CR3 News Magazine 2021 VOL 2: FEBRUARY - BLACK & WOMEN HISTORY MONTH

Siyabonga Dlamini from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, adds, “The overall goal of the MLCCP is to improve access to early diagnostic services for lung cancer by addressing the barriers of cancer care through working with communities and the Ministries of Health in the identified regions in four countries (South Africa, Kenya, Swaziland, and Tanzania), with a potential for scale-up. We’re excited to partner with CANSA in Phase Two of the programme. We need to positively influence attitudes towards lung cancer screening and improve lung cancer screening in risk groups.”

The main risk factor for lung cancer (internationally) is tobacco smoking. Lung cancer is more common among men. As more women have started smoking, the number of women developing lung cancer has been on the increase. However, while lung cancer is pervasive among smokers, it is not limited to them, as people who do not smoke can also develop lung cancer. Approximately 10–15% of people who get lung cancer have never smoked.

Other risk factors include the effects of past cancer treatment and exposure to asbestos, radon gas and – in very rare cases – substances such as uranium, chromium and nickel. Lung cancer is not infectious and can’t be passed on to other people.

Govender concludes, “Volunteers are being trained in February and will attend Palliative care training to be conducted by one of the Bristol-Meyers Squibb Foundation partners who is an ardent advocate of palliative care in South Africa. Certain sites in Durban and Pietermaritzburg have already been identified for the awareness and screening phase that will be rolled out in early March and will strictly adhere to the applicable COVID-19 and lockdown restrictions, as they may be revised from time-to-time.”

(For more information, please contact Lucy Balona, Head: Marketing and Communication at CANSA at email [email protected]. Call 011 616 7662 or mobile 082 459 5230.)

About CANSA

CANSA offers a unique integrated service to the public and to all people affected by cancer. CANSA is a leading role-player in cancer research and the scientific findings and knowledge gained from our research are used to realign our health programmes, as well as strengthen our watchdog role to the greater benefit of the public. Our health programmes comprise health and education campaigns; CANSA Care Centres that offer a wide range of care and support services to those affected by cancer; stoma and other clinical support; medical equipment hire, as well as a toll-free line to offer information and support. We offer a Tele Counselling service in seven languages free of charge. We also supply patient care and support in the form of 11 CANSA Care Homes in the main metropolitan areas for out-of-town cancer patients and CANSA-TLC lodging for parents and guardians of children undergoing cancer treatment.

Queries CANSA

Visit www.cansa.org.za or contact the nearest CANSA Care Centre, call CANSA toll-free 0800 22 66 22 or email: [email protected]. In addition to online resources and Facebook support groups, CANSA offers multi-lingual support on WhatsApp: 072 197 9305 for English and Afrikaans and 071 867 3530 for isiXhosa, isiZulu, siSwati, Sesotho and Setswana and free Tele Counselling per appointment on 0800 22 66 22 in English, Afrikaans, isiXhosa, isiZulu, siSwati, Sesotho and Setswana. Follow CANSA on Facebook:

CANSA The Cancer Association of South Africa, Twitter: @CANSA (http://www.twitter.com/CANSA), Instagram @cancerassociationofsouthafrica, LinkedIn and Pinterest.

Published: 15 Feb 2021 | Last Updated: 15 Feb 2021

Categories: Advocacy, CANSA Research, Media Releases & News

» CANSA Participates in Lung Cancer Research with the University of KwaZulu-Natal | CANSA – The Cancer Association of South Africa