Cancer - One in every Two People will be Affected by 2020!

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Globally, more people are affected by cancer than tuberculosis, malaria and HIV and AIDS combined, says CANSA’s Community Mobiliser, Ms Nadia Baderoon-Ball.

Speaking at a cancer awareness day hosted by UKZN in the run-up to the Cancer Association of South Africa’s (CANSA) Relay for Life in Reservoir Hills, Baderoon-Ball emphasised the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.  ‘Eat healthy, play healthy, use sunscreen and go for testing,’ she said.

Female students were given free breast examinations and completed lifestyle questionnaires to gauge their knowledge about cancer in an effort to ‘bring services back to the community.

‘One in four people are affected by cancer. By 2020, one in two people will be affected by the disease,’ said Baderoon-Ball.

She encouraged female students to have pap smears done annually from when they become sexually active.  ‘You have one body, take care of it,’ she said.

UKZN’s Mr Selvan ‘Tin Tin Pillay said the Relay for Life was held every year to educate the community and raise funds for research and support services.

Pillay encouraged University staff and students to get involved with the relay and be informed about cancer.

For more information about the disease, phone CANSA on 031-205 9525 or visit www.cansa.org.za

* The Relay for Life will be held on 24 October at Siripat Road Grounds in Reservoir Hills. Visit www.reshillsports.co.za for more information.

Raylene Captain-Hasthibeer