CANSA Mobile Health Clinic Schedule October…

Afrikaanse Persvrystelling…

25 September 2014: CANSA highlights the importance of screening and early detection for breast cancer as part of its Women’s Health Campaign this October. Apart from non-melanoma skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women of all races, with a lifetime risk of 1 in 35 in South Africa, according to the 2007 National Cancer Registry.

“We encourage all women to conduct regular self-examinations once a month. Know how your breasts look and feel – discuss any changes you observe with your health practitioner. It’s also very important to go for a mammogram every year from the age of 40,” states Elize Joubert, CANSA’s Acting CEO. Read more…. 

CANSA offers Clinical Breast Examinations (CBE) – a visual and manual examination of the entire breast — at CANSA Care Centres countrywide.

Joubert adds. “Women need to be aware of the screening opportunities available. We have nine Mobile Health Clinics travelling to remote areas throughout South Africa, in October, to reach people who would otherwise not have access to screening. They offer Clinical Breast Examinations, Pap smear screening tests for cervical cancer, as well as other health tests such as cholesterol, blood pressure as well as Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) tests for men to detect prostate abnormalities. See when a Mobile Health Clinic will be in your area during October or contact your local CANSA Care Centre,” concludes Joubert.

Mammogram Partnership with South African Radiological Society

Mammograms are used as a screening tool to detect early breast cancer in women experiencing no symptoms. It also plays a central part in early detection of breast cancers, because it can show changes in the breast up to two years before a patient or physician can feel them.

CANSA and the Radiological Society of South Africa (RSSA), through the office of Dr Richard Tuft, Executive Director, are offering a special mammography reduced fee at all RSSA affiliated mammography clinics throughout the country, during October.  Read more…  Women can also visit public hospital breast clinics for a mammogram at a reduced fee – read more…

Phakamisa – Helping to Fight Breast Cancer

CANSA is one of the founding partners of a volunteer project, Phakamisa, which means to ‘uplift’ in isiZulu and ‘elevate’ in isiXhosa. Started three years ago, Phakamisa empowers female volunteers with knowledge of breast cancer and associated health matters to enable them to guide, aid and support breast cancer patients towards facilities for treatment. They also assist in establishing an effective referral system and follow-up management of breast cancer patients. During the last year, CANSA trained 369 Phakamisa volunteers who reached over 12 900 people about reducing their breast cancer risk.

An Inspirational Story

Breast cancer survivor, Lindelwa Faith Songca (69) from Mdantsane in East London was recruited as a Phakamisa volunteer. Her training and experience as a CANSA volunteer inspired her to start her own support group to help other cancer survivors.

“I was 66 years old when diagnosed. It was my dream to start a support group and it was so exciting when I launched the ‘Faith Phakamisa Support Group’ in December 2011. Since starting the group I have been able to assist ladies from as far away as the Transkei,” she explains.

“My advice to all women is to do breast self-examinations at least once per month and to go to the clinic regularly for check-ups. To those diagnosed with cancer – it’s not a death sentence. There is life after diagnosis – I am a survivor of four years and I am living proof of this! To those beginning their cancer journey, I say, be positive and strong. Accept the change in your lifestyle and eat healthier. Don’t allow denial to prevent you from dealing with cancer and receiving treatment. And it’s important to join support groups and to share your challenges you are facing and to be encouraged by others.” she concluded.

Find out more about Phakamisa and how it can help you… 

About CANSA

Read more…

Queries CANSA

Click here for contact details…

Sien skedule vir Mobiele Gesondheidsklinieke in Oktober…

English Press Release…

29 September 2014: KANSA beklemtoon die belangrikheid van sifting en die vroeë opsporing van borskanker as deel van hul Vrouegesondheidsveldtog hierdie Oktober. Afgesien van nie-melanoom velkanker, is borskanker die mees algemene kanker in vroue van alle rasse, met ‘n leeftyd risiko van 1 in 35 in Suid-Afrika volgens die 2007 Nasionale Kankerregister.

“Ons moedig alle vroue aan om gereelde maandelikse bors-selfondersoeke te doen. Weet hoe jou borste lyk en voel – enige veranderinge wat jy waarneem moet met jou gesondheidspraktisyn bespreek word. Dit is ook baie belangrik om elke jaar vanaf die ouderdom van 40 vir ‘n mammogram te gaan,” sê Elize Joubert, KANSA se Waarnemende Hoof Uitvoerende Beampte. Lees meer…

KANSA bied Kliniese Borsondersoeke (KBO) – ‘n visuele en met-die-hand ondersoek van die hele bors – by KANSA Sorgsentra landswyd.

“Vroue moet bewus wees van die siftingsgeleenthede wat beskikbaar is. Ons het nege Mobiele Gesondheidsklinieke wat in Oktober na afgeleë gebiede in Suid-Afrika reis om mense wat andersins nie toegang tot siftingstoetse het nie, te bereik. Hulle bied kliniese borsondersoeke, Papsmeer toetse vir servikale kanker, sowel as ander gesondheidstoetse soos cholesterol, bloeddruk asook Prostaat Spesifieke Antigeen (PSA) toetse vir mans om prostaat abnormaliteite op te spoor. Sien wanneer ‘n Mobiele Gesondheidsklinieke in jou area sal wees of besoek jou plaaslike KANSA Sorgsentrum,” sluit Joubert af.

Doen mammogram teen verminderde fooi in Oktober…

Mammogram Vennootskap met die Suid-Afrikaanse Radiologiese Vereniging

Mammogramme word gebruik as ‘n hulpmiddel om vroeë borskanker op te spoor in vroue wat geen simptome ervaar nie. Dit speel ook ‘n sentrale rol in die vroeë opsporing van borskanker omdat dit die veranderinge in die bors uitwys, tot twee jaar voordat ‘n pasiënt of dokter dit kan voel.

KANSA en die Radiologiese Vereniging van Suid-Afrika (RVSA), deur die kantoor van dr Richard Tuft, uitvoerende direkteur van die RSSA, bied ‘n spesiale mammografie verminderde fooi op alle RVSA geaffilieerde mammografie klinieke dwarsoor die land gedurende Oktober. Vroue kan ook openbare hospitaal borsklinieke besoek vir ‘n mammogram teen ‘n verlaagde fooi…

Phakamisa – Help om Borskanker te Veg

KANSA is een van die stigterslede van ‘n werklik unieke vrywilliger projek genaamd Phakamisa, wat om ‘op te hef’ in isiZulu en ‘verhoog’ in isiXhosa beteken. Phakamisa het drie jaar gelede begin en bemagtig vroulike vrywilligers met kennis van borskanker en verwante gesondheidskwessies en om hulle in staat te stel om borskankerpasiënte na fasiliteite vir behandeling te lei, help en te ondersteun. Hulle help ook in die vestiging van ‘n doeltreffende verwysingstelsel en opvolgbestuur van borskankerpasiënte. Gedurende die afgelope jaar het KANSA 369 Phakamisa vrywilligers opgelei wat 12 937 mense bereik oor die verlaging van die borskankerrisiko.

‘n Inspirerende Storie

Borskankeroorwinnaar, Lindelwa Faith Songca (69) van Mdantsane in Oos-Londen is gewerf as ‘n Phakamisa vrywilliger. Haar opleiding en ondervinding as ‘n KANSA vrywilliger het haar geïnspireer om haar eie ondersteuningsgroep te begin om ander kankeroorwinnaars te help.

“Ek was 66 jaar oud toe ek gediagnoseer was. Dit was my droom om ‘n ondersteuningsgroep te begin en dit was so opwindend toe ek die ‘Faith Phakamisa Ondersteuningsgroep’ in Desember 2011 gestig het. Sedert die begin van die groep, het dit my in staat gestel om dames te help van so ver as die Transkei,” verduidelik sy.

“My raad aan alle vroue is om bors-selfondersoeke ten minste een keer per maand te doen en om gereeld na die kliniek te gaan vir ondersoeke. Vir diegene wat met kanker gediagnoseer is – dit is nie ‘n doodsvonnis nie. Daar is lewe na die diagnose – ek is ‘n oorwinnaar van vier jaar en ek is ‘n lewende bewys daarvan! Aan diegene wat hul kankerreis begin sê ek: wees positief en sterk. Aanvaar die verandering in jou leefstyl en eet gesond. Moenie toelaat dat ontkenning jou verhoed tot die hantering van kanker en ontvang van behandeling. Dit is belangrik om by ondersteuningsgroepe aan te sluit en om die uitdagings wat jou in die gesig staar te deel en aanmoediging kry van ander,” het sy afgesluit.

Vind meer uit oor Phakamisa en hoe dit kan help…

Omtrent KANSA

Lees meer…

Navrae KANSA

Klik hier vir kontakbesonderhede…

English version…

Klik hier vir pdf…

Afrikaanse weergawe…

Click here for pdf….

SA comedian Joey Rasdien with George Synodinos who opened President Hyper in Fochville 50 years ago. With them are Krugersdorp branch owner Basil Synodinos, his wife Harriet and the CANSA representatives Corrie Botes and Olivia Curlewis. Photo: JC Crafford Photography.

During the gala evening of President Hyper’s fifth golf day, it was announced that the owners of the hypermarket had decided to establish a charity foundation – President Hyper (PH) Foundation.  The event was also in celebration of the Fochville store’s 50th birthday.

At these events funds usually are handed over to numerous charities within the Krugersdorp and Fochville area, but this year was different. Only one charity benefited from the golf day.

The President Hyper foundation have decided to purchase ground in Fochville and build a facility for CANSA to the value of R1 million.

The CANSA Fochville Care Centre is housed within the PH centre, but the owners decided to rebuild the entire PH centre next year, meaning that the CANSA Care Centre also will be rebuilt.

PH owner Basil Synodinos also announced that they are donating the piece of land to CANSA, which is worth about R300 000.  The building will not belong to CANSA but we will have the use of it as long as CANSA has a Care Centre in Fochville. The Foundation will supply all furniture,  telephone, wireless and internet systems as well as sponsor the maintenance of the building and garden, security and the cleaning of the offices.

After the formalities of the evening were concluded, well-known SA comedian Joey Rasdien (who also took part in the golf day) exchanged his golf club for the microphone and kept everyone in stitches with his sharp wit.

Morné Swanepoel, a Kimberley-Clark employee who played golf earlier in the day walked away with a spot prize; an iPad 3, which rounded off the celebrations on a very high note.

CANSA wishes to extend our heartfelt gratitude to President Hyper for this generous donation to CANSA and the community of Fochville.  (Read how donations help CANSA fight cancer…)

Original article: http://krugersdorpnews.co.za/243919/hypermarket-celebrate-by-establishing-foundation/.  View article as it appeared in print.

Wear CANSA’s Women’s Health Badge to raise awareness re Breast & Cervical Cancer…

Help CANSA raise awareness re cancers that affect women in SA, especially Breast and Cervical Cancer.

Contact or visit your local CANSA Care Centre to order or purchase our Women’s Health Badges which cost R5-00 and wear them proudly to spread the message that early detection & screening play a vital role in fighting cancer.

Women’s Health Badge:

• Pink represents Breast Cancer
• Teal represents Cervical Cancer
• Actual size 44 mm

If You have Recently been Diagnosed with Cancer:

Find info & online resources to help you fight cancer… and read more about CANSA’s Holistic Care & Support which is offered at our CANSA Care Centres countrywide.

Spree’s ‘Pop of Pink’ product range – for each product / garment sold, CANSA will receive R10-00 from the 1st to 13th October 2014…

• View & purchase ‘Pop of Pink Pop-Up Shop’ items / garments here…. – see some of these in gallery above…

Queries Spree

Contact Lauren van Niekerk – email: Lauren@spree.co.za 

Or:

• Visit website
• Facebook / Twitter

Join Miss SA, Rolene Strauss, this October – pink hair shows you care…

Internationally-renowned Great Lengths hair extensions, will donate a minimum of R42-00 from the sales of their pink hair extensions which cost R100, for the month of October, to CANSA. Read more…

Miss SA, Rolene Strauss, is showing her support for breast cancer awareness with pink hair extensions – and you can too!

Show your support for breast cancer awareness in October by wearing Great Lengths’ 100% natural human hair pink extensions.

Where Can I Purchase Pink Hair Extensions:

Visit one of over 250 Great Lengths partner salons countrywide to get your pink extensions, priced at R100,00 each, put in. It takes less than five minutes, can stay in your hair for up to two months and is easily removed.

Join campaign ambassadors:

Cindy Nell Roberts, Zizo Beda, Melinda Bam and Angela Killian – pink hair shows you care!

Queries Great Lengths:

For more information visit www.greatlengths.co.za

Click here to see product info on ghd website…

R100 will donated to CANSA with every ghd V Coral Styler sold, to raise awareness re Breast Cancer – this is the latest styler from the ‘bird of paradise’ collection.

About the ghd V Coral Styler Gift Set

With vibrant hues and graduated colours of tropical corals toned with plumage pink transforms the ghd V gold classic styler into our stunning new limited edition styler, as part of the ghd bird of paradise collection.

Inspired by the hottest tropical catwalk trends, the ghd V coral styler is the ultimate styler for fashion fabulous hair this season! The ghd bird of paradise collection features the award-winning ghd V gold classic styler in three exotic shades; Coral, Sunset and Lagoon, each with contrasting black plates featuring advanced ceramic heat technology for enhanced shine and versatile styling.

With a rounded barrel designed create curls, waves, flicks and the perfect straight with ease.

Each styler is packed with handy features such as a professional-length cord to allow for flexible styling, automatic sleep mode after 30 minutes without use and universal voltage, so you can use your styler anywhere in the world.

Plus, each bird of paradise styler comes complete with a coordinated heat resistant mat and gift box, too.

About ghd

Established in 2001, ghd is committed to developing the most effective and innovative products for the hair care industry. ghd products are not tested on animals.

More than a R100 million rand has already been raised in aid of breast cancer charities worldwide through the sales of ghd’s coveted pink stylers. ghd’s range of brushes, products and ghd air and ceramic styling irons are available only through professional ghd-approved salons nationwide.

ghd’s Partnership with CANSA

ghd’s 2013 Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign supported CANSA.

CANSA salutes ghd for their continued support of CANSA in the fight against cancer!  At a ceremony on 18 February 2014, ghd handed over a cheque of R147 200.  Thank you for the generous donation and to all clients who purchased a pink ghd styler – together we can fight cancer!

ghd handing over their generous donation cheque to CANSA on 18 February 2014

Queries ghd

Landi le Roux
Tel: 011-463 8601
Email: landi@ghd.co.za

Visit ghd’s website, follow them on Twitter or like their Facebook Page.

About CANSA

Read more…

Queries CANSA

See contact details here…

16 September 2014 – ‘Pink Trees for Pauline 2014′ started off with a substantial sponsorship from the Protea Hospitality Group. It is always moving to experience such generosity from the business sector.

Currently 96 towns have already committed to take part in the project and it is encouraging to see that more and more schools are getting involved! One just knows that our future is bright when children unselfishly care about others.

Businesses, organisations and members of the public alike are rapidly making hay of the almost 70km material available for the project this year. The excitement of participating towns is contagious and towns are even challenging each other to see whose initiative raises the most funds.

And then we are reminded of why we are doing this – a woman loses her beloved sister and orders 75m fabric to wrap trees in St Helena Bay to honour the brave battle that was fought by her sibling. John Allderman from Addo lifted our spirits earlier this year by riding his motorcycle in a pink tutu just to make his beloved Cheryl smile. She sadly lost her battle with cancer in August.

Terri Guillemets said “The birds of hope are everywhere, listen to them sing.” When you hear of Dr Janita Botha of Somerset East and her courageous plans to do the 2000 km Kalahari Bash in October 2014 on her Honda motorcycle, to raise awareness for ‘Pink Trees for Pauline’ and the fight against cancer, you know that you’ve just heard that bird sing…

About ‘Pink Trees for Pauline':

James E Faust said “A grateful heart is the beginning of greatness. It is an expression of humility. It is a foundation for the development of such virtues as prayer, faith, courage, contentment, happiness, love and well-being.”

Each person who was involved in the ‘Pink Trees for Pauline’ initiative during 2013, will testify to an overwhelming feeling of gratefulness – to be instrumental in helping cancer communities throughout South Africa and Namibia – is a deeply humbling experience.

The success of ‘Pink Trees for Pauline 2013′ was not only measured in the nearly 70km fabric that was wrapped around trees throughout the country or the fact that 55 towns participated in the initiative. The success of the project was evident from various registered cancer organisations working together for the benefit of their local cancer communities and their families who are all affected by cancer.

Registered cancer communities that benefitted were amongst others CANSA, Cancervive, Hospice, Reach for Recovery & Graaff-Reinet Cancer Association and Districts. And the project did not end with the taking down of material! Fabric was donated to charitable organisations and some towns even generated extra funds by creating products such as handbags, hats and place mats to sell.

Support ‘Pink Trees for Pauline’ 2014:

Pink Trees for Pauline’s purpose is to create awareness, unite communities and raise funds to ensure access to cancer treatment for all people afflicted with ALL types of cancer.

2014 is your chance to be a part of something great – help us to effect greatness!

Queries:

For more information visit www.pinktrees.co.za and for daily updates visit the Pink Trees for Pauline Facebook Page. To speak to Adri van Niewenhuizen you can contact her on 082 460 6386 or email: adri@pinktrees.co.za

Honey Special for Breast Cancer Month in aid of CANSA…

Queries Honey

Click here for contact details…

Buy your pink ‘I Love Life’ bag & bracelet at Woolworths and support CANSA’s Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign this October – info re warning signs of Breast Cancer included…

• The ‘I Love Life’ bag costs R55 and R10 will be donated to CANSA
• The bracelet costs R35-00 and R8-50 will be donated to CANSA

Grab your limited edition bag & bracelet in support of our Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign, at your local Woolworths, while stocks last!

The Bestmed Satellite Classic (both road race distances of 106km and 80km) is a premier seeding event for the Cape Town Cycle Tour and the only seeding event which offers two seeding options.

R10 of every race entry goes towards the Cancer Association of South Africa.

To get your entry in, click here.  Entries for the road race close at 23h59 on 7 October 2014. Entries for the mountain-bike race close at 23h59 on Sunday 12 October.

For more information visit www.cycleevents.co.za. For event enquiries contact ASG Events on 076 621 1807 or email eventsupport@asgworld.co.za

Race Venue

The venue for the race is at Saloon Route 66 on the Hartbeeshoek Road.  The organisers have further invested in the infrastructure at Route 66 this year with the start/finish chute now tarred all the way from the main road to almost to the doorstep of the Saloon building.  The entrance to the start/finish chute from the main road has been broadened significantly and the tarred stretch is now 600 metres in length.  This means there will be sufficient room and easy access to starting blocks on the morning as well as a smooth run-in to the finish later in the day on both days.

There is only one right turn on the 80km circuit and two on the 106km, which makes the race one of the safest in the country.

Route 66 is situated on the race route past the Satellite Station on the left (coming from the Krugersdorp/Maropeng side.) GPS co-ordinates for the venue are: GPS (Lat: -25º 49′ 35″; Lng: 27º 48′ 44″)

There is more than ample secure parking inside Route 66 with security personnel on duty to look after safety and security, with a large restaurant and various vendors serving eats and drinks throughout the day.

Official distances of the road classic:

• 106km (Official seeding event for the Cape Argus Pick & Pay Cycle Tour 2015)
• 80km (Official seeding event for the Cape Argus Pick & Pay Cycle Tour 2015)

Routes:

Both the 106km and 80km routes remain the same as last year (see route maps on the on-line entry page)

Official distances of the mountain-bike classic:

40km and 20km

Routes:

The 20km event has a few mild technical challenges, but remains a manageable family ride.

The 40km event is a true mountain-bikers test with strong uphill challenges and great downhill rewards.

Although it’s a toughie, the route is filled with varied challenges and designed to be ride-able and flowing throughout.

Official starting times:

Road Classic: 18 October 2014 at 06:00

Mountain-bike classic: 19 October 2014 at 8:00

Entry information

Road Classic: 106km: R270 80km: R250

Mountain-bike Classic: 40km: R170 20km: R130

Entries for the road race close at 23h59 on 7 October 2013. Entries for the mountain-bike race close at 23h59 on Sunday 12 October.

Both events are timed by RaceTec.

Event sponsors:

Bestmed – Headline sponsor

Action Ford – vehicle sponsor

Scicon – official bike bag

Rudy Project – official eyewear

High 5 – Energy Drink and Supplements

DRSA – Connectivity Saloon Route 66 – Venue

Entry forms for manual entries are available from the ASG Events office, email eventsupport@asgworld.co.za

Pre-entry registration

Registration will take place at the following venues:

• Cyclelab Fourways – 16 October from 09:00 – 17:00
• Solomons Cycles, Gift Acres Centre, Pretoria East – 17 October from 09:00 – 17:00
• No registration on the morning before the start of the events

For any further enquiries please contact ASG Events on 076 621 1807 or email eventsupport@asgworld.co.za

Petra and son Gerhard

At the end of 1999 my husband was involved in a car accident. During February 2000 he had to have an operation to alleviate excessive back pain and it was discovered that he had Multiple Myeloma.

After many chemotherapy treatments, radiation, a bone marrow transplant and blood transfusions, he passed away in May 2011.

I will never forget how CANSA staff supported me on the night my husband passed away.

My Diagnosis

After experiencing cancer as a Caregiver and Volunteer for eleven years, I always thought that if I should get cancer I wouldn’t choose to have treatment. I thought that I would rather throw myself in front of a truck – famous last words!

Shortly before my husband passed away, I remember becoming aware of a lump in my breast. Although he urged me to have it seen to and although I always told others to do regular self-examinations & immediately bring any irregularities to their doctor’s attention, I just hoped it would go away by itself.

I decided to wait for my annual gyne appointment in August. I convinced myself that my gyne would not detect anything serious. Ironically, my gyne told me he was not concerned and that a mammogram was not urgent.

The lump, however, started growing and could even be felt through my clothes. In October 2011 I went for a mammogram which led to a biopsy and was told that I needed surgery immediately. Surgery was scheduled for November 2011, just before my 60th birthday.

I had always wanted an adventurous 60th, but never thought an operation was on the cards! On the 21st November, my birthday, I still had the drain in and chemotherapy started in December. I thought I was not going to see 2012.

Treatment

I decided to have my left breast removed and being optimistic that the cancer had not spread too far, I was not that worried about the upcoming surgery. Losing one breast was not so bad – I had three beautiful children, no husband and the milk jugs had done their job!

Unfortunately it was then discovered that the cancer had spread to the glands and I received the full Monty – chemotherapy, radiation, Herceptin, Stradexa – I lost my hair and my face was so swollen I reminded myself of a frog. But life is precious, especially when you have children to consider, so I continued to fight for my survival.

I remember being taken to theatre by the porter and asking his name. He told me it was Gabriel and then I knew God was reassuring me that He would always be with me and that I needn’t be afraid. That was my anchor and still is, but didn’t make the experience less trying.

It was just six months after my husband passed away and caused a lot of stress for my children. My daughter wrote her finals whilst I was in hospital and fortunately still passed Cum Laude.

Be Aware &  Fight Back!

At present I am doing well. I still need go for six monthly check-ups and am taking Stradexa tablets for a five year period, but I am a proud South African and am motivated to spread a message of HOPE to all who wish to listen… – it is so important for cancer Survivors to share their journey with each other and to remind each other that there is always hope, because cancer affects one psychologically, as well as physically.

It is true that you have your ups and downs, but in the end with God on your side, the medical profession’s expertise, support from family & friends and a positive outlook, no matter how difficult your situation, you can and MUST fight this disease. Don’t let it get the better of you FIGHT BACK!

Life is wonderful – live every day to the full – God has given us life – appreciate it and remember to show thanks to those who care for you and be available to those who need you to share your journey with them.

Always remember YOU know your body best. It has been with you since you were conceived! If something does not feel right or has changed, investigate it. Visit your doctor and if necessary go for a second and even a third opinion.

Petra & CANSA

Petra was introduced to CANSA by a very good friend of hers, Sanet, a CANSA employee, 23 years ago. Today, Petra Nortje is a leader CANSA Volunteer, assists with marketing, event planning, patient support and fundraising.

Queries CANSA

If you have recently been diagnosed with Breast Cancer, please contact your local CANSA Care Centre for support & find online resources here…

Lindelwa Faith Songca shares her story with others to raise awareness re breast cancer

Lindelwa shares, “I was 66 years old when diagnosed. It was my dream to start a support group and it was so exciting when I launched the ‘Faith Phakamisa Support Group’ in December 2011. Since starting the group I have been able to assist ladies from as far away as the Transkei,” she explains.

“My advice to all women is to do breast self-examinations at least once per month and to go to the clinic regularly for check-ups…

To those diagnosed with cancer – it’s not a death sentence. There is life after diagnosis – I am a Survivor of four years and I am living proof of this!…

To those beginning their cancer journey, I say, be positive and strong….

Accept the change in your lifestyle and eat healthier. Don’t allow denial to prevent you from dealing with cancer and receiving treatment. And it’s important to join support groups to share the challenges you are facing and to be encouraged by others.”

About Lindelwa

Breast cancer Survivor, Lindelwa Faith Songca (69), from Mdantsane in East London, was recruited as a Phakamisa Volunteer. Her training and experience as a CANSA Volunteer inspired her to start her own support group to help other cancer Survivors.

Lindelwa used to work at the Department of Education where she had been taught how to do a breast self-examination.

After her diagnosis, it came to light that several members of her family had also had cancer, but that no-one had spoken about it.

According to Lindelwa, a myth re cancer in African Culture is that a person with cancer is bewitched and that this is why people often are afraid to share a cancer diagnosis. However, this is not true and she has seen many people with cancer go to sangomas for treatment and not get better.

Lindelwa feels that it is important that people face up to their symptoms as soon as possible: “People need to overcome the fear they have of going to a clinic. If you notice something unusual, seek help before the cancer gets worse.”

Phakamisa – Helping to Fight Breast Cancer

CANSA is one of the founding partners of a volunteer project, Phakamisa, which means to ‘uplift’ in isiZulu and ‘elevate’ in isiXhosa.

Started three years ago, Phakamisa empowers female volunteers with knowledge of Breast Cancer and associated health matters to enable them to guide, aid and support Breast Cancer patients towards facilities for treatment.

They also assist in establishing an effective referral system and follow-up management of Breast Cancer patients.

During the last year, CANSA trained 369 Phakamisa Volunteers, who reached over 12 900 people about reducing their Breast Cancer risk.

Find out more about Phakamisa…

Queries CANSA

If you have recently been diagnosed with Breast Cancer, please contact your local CANSA Care Centre for support & find online resources here…

English Infographic…

Navrae KANSA

Klik hier vir nog inligting rondom Borskanker en hoe om jou kankerrisiko te verminder…

Many disabled women are also diagnosed with cancer.

There is a big risk of late diagnosis of Breast Cancer among disabled women, as this group of women is not always targeted during information sharing campaigns, as the focus remains on their particular disability.

However, they are just as susceptible to cancer as any other woman and need to be aware of how to reduce their cancer risk.

CANSA supports WAND’s efforts to bring attention to this matter and seeks to reach disabled women through our awareness campaigns.

Breast Cancer & Women with Disabilities

Read more re myths & facts…

About WAND

The Women’s Achievement Network for Disability (WAND), is an initiative by women with disabilities for women with disabilities.

The main aim of WAND is to raise the profile and awareness of disabled women and girls in South Africa, so that their human rights may be advanced and promoted.

Queries CANSA

Click here for more info re female cancers and reducing cancer risk…

Get your Strands of Love Seamless Tape Extensions for your hair today – CANSA will receive 50 % of the proceeds…

Cost per tape is R75-00, plus courier cost which varies depending on your location in SA – on average this is R75-00. If a group order is placed then the courier fee can be divided between the people ordering.

Ocean teal is a custom designed colour specially designed for CANSA, as the Ocean Teal and Pastel Pink represent the CANSA Women’s Health Logo colours, which stand for breast cancer awareness (pink) and cervical cancer awareness (teal).

Two different colour tapes can be placed on top of each other for a two-colour mix, which looks gorgeous. For example, 2 pinks can be mixed, or purple and pink or the ocean teal & pastel pink.

Queries Strands of Love

Julien Snyders
Email: info@strandsoflove.co.za

To be diagnosed with cancer was certainly no “walk in the park”, but I kept on motivating myself with the following:

• I am not the first or the only person who was ever diagnosed with cancer…
• I knew of many women who had travelled the cancer road WITH a smile…
• And… I had overcome my acquired disability and “walked” out as a much stronger woman, with a clear focus for the future…

Yes, the diagnosis, the abrupt operation (with absolute no foresight regarding what was to follow), the treatments, the loss of energy and the grief, was a huge challenge.

But my BIGGEST challenge was none of the above. It was peoples’ misperceptions, words and actions regarding my disability that proved to be the most devastating, in the first 18 months after my Breast Cancer diagnosis.

Fighting Misperception: Cancer Diagnosis Not as Devastating as My Disability

At first NOT ONE PERSON (except the surgeon) discussed the cancer or the impact on my life! Nobody mentioned my grief. It was as if the cancer did not exist. Everybody was emotional about the fact that I had acquired a disability “and now this!”

Everybody had something to say regarding why a person with a disability, may not have cancer. It was often mentioned and in the process it felt as if my cancer became a secondary issue to my disability.

I was grieving because of the cancer and absolutely fine with my disability!

Fighting Misperception: My Disability More Devastating than Losing a Breast

On the other side of the coin: Some people could not understand that I grieved for the loss of a breast. Their perception was one of “but you overcame your disability, this must be a breeze….” I was often asked how I can “complain” about the loss of a body part (that has a HUGE impact on your sense of being a women and your sensuality), if I can’t walk.

My experience was that my disability was constantly used as a measurement of my permissable grief!

Fighting Misperception: Women with Disabilities Asexual

Another impact on my life and especially my emotional wellbeing at the time, was that other women (able) could not understand that I saw my breasts as an expression of my womanhood and my sensuality. I was asked why I wanted breasts “if you couldn’t have sex”. Even if I disclosed that I was a married woman, the perception that women with disabilities are asexual weighed more.

This misconception really added to my grief, as I suddenly found myself in an environment where I was perceived as completely asexual, with absolute no right to my womanhood.

Added to this was a shattered self-esteem, feelings of inability, loss of a body part, severe nausea and exhaustion, insecurities regarding my sexuality and my ability to fight cancer and it became a devastating and VERY disabling situation.

Loss of Independence Due Side-effects of Treatment

Another challenge I faced was that I needed BOTH arms to propel my wheelchair, and with the mastectomy it was impossible to use my right arm for 6 weeks. This left me dependant on others for everything.

So in my case the cancer also caused a complete loss of independence. I think the hardest part was the fact that I needed assistance with everything, including bathing. When it was bathing time, I did not have the time to grieve on my own, and worse, whoever assisted me saw my scars and missing breast. This left me so vulnerable… I was not ready to look at myself in a mirror, and I was in a situation where I HAD to allow someone else to see…

Few Medical Centres Equipped to Screen Women with Disabilities Adequately

A challenge that I still experience: only a few medical centres have medical equipment and technology to perform the necessary tests (mammograms) on a woman with a mobility impairment and who cannot stand. (99% of the machines cannot move up and down and if you cannot stand to enable the medical staff to perform the mammogram, they simply pull and stretch you until your breasts can reach the machine…

I still believe that if the testing facilities, for the mammogram that I had, 4 months prior to my diagnosis, were accessible, I would have been diagnosed earlier.

How can a correct diagnosis be made when your breasts can’t even reach the machines?

CANSA & WAND – Creating Awareness Among Disabled Women to Reduce Cancer Risk

There is a big risk of late diagnosis of Breast Cancer among disabled women, as this group of women is not always targeted during information sharing campaigns, as the focus remains on their particular disability. Also many misperceptions abound…

CANSA supports WAND’s efforts to bring attention to this matter and seeks to reach disabled women through our awareness campaigns. Read more…

Attend our ‘Pink High Tea’ – R10 per person, attending each High Tea will be donated to CANSA throughout October, at The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa and The Oyster Box, in order to help raise awareness re Breast Cancer.

One lucky guest will win a Carrol Boyes Breast Cancer Pendant in a lucky draw, at the end of the month, at each property.

Queries & Bookings:

The Twelve Apostles
Tel: 021 437 9029
Email: restaurant@12apostles.co.za

The Oyster Box
Tel: 031 514 5018
Email: restaurants@oysterbox.co.za