Type B Research Projects
Cancer is predominantly caused by environmental factors, rather than inherent biological factors. Importantly, it is possible to reduce exposure to many of these risk factors.
What exactly do we mean by environmental factors? This includes infectious agents such as Human Papilloma Virus, Hepatitis B Virus, and Hepatitis C Virus, lifestyle-related risk factors such as tobacco use, diet, alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity, and sun exposure, as well as exposure to environmental carcinogens and pollutants such as benzene and formaldehyde.
A cancer-causing agent/factor is officially known as a carcinogen. Carcinogens attack the DNA of the cell, causing mutations. This can cause cells to divide or multiply out of control. These cancer cells multiply and grow into a lump or tumour and can spread to other parts of the body.
Your risk of getting cancer increases the more you are exposed to a carcinogen. It is important to be aware of the different carcinogens and avoid or limit exposure to them in order to reduce your risk of getting cancer.
CANSA’s Type B projects
Call for Projects for Master of Public Health Students
Our type B research projects are largely initiated, conceptualized, and conducted by CANSA, although this may be in conjunction with other institutions. These projects focus on looking at ways to reduce public exposure to environmental carcinogens. This is achieved through conducting:
- research that provides us with a greater understanding of how to encourage and facilitate positive behavior change in terms of lifestyle-related environmental risk factors choices eg. Tobacco use, diet, physical activity, sun behavior, and screening attendance
- research on possible environmental carcinogens and pollutants
- research to screen and evaluate products and where appropriate award these with the CANSA ‘Smart Choice’ seal – to indicate that these products may help to reduce the risk of cancer, in conjunction with other lifestyle choices
The results of these projects are made available to the public through our website, health campaigns, brochures, and fact sheets. They are also used for advocacy activities and to lobby government and industry for change where necessary.
Lifestyle Risk Factors
- Tobacco – Don’t use any tobacco products including hookah pipes and e-cigarettes. Try also to avoid second-hand smoke. All tobacco products are harmful to health. CANSA assists and encourages quitting tobacco use, via its online CANSA eKick Butt Programme.
- Smoke from open fires – avoid direct smoke, ensure adequate ventilation
- Hepatitis B Virus – adhere to childhood, as well as adult vaccination programmes – read more…
- Human Papilloma Virus – vaccinate children; women to partake in HPV Vaccine Programme and have regular Pap smears – read more…
- UVA and B radiation – be SunSmart, and protect yourself against excessive exposure. Stay safe in the sun, excessive ultraviolet exposure may cause skin cancer. Avoid the use of sunbeds and self-tanning products that contain melanotan. Look out for the CANSA Smart Choice and CANSA SunSmart products.
- Obesity – regulate food intake and exercise regularly
- Diet – eat a balanced, mainly plant based diet
- Water – drink clean (uncontaminated), safe, fresh water
- Alcohol – limit or avoid alcohol consumption – read more…
Read more
- Links to CANSA’s Position Statements and Fact Sheets:
- Alcohol
- Asbestos
- Hydraulic fracturing
- Tobacco
- Vaccines and vaccination
- CANSA recommended diet
- Known causes of cancer
- BPS
- BPA
- Being SunSmart
- Obesity and Cancer
- CANSA SunSmart and Smart Choice Seal of Recognition
- The benefits of improving your lifestyle – a balanced lifestyle is the key to health…
Get involved
- Ask a question or make a comment regarding our research in the box at the bottom of this page.
- Click here to make a secure online donation or make a direct deposit to ABSA Bank, Account: CANSA Research, number: 4079965964, Branch: 632005
- Read more about CANSA research here.
