First-Ever World Kidney Cancer Q & A Day Celebrated Worldwide
20 June 2017 – People around the world are asking questions and seeking answers to help fight kidney cancer.
Kidney cancer is a serious disease that affects hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. However, very few people in South Africa know even the basics about kidney cancer – what causes it, how to lower the risk, or why it’s on the rise.
Incidence Kidney Cancer to Rise Globally
The global incidence of kidney cancer is predicted to rise by a shocking 22 percent, by 2020. Populations are aging, known risk factors like obesity and high blood pressure are increasing, and smoking continues to be prevalent in many parts of the world.
In fact, in South Africa, the most recent cancer statistics show that just over 600 individuals were diagnosed with kidney cancer – 98 of which were children under the age of 19. When it’s caught early, kidney cancer can be treated, but in advanced stages, kidney cancer is still a lethal disease in search of better answers.
Raising Awareness Key
That is why CANSA is joining forces with kidney cancer organisations around the world to mark the first-ever World Kidney Cancer Q & A Day. On 22 June, patients, caregivers , health care professionals and local organisations across the country and worldwide will be uniting to raise awareness for the disease. See link to CANSA’s Kidney Cancer Fact Sheet.
“Making a significant difference in the lives of patients starts by increasing awareness – knowing the symptoms, knowing treatment options and knowing where to find support,” says CANSA CEO, Elize Joubert.
“Medical experts agree there is an opportunity for global collaboration to raise awareness about kidney cancer – because when we all work together we are stronger and can have a greater impact than we can alone.”
World Kidney Cancer Q & A Quiz
As part of the World Kidney Cancer Q & A Day, the International Kidney Cancer Coalition has launched the World Kidney Cancer Day Q & A Quiz. It’s an interactive, seven-question quiz that tests what you know – and what you need to know – about kidney cancer. It’s about promoting greater awareness about this type of cancer.
“Despite the effect kidney cancer has on patients and health care systems around the globe, it is a little-known type of cancer with many unanswered questions related to risk reduction, risk factors, treatment practices and widening gaps in mortality rates,” says Dr. Rachel Giles, Chair, International Kidney Cancer Coalition. “Not only will the quiz help teach people more about the disease, but the funds raised will be directed to a high-priority research project that will benefit patients worldwide.”
For every quiz that’s completed online, $5 will be donated to help find answers to vital questions about kidney cancer. The quiz is available in a variety of languages, including English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Dutch, Polish, Greek and Arabic.
Great Voice for a Great Cause
Globally-recognised celebrity and humanitarian Juliet Ibrahim is the campaign’s Global Ambassador.
“Just like art, kidney cancer knows no boundaries. Working together – sharing our experience and our knowledge – we make a difference for the people affected by kidney cancer,” says Juliet. Learn more about the Juliet Ibrahim Foundation and the hope it gives to kidney cancer patients throughout Africa.
About World Kidney Cancer Q & A Day
World Kidney Cancer Q & A Day has been established by the International Kidney Cancer Coalition, a global body of 30 cancer organisations focused on improving the lives of people affected by kidney cancer. CANSA is an affiliate member of IKCC since 2015 and was part of the establishment of World Kidney Cancer Day through Prof Michael Herbst, CANSA’s Health Specialist who is a Board Member and Director.
About the International Kidney Cancer Coalition
The International Kidney Cancer Coalition (IKCC) is an independent network of 30 patient organisations from around the world. Founded in 2014, the organisation was born from a very strong desire among various national patient groups to network, cooperate and share materials, knowledge, and experiences. It is IKCC’s mission to empower and represent the kidney cancer community through advocacy, awareness, information and research.
About CANSA
CANSA offers a unique integrated service to the public and to all people affected by cancer. As a leading role-player in cancer research (more than R12 million spent annually), 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 and organisational management; medical equipment hire, as well as a toll-free line to offer information and support.
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; a hospitium based in Polokwane; and CANSA-TLC lodging for parents and guardians of children undergoing cancer treatment.
Queries
For more information visit www.cansa.org.za, call CANSA toll-free 0800 22 66 22, or email: info@cansa.org.za
