CANSA places the focus on women reducing their cancer risk during August and October. However, we encourage women to make their health a priority all year round, by knowing what is normal for their bodies, and to be aware of the symptoms of cancer.
It’s important for women to be empowered with knowledge regarding lowering their cancer and health risk and recognising warning signs. We encourage annual medical check-ups and cancer screening for early detection, as symptoms don’t always present until cancer has spread. Women need to lead a balanced lifestyle, cutting out lifestyle factors that increase their cancer risk.
Women generally put others first. We want women to realise that they too have the right to prioritise their health. We know that we’re living in unprecedented times with COVID-19 taking centre stage in our lives, however the cancer risk does not go away due to the pandemic, and women still need to go for regular cancer screening as early detection saves lives, and get to know the early warning signs and symptoms of cancer so that they’re informed and can seek help if needed.
Contact your local CANSA Care Centre for health awareness materials and to arrange for screening for breast, cervical or skin cancer, or ask about scheduled screening campaigns by our Mobile Health Clinics, if you live in a remote area.
We provide a counselling service dedicated to providing advice to cancer Survivors. Speak to a counsellor at your local CANSA Care Centre or call our Help Desk on 0800 22 6622 to make an appointment for Tele Counselling, or email us at counselling@cansa.org.za. You can also join our Champions of Hope Facebook Group for cancer Survivors & chat to peers who are facing similar challenges.
Find general information regarding cancer, cancer types, treatment, support and risk reduction and information regarding female cancers prevalent in South Africa & other gynecologic cancers below.
Top Five Cancers Affecting SA Women:
Read more: https://cansa.org.za/womens-health/