment can include medication, radiotherapy or surgery. Radiations are done at the cancer treatment centres at the province's central hospitals - Groote Schuur and Tygerberg and George etc. Once a patient is diagnosed with cancer, whether at a day hospital or clinic, they are urgently referred to these specialist centres for cancer treatment.
Some cancer examinations and surgeries are done at secondary hospitals like Karl Bremer, Eben Donges or Paarl hospital, to fast track patient management. At Groote Schuur Hospital and Tygerberg Hospital each cancer case is discussed by a cancer care team including surgeons, clinical oncologists, pathologists and radiologists to make an expert combined decision regarding the management of every individual case. All treatment decisions are based on evidence from international cancer trials and treatment guidelines are followed, on par with standard of care worldwide.
Comprehensive care is offered to all patients. Patients are treated as in- or outpatients, depending on their general health and well-being and where they live.
CANSA, the Cancer Association of South Africa, gives five key behaviour characteristics of a balanced lifestyle, which each of us can practice/live at home to promote health & reduce the risk of getting cancer:
1: Eat Smart
2: Be Physically Active and Maintain a Healthy Weight
In South Africa there is an alarming increase in the amount of overweight and obese individuals, with more than 29% of men and 56% of women classified as being overweight or obese. Classified as a chronic disease obesity is associated with an increased risk for cancers.
Obesity in women is related with cancers of the reproductive system while in men, obesity is linked to cancer of the rectum, colon and prostate.
Research also shows that obesity is linked to cancer of the colon, kidney as well as other non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke and hypertension.
3. Avoid Carcinogens (cancer- causing agents)
4. Be Pro-active and Take Control to Reduce Cancer Risk
5. Keep Food Safe
Unsafe food can lead to a range of health problems: diarrhoea, viral disease, reproductive and developmental problems and cancers. So food safety is essential for food security.
Important Message:
When a cancer is detected at an early stage, there is a much better chance of successful treatment. Cancer in children can be cured in more than 70% of cases if it is diagnosed in time. Depending on the type of cancer and stage of detection, the cure rate in adults is 40% at present. It is for this reason that Western Cape Department of Health offers free screening tests at local clinics. This includes cervical smears, breast examinations, and mammograms. Some of the symptoms to look out for are weight loss for no reason, lumps and changes in the digestive system. Some of the most common cancers are preventable by changing your life style. That is why the Western Cape Department of Health aims to create a healthier society through the promotion of a healthy lifestyle. This includes regular exercise and healthy eating habits, to stop smoking and limit alcohol use.