VISION, OCTOBER 2011

OCTOBER 2011

Celebrating life - and creating awareness of cancer

Cancer.vive is a People Living With Cancer (PLWC) initiative - and it isnt just another cancer association! Its a lifestyle for most of the people involved. Its a constant reminder that life is short and that you need to live everyday as if its your last. Its a celebration of life! A group of concerned breast cancer survivors formed this organisation earlier in 2011, and from the word go the outset was clear cancer awareness is lacking in South Africa and something must be done about it. Heidelberg, Parys, Richmond, Beaufort West and Stellenbosch and talking to hundreds of people, the Cancer.vive troupe did more than just educate. They broke down stigmas in communities where cancer is considered to be something evil that you cant talk about; they encouraged people to form support groups; not only for people suffering from cancer, but also for their friends and families and they taught people the importance of getting to know their bodies intimately. In a fun but informative way they touched many peoples lives. The Cancer.vive Ride is one of the many projects of this brand new cancer awareness organisation. Throughout the year there will be many fund raising events, charities and projects to keep the people of our country well-informed about the realities of cancer. Visit their websites (www.cancervive.co.za and PLWC.org.za) for updates about special events in your area. Please help with this enormous task of educating South Africa, but most of all, remember to celebrate life!

Getting other survivors of different types of cancers such as prostate, testicular, cervical and ovarian cancer to join their already strong and formidable force was not a difficult task. From all over South Africa people of all ages, colour and creed raised their hands to be part of this project; to help with the education process and to spread awareness. From the 16th until the 24th of September this amazing group of forty odd people (survivors and supporters included) took to the roads of our country on Triumph motorcycles and a fleet of Ford vehicles to go and spread the good news that cancer shouldnt necessarily be a death sentence and that early detection can save lives! Covering more than 2500km, stopping in places such as

VISION, OCTOBER 2011

The courage of Amanda Power

Amandas story depicts a young girls journey through years of infertility and the harrowing experience of losing two children, followed by her diagnosis with breast cancer. Two operations, six months of chemotherapy, followed by radiation, have allowed Amanda to get to the place she is today cancer free! Amanda undertook the challenge of a lifetime: a hike along the Great Wall of China aimed at raising awareness and funds for breast cancer patients within Southern Africa. She has made a lifelong commitment to becoming both an advocate and activist in the fight against breast cancer. In doing so she has appeared on radio (in China; United Kingdom and Cape Town), spoken on panels and presented many inspirational talks. She has written articles and features for 17 national and international publications which have appeared in periodicals, inflight magazines, community newspapers and websites. Amanda is currently in close discussion with a New York based photographer and journalist regarding the creation of an international NGO its mission being to create and implement cancer awareness campaigns and support groups in countries where access to both information and support are critically lacking. The aim is to change the face of cancer on a global level. She is also presently researching the possibility of working with a UK based visual-artist and filmmaker. The aim of this project is to utilize a body of art work and short films for a South African based film festival, through which she plans to create awareness and raise much needed funding for breast cancer within Southern Africa. Amanda lives in Fish Hoek. She and her husband continue the struggle to have a baby of their own to cherish and adore and are

presently in the process of investigating both adoption and surrogacy. Her story is one of strength, resilience, determination, hope, trust, love, understanding and compassion. Amanda recently told an audience about some of the things that cancer taught her here are a few of them: Cancer has taught me: m that a diagnosis is no longer a death sentence m that to deal with my cancer I had to accept the magnitude of the battle ahead m a parents utter devotion m to reach out to women I would otherwise never have met, women who have shared my journey. These women understand me in a way that no one else can I suppose because we share a common bond m to live after I had been told I may die m that to survive you need to lean on family and friends m that I did nothing wrong m cancer taught me that I am a survivor m that its not about a diagnosis its about what you do with it m to focus only on the positive and not sweat the small stuff m to take one day at a time and see the future as an opportunity m to deal with the psychological impact of this disease and by doing so invest in better stress management techniques m cancer taught me to believe in heaven. We will include some more in a future issue. You can read more about Amandas amazing walk at: www.leadershiponline.co.za/articles/leading-ladies/210

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

CanSurvi ve

People Living With Cancer Cancer Buddies

invite patients, buddies, family and friends to join us for a Breakfast and some light-hearted entertainment, spot prizes, raffle etc. to celebrate the coming Festive Season and the second successful year of the CanSur vive Group.
Venue: Die Blou Hond, 67 Fourth Avenue, Linden (www.blouhond.co.za) Date: Saturday 19 November 2011 Time: 9h00 Cost R150 per head

We look for ward to seeing you there

Please RSVP to jhb@plwc.org.za and attach your proof of payment before 31st October so that we can confirm numbers Enquiries:
Sam 082 553 5659 or Chris 083 640 4949 Payment should be made to: Account: CanSurvive; Account No. 62288991906 Bank: First National Bank, Hyde Park Branch 285505

VISION, OCTOBER 2011

6th Annual Walkathon

Thousands of competitors turned out to walk - either five or eight kilometers, on a beautiful, sunny Johannesburg day at Marks Park. People Living With Cancer and the CanSurvive Cancer Support Group took the opportunity to christen the new gazebo, kindly donated by Sanofi Aventis. The SABC provided a talent-packed concert and many celebrities joined in the fun.

LIVESTRONG serves people affected by cancer and empowers them to take action against the worlds leading cause of death. LIVESTRONG is a leader in the global movement on behalf of 28 million people around the world living with cancer today. Known for its iconic yellow wristband, LIVESTRONG has become a symbol of hope and inspiration to people affected by cancer around the world. Since its inception, the organisation has raised more than $400 million for the fight against cancer. www.LIVESTRONG.org.

VISION, OCTOBER 2011

What makes me a participatory patient

by Kathy Kastner Background
The first time I got a copy of my medical record, it was when the doctor handed it to me. She then wrote down which website to go to, and what not to look at because she was afraid it would freak me out. Perhaps her approach suggests participatory medicine at its finest. However, I remember none of this. I know it happened, because I have the paper to prove it. What I do remember is that she spoke in a gentle voice, her lovely accent softening the results of the test which I understood to be exactly the opposite of what it meant. What I understood from ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) was, Cancers in my ducts. Thats the same as lymph nodes. Thats bad. In situ. That must mean its inoperable. I have to prepare myself for death. And I also need to prepare my family. I left the office a dead woman. Her error was one of assumption: She assumed I understood the terminology. It was a friend (diagnosed with DCIS more than a decade before) who described it as the best kind of cancer. Calmed, I became a student of Participatory Medicine 101. My education includes navigating conflicting and/or confusing evidence concerning treatments, facing decisions requiring interpretation by a doctor schooled in statistics and clinical trial methodology, and conflicting opinions and emotions within my family and my community. Being participatory has given me strength and, at times, sapped my strength. Heres what participatory means to me:

communication, and ask that jargon be written down so I can do my own research. Before a doctors appointment, if Im fearful, I research my symptoms and conditions to the best of my abilities, and bring my questions with me.

3. Ive learned to do my own research

Using a combination of keyword searches, seeking out communities of interest online, talking things through within my communities, real and virtual, and, when the appointment comes, consultation with my primary care physician and/or another appropriate healthcare professional (eg, chiropractor, pharmacist, or occupational therapist). If Im referred to a specialist, I repeat the above process.

4. I get copies of any and all laboratory reports.

I likely will not understand much of what is in the report, so when reading something that worries me, I try to keep the anxiety at bay until I go over the results with my primary care physician. Waiting until the doctors appointment can be stressful, but I consider it an opportunity to learn something about my body, and to learn what to watch for in the next report. Where electronic health records (EHRs) allow, I ask that my comments be noted in my health records.

5. I do my part.
I maintain a healthy lifestyle, and try to do all the right things. If I have issues (eg, with various meds or side effects) I move quickly to try to get them sorted out and to resolve them. Im willing to accept help. I make sure to keep my primary care physician in the loop, and ensure that my comments are incorporated into the EHR.

My 8 points of participatory medicine

1. I want to learn about my health issue(s).
I feel I have sufficient skills and capabilities to be participatory. I understand that, along with the learning and empowerment process, come stresses, disappointments, irritation, frustration, and exhaustion.

6. Sometimes I dont do, sometimes I cant do.

I make choices that arent/may not be in the best interests of my overall health. I accept responsibility for these choices and expect them to be respected. I accept that when Im not feeling well enough, I cant be as actively participatory.

2. When I dont understand something, I ask for an explanation.

In the doctors office, I seek strategies to improve meaningful

7. My health care team.

I try to establish rapport with my team of health care professionals, establishing a relationship that is mutually respectful and provides me with the best possible care, as well as caring. I recognize that trust is gained over time. I rely upon my health care professionals because of their training, knowledge, and perspective. My communities, real-life and virtual, are also part of my health care team.

Thank you to WDGMC !

People Living With Cancer and the CanSurvive Cancer Support Group Committee wish to thank Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre for their ongoing support. They have allowed us to use their facilities and provided refreshments for the CanSurvive Cancer Support Group for two years and this is much appreciated. We value the support and generosity of WDGMC and their staff and their commitment to improving services rendered to cancer patients and their families.

8. I trust in myself, and to the extent possible, in my ability to make good decisions about my health care.
Reprinted with permission from the author. Visit her website at www.ability4life.com

VISION, OCTOBER 2011

The Challenge Family is a global series of triathlons that is changing the face of iron distance racing around the world, with the inaugural Challenge Cape Town taking place on 6th November this year and Can-Sir will ge there to support them. The race comprises a total of 226kms and will take in much of the regions most spectacular scenery. The 3.8km swim starts at Granger Bay, adjacent to the world famous V&A Waterfront, the 180km bike course promises to be one of the toughest in the Challenge series, taking athletes south through Hout Bay, over Chapmans Peak Drive, and all the way down to the Cape Point Reserve, and then finishing off with a marathon along the Atlantic Seaboard. The build up to the main race includes the the 4:18:4 mini triathlon and the Junior Challenge which take place on Saturday 5th November 2011. These are both participation events rather than races and aim to introduce everyone to the sport of triathlon. For more info visit www.challengecapetown.com.

You dont need to face cancer alone!

We are here to help
You are invited to join us at our Cape Town Cancer Support Group held at Vincent Pallotti Hospital in the GVI Oncology unit
Time: 18h00 19h30 See the calendar on page 7 for dates or contact the PLWC helpline on 076 775 6099 WE LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU

RIDE 4 YELLOW
Can-Sir is proud to welcome RIDE 4 YELLOW.This is a group of social cyclists, lead by Anthony Van Rhyn, the Director of Spin 4 Charity. They will be undertaking various social cycling events, not just during October (Liverstrong month) but will also be participating in events such as the Cape Argus PnP Cycle Tour in March 2012 and various other cycling events in aid of raising awareness for mens cancer as well as cancer in general. Contact Details: Anthony Van Rhyn 071 105 2074 email: spin4c@gmail.com

ITS OK TO TALK ABOUT CANCER

It helps and we do it all the time at our CanSurvive Cancer Support Group!
Join us on the second Saturday of each month for a cup of tea/coffee, a chat and an interesting talk. 9h00 at 18 Eton Road, Parktown

Enquiries: 073 975 1452 email: jhb@plwc.org.za

The Group is run by members of the Johannesburg Branch of People Living With Cancer in association with the Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre and is open to any patient or caregiver.

VISION, OCTOBER 2011

Around the World

Talking to your doctors and getting what you need
Recently, the US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality announced that they had a Question Builder Tool on its website www.ahrq.gov/questions that outlines the kinds of questions patients should ask when seeing a doctor. Question Builder appears to be a great tool for patients and may be worth looking at before going to your next appointment. Will this format for communication save time and money? You bet it will. The patient will experience fewer redundant tests, medication side-effects will be reduced and fewer errors will occur. Patients will be more compliant about following treatment plans, and more educated about their health issues. This has been discussed long enough. Now is the time for action.

DRAGON BOAT RACE

Do you want to spend a FUN DAY out in the sun???? Join the Reach For Recovery crew at the DRAGON BOAT RACE on Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 9 a.m. The event is held at Wemmer Pan Lake, Pioneer Park. R4R always enter a team which is made up of 20 people the Dragon Boat club give us a quick lesson on how to use the oars different from ordinary rowing!!! So.... bring your husbands, boyfriends, children, mothers and fathers but please let the Reach for Recovery Johannesburg office know who will participate and who will 'support our team'. We also require the information so that we can cater for lunch. There is no charge to enter but we would love to make up a team of 20. Join in the fun! Contact Reach for Recovery, Jhb. at: rforrjhb@cansa.org.za or telepone (011) 648 0990...listen to the prompt.... then press 2. of its kind to be developed. It combines traditional chemotherapy treatments with two doses of a radioactive chemical which can target areas of the bone affected by prostate cancer. Aggressive and advanced prostate cancer is responsible for around 10,000 deaths each year in the UK. Chemotherapy is often used to treat the disease; however, benefits of this treatment are usually short-lived. An ability to combine two different types of drugs against prostate cancer may help improve outcomes including survival for these men. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/234626.php

Queen's pioneers prostate cancer breakthrough

Scientists at Queen's University have pioneered a new combination treatment for prostate cancer. The treatment, which has been successful in phase one of trials, will now be tested for efficacy in a second phase. The treatment, aimed at men with an advanced and aggressive form of prostate cancer which has spread to the bone, is the first

Mr South Africa is championing PinkDrive

Experimental stem cell therapies proving dangerous

Risky stem cell tourism. Patients are turning up in increasing numbers at hospitals and clinics in countries like China, Russia, India and elsewhere for experimental stem cell therapies that are not recognized as standard treatments and have not undergone clinical trials. Desperate after traditional treatments havent worked, many patients pay fees of $20,000 for new stem cell therapies they have seen advertised on the Internet. Experts are warning that these treatments are not approved by any regulatory organizations and likely have no data behind them. http://www.medcitynews.com/2011/09/experimental-stem-celltherapies-proving-dangerous-overseas-morning-read/

Fish oil supplements can undermine chemotherapy effectiveness

Researchers from the University Medical Centre Utrecht, the Netherlands wrote in the journal Cancer Cell that patients receiving virtually all types of chemotherapy have been advised not to take fish oil supplements because they can make chemotherapy drugs ineffective. Fish oils contain two fatty acids which make the tumours resistant to treatment. These fatty acids are also produced by stem cells in the blood, the authors add. The authors explained that chemotherapy commonly loses its

Adriaan Bergh in his capacity as Mr South Africa is a Champion for PinkDrive. This means that he supports the brand wherever he goes, spreading the message early detection saves lives when attending public events in his capacity as Mr South Africa.

VISION, OCTOBER 2011

effectiveness over time, and scientists are not completely sure why this happens. The Dutch researchers had been investigating how solid cancers (tumours) become resistant to treatments. In animal experiments, they found that the stem cells in the blood of mice responded to cisplatin, a commonly used cancer medication, by producing, two fatty acids. Cancer patients commonly take fish oil supplements in addition to their standard treatment. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/234263.php

Dates to remember
30 October 31 October 4 November 6 November CHOC Walk, Zoo Lake, Parkview, Johannesburg Cape Town PLWC and Can-Sir Support Group MBTM & Etana Daredevil Run, Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban Join Reach For Recovery Team at the Dragon Boat Race, Wemmer Pan

MGN1601 - results for renal cancer therapy better than anticipated

The first results from the phase I/II clinical trial with the cell-based renal cancer therapy MGN1601 showed the tolerability of MGN1601 to be very good without exception. No adverse events that could be classified as serious were observed. Only in singular cases did patients report fatigue or mild fever; signs that might rather indicate activation of the immune system. In addition, the first efficacy data have been collected using clinical, immunological and radiological patient parameters. These are very promising: for example, two patients have responded in part very well to the cell-based cancer therapy. In one case, progress of the renal cancer was halted and in the case of the other patient, the size of the metastases was reduced by more than 50 %. At the same time the state of health of the patients is a challenge: the trial only accepts patients whose tumour growth could not be halted with medicaments that are currently available. The patients are initially treated with MGN1601 over a time period of three months. Those patients who respond to the treatment with MGN1601 are treated further during an extension phase. The clinical trial will be conducted at three study centers in Berlin, Hanover and Bonn. http://www.4-traders.com/MOLOGEN-HDS-NPV436428/news/MOLOGEN-HDS-NPV-MOLOGEN-AG-First-evaluation-data-on-clinical-trial-with-MGN1601-results-for-renal-ca13771617/

12 November Cancer Support Group, Parktown 0900 16 November R4R General meeting/Support 10h00. Speakers: Sr Frances Hozan & Dr Sue Walter 19 November CanSurvive Cancer Support Group and PLWC Johannesburg, Christmas Brunch with entertainment at Die Blou Hond. 26 November Bosom Buddies year end function 0900 28 November Cape Town PLWC & Can-Sir Support Group 30 November R4R Year End Lunch. Details from R4R Jhb. 10 December Cancer Support Group, Parktown 0900

CONTACT DETAILS
People Living With Cancer and CanSurvive Cancer Support Group, Johannesburg: 073 975 1452, jhb@plwc.org.za People Living With Cancer,Cape Town: 076 775 6099, info@plwc.org.za, www.plwc.org.za Bosom Buddies: 0860 283 343, www.bosombuddies.org.za Campaign for Cancer: www.campaign4cancer.co.za Cancer.vive, Frieda Henning 082 335 49912, info@cancervive.co.za Can-Sir, 021 761 6070, Ismail-Ian Fife, can-sir@telkomsa.net CANSA Johannesburg Central: 011 648 0990, 19 St John Road, Houghton, www.cansa.org.za Reach for Recovery (R4R) : Johannesburg, Antoinette Reis, 011 648 0990 or 072 849 2901 Reach for Recovery: Harare, Zimbabwe contact 707659. MBTM: Noelene@causemarketing.co.za, www.mbtm.co.za Pink Drive: cecile@causemarketing.co.za, www.pinkdrive.co.za Cancer Centre - Harare: 60 Livingstone Avenue, Harare Tel: 707673 / 705522 / 707444 Fax: 732676 E-mail: cancer@mweb.co.zw www.cancerhre.co.zw

Thermal ablation to treat lung cancer

The journal Radiology recently published an article written by Damian E. Dupuy, M.D., director of tumour ablation at Rhode Island Hospital, supporting the use of ablation procedures for the treatment of lung cancer. The article, "Image-guided Thermal Ablation of Lung Malignancies," reviews the results of nearly 100 studies conducted between 1991 and 2011 that conclude that image-guided ablation for lung cancer is a successful alternative for patients who cannot withstand surgery due to advanced age or medical comorbidities. Percutaneous image-guided tumour ablation, which has been applied to a variety of solid tumours, is a proven alternative to radiation therapy and surgery. It is being adopted by many in the radiology community, and has begun to take hold with physicians in the surgical, medical, and radiation oncology fields who are incorporating this new treatment in the care of their patients. Radiofrequency ablation is the current ablative method of choice, although other techniques, including microwave ablation, laser

ablation, and cryoablation, are also available. Each of these imageguided thermal ablation procedures involves the use of needlelike applicators that are placed directly into tumours by using imaging guidance. Tumours are destroyed by the application of either intense heat or cold. Dupuy also said that prospective comparisons of this technology with other treatment alternatives (i.e. stereotactic body radiation therapy alone or in combination in similar populations) are neces-

VISION, OCTOBER 2011

sary if this field is to garner more widespread support and use in the oncology community. Article URL: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/233725.php might say, 'I know smoking is bad for me, but I'm going to do it anyway.' However, we find individuals who show the most decreases in impulsivity also are more likely to quit smoking. If we can target anti-smoking efforts at that impulsivity, it may help the young people stop smoking." In the study, MU researchers compared people, aged 18-35, who smoked with those who had quit smoking. They found that individuals who smoked were higher in two distinct personality traits during young adulthood: impulsivity - acting without thinking about the consequences neuroticism - being emotionally negative and anxious, most of the time

Use of radioactive iodine to treat thyroid cancer on the rise

The proportion of patients in the United States with well-differentiated thyroid cancer (papillary, follicular, or Hurthle cell tumours) who received radioactive iodine after surgery rose from 40 percent to 56 percent between 1990 and 2008, and this increase was seen across all tumour sizes. Dr. Megan R. Haymart of the University of Michigan and her colleagues reported their findings in JAMA in August. This increase came despite the low risk of recurrence for these patients after total thyroidectomy alone and conflicting evidence about whether radioactive iodine treatment benefits patients with low-risk disease. This increase in treatment may be exposing patients to unnecessary harms, as well as incurring greater costs.

Peer-to-peer healthcare
Giving the closing keynote address at the Medicine 2.011 Congress at Stanford, Susannah Fox one of the founders of the Society for Participatory Medicine, made the following comments: That spark of recognition that you felt when you met a new colleague this weekend is the same spark that patients and caregivers feel when they meet someone with the same condition or concern. Peer-to-peer healthcare acknowledges that patients and caregivers know things about themselves, about each other, about treatments and they want to share what they know to help other people. Technology helps to surface and organize that knowledge to make it useful for as many people as possible. Just like peer to peer file sharing transformed the music industry by allowing people to share songs, peer-to-peer healthcare has the potential to transform the pursuit of health by allowing people to share what they know. Peer-to-peer healthcare is a way for people to do what they have always done lend a hand, lend an ear, lend advice but at internet speed and at internet scale. Its the evolution of internet use that the Pew Internet Project has been tracking in other industries, and its just finally having an impact on health care. http://e-patients.net/archives/2011/09/peer-to-peer-healthcareat-medicine-2 0.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium =feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+E-patients+%28e-patients%29

Littlefield found that those with higher levels of impulsivity and neuroticism were more likely to engage in detrimental behaviors, such as smoking. However, Littlefield also found that those who quit smoking had the biggest declines in impulsivity and neuroticism from ages 18 to 25. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/234325.php

Cancer growth in head and neck suppressed by turmeric but .

According to investigators at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center a pilot study using human saliva revealed that curcumin, the primary component in the spice turmeric, suppresses a cell signaling pathway that powers the growth of cancer in the head and neck. The investigation is presented in Clinical Cancer Research, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Association of Cancer Research. Dr. Marilene Wang, a professor of head and neck surgery, senior author of the investigation and a Jonsson Cancer Center researcher, said: "The inhibition of the cell signaling pathway also correlated with reduced expression of a number of pro-inflammatory cytokines, or signaling molecules, in the saliva that promote cancer growth. Participants tolerated the curcumin well and resulted in no toxic effects. However, the largest problem was that their mouths and teeth turned bright yellow. In order to be successful in fighting cancer, the curcumin must be taken in supplement form. Even though this spice is frequently used in cooking, the amounted needed to produce clinical response is considerably higher. Wang said: "Expecting a positive effect through eating foods spiced with turmeric is not realistic." http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/234470.php

Quitting smoking enhances personality change

University of Missouri researchers have found evidence that shows those who quit smoking show improvements in their overall personality. "The data indicate that for some young adults smoking is impulsive," said Andrew Littlefield, a doctoral student in the Department of Psychology in the College of Arts and Science. "That means that 18-year-olds are acting without a lot of forethought and favour immediate rewards over long term negative consequences. They

CONTRIBUTIONS FOR PUBLICATION IN VISION NEWSLETTER

Articles and letters and events submitted for publication in VISION are welcomed and can be sent to: cansurvive@icon.co.za

VISION, OCTOBER 2011

Phakamisa goes national

AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals has mobilised its access to medicine initiative - Project Phakamisa into two new centres, Durban and Cape Town. Meaning to uplift, Phakamisa is supporting the South African health care system by encouraging healthy women, those newly diagnosed with breast cancer, and existing patients battling the disease, to take responsibility for their breast health. Project Phakamisa has already proved its worth in Gauteng over the last nine months. Between January 2011 and April 2011, 25 Phakamisa volunteers hosted a total number of 435 public education and awareness programmes reaching an estimated 16,200 women. Out of the 305 women who have detected breast lumps, 25 cases have been reportedly malignant. In collaboration with CANSA and the Breast Health Foundation, the project aims to train 400 volunteers across the country by the end of the year. To date 239 candidates have already completed

Cape Town launch

Top Row Dr Guni Goolab (AstraZeneca CEO), Dr Liana Roodt (Surgeon), Leon Spamer (Phakamisa Project Manager) and Dr Michael Mol.Bottom Row Dr Imran Parker, Lillian Dube (actress and breast cancer survivor) and Edna Arends (Department of Health). their training and are actively rolling-out awareness programmes within schools, churches and community centres. It is hoped that approximately 87,000 women living in South Africa will be reached through the initiative before the end of the year. Members of the public are also able to access the Phakamisa mobi-site and official website Phakamisa.me or call the Help Line, 0861 PHAKAMISA (0861 742 526 472).

CANSA launches new Care Centres

CANSA recently launched their Care Centres which aim to deliver a comprehensive prevention, early detection, care and support programme to the cancer survivors and their loved ones. The CANSA Care Centre approach also recognises that every individual responds differently to diagnosis and treatment and will work with each survivor to find the best solution to their particular problem and to educate them on how to manage their treatment and related side effects may it be physical, spiritual and/or emotional. Guests at the launch of the Care Centre at CANSA Houghton office. Programmes/services to be offered at Cancer Care Centres Prevention services: Cervical screening Breast examinations PSA testing Skin examinations (scanning the body for early signs of skin cancer with the newest technologies) Lifestyle assessment and exercise programmes and specific prevention programmes for survivors including weight management Colorectal screening ( dip stick screening) Care and support services Wound care Stoma care Individual counselling Support groups Medical equipment hire Institutional Services Inter home facilities (Keurboom) TLC lodging facilities Enquiries to: Dominque Krajewski or Elmarie Potgieter, Tel: 011 648 0990 Fax2Email: +27 86 542 3025 DISCLAIMER: This newsletter is for information purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. Please consult your doctor for personal medical advice before taking any action that may impact on your health. The views expressed are not necessarily those of People Living With Cancer or those of the Editor.