You can cut your risk for two of the top cancers most prevalent among SA men and women, by following our risk reduction tips.
Did You Know?
Colorectal cancer is the 2nd most prevalent cancer among men, and the 3rd most prevalent among women in SA.
In South Africa, the risk of melanoma seems to be increasing in people under 40, especially women. Melanoma is the 4th most prevalent cancer among men and the 5th most prevalent among women in SA.
National Cancer Registry (NCR) 2022
Look After Your Colon
CANSA aims to educate all communities about the warning signs of cancer and the importance of eating the right kind of food – meals that are rich in fruit and vegetables, red meat intake is minimal, and processed meat is cut out.
It is also important to engage in physical activity and to avoid obesity. Drinking alcohol and using tobacco products increases personal risk of cancer and should be avoided.
Look after your colon
Top Tips:
1. Be Alert to Change
Experiencing unfamiliar symptoms? Colorectal cancer is often misdiagnosed, and discomfort is usually experienced only when the cancer is at an advanced stage. Make sure you know what is ‘normal’ for your body and investigate the cause of changes. No-one knows your body like you do.
2. Screening Kit
If you are experiencing worrying symptoms, make use of this non-invasive screening tool. The faucal occult blood (FOB) home test kit, which detects hidden blood in the stool, is available at certain CANSA Care Centres – CANSA will provide a referral letter to your medical practitioner for further investigation, should the kit indicate blood in your stool. (Blood in the stool is not always visible to the naked eye).
3. Regular Cancer Screening
Be proactive about cancer screening especially if there is a family history of cancer. A colonoscopy is advised from the age of 50 (and repeated every 10yrs) for everyone, however, if abnormal symptoms are experienced or there is a family history of cancer, an earlier screening may be requested.
4. Make Smart Lifestyle Choices
Lead a balanced lifestyle
