Women & Cancer
CANSA places the focus on women reducing their cancer risk during August and October. However, we encourage women to make their health a priority all year round, by knowing what is normal for their bodies, and to be aware of the symptoms of cancer.
It’s important for women to be empowered with knowledge regarding lowering their cancer and health risk and recognising warning signs. We encourage annual medical check-ups and cancer screening for early detection, as symptoms don’t always present until cancer has spread. Women need to lead a balanced lifestyle, cutting out lifestyle factors that increase their cancer risk.
LOWER YOUR CANCER RISK
Find general information regarding cancer, cancer types, treatment, support and risk reduction and information regarding female cancers prevalent in South Africa & other gynecologic cancers below.
Top Five Cancers Affecting SA Women:
The five leading types of cancer that indiscriminately afflict women in South Africa according to the 2022 National Cancer Registry (NCR) are breast, cervical, colorectal, uterine cancer and melanoma…
Both breast and cervical cancer have been identified as a national priority with increasing incidences occurring.
Approximately 19.4 million women aged 15 years and older live at-risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer – the cancer affecting women in South Africa the most. In 2013, deaths from breast cancer and cancers of the female genital tract, accounted for 0.7% and 1% of all deaths in South African respectively.¹
¹Vorobiof D, Sitas F, Vorobiof G. Breast cancer incidence in South Africa. Journal of Clinical Oncology 2001 (September 15 Supplement); Vol 19, No. 18s: 125s -127s
Contact your local CANSA Care Centre for health awareness materials and to arrange for screening for breast, cervical or skin cancer, or ask about scheduled screening campaigns by our Mobile Health Clinics, if you live in a remote area.
We provide a counselling service dedicated to providing advice to cancer Survivors. Call our Help Desk on 0800 22 66 22 to make an appointment for Tele Counselling, or email us at counselling@cansa.org.za. The service is free of charge and available in 7 languages.
You can also join our Champions of Hope Facebook Group for cancer Survivors (patients) and loved ones & chat to peers who are facing similar challenges.
Read Buddies for Life | Oncology Buddies online lifestyle publication, and view “Oncology Buddies Big C Survivor’s Guide” for more resources.
Click here for additional free online support groups and resources…
Other Cancers Affecting Women:
Gynaecological Cancers:
Gynaecological cancer occurs when an uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells originate from the reproductive organs.
VAGINAL CANCER
VULVAR CANCER
- Fallopian Tube Cancer
- Gestational Trophoblastic Disease
- Gynaecological Sarcomas
- Ovary (Germ Cell Tumour)
- Ovary (Teratoma of the Ovary)
- Primary Peritoneal Cancer (PPC) (Peritoneum)
- Vaginal & Vulvar Melanoma
- Vaginal Cancer (Vagina)
- Vaginal Clear-Cell Adenosarcoma
- Vulvar Cancer (Vulva)
Related Issues:
- Bowenoid Papulosis – Squamous Cell Carcinoma in situ (genitalia)
- Lichen Planus – can lead to mouth and vulvar cancer
Head Matters: Henna Tattoos, Hair Dye, Scalp Cooling
It is known that cancer and its treatment can weaken the body’s immune system, because it affects the blood cells that protect one’s body against disease and germs.
As a result cancer Survivors have a compromised immune system and their bodies cannot fight infection, foreign substances, allergies, and disease as well as a healthy person’s body can (American Cancer Society).
Any product like henna skin dyes that have the potential to cause any form of infection, irritation and /or allergic reaction, should be totally avoided by individuals diagnosed with cancer, those undergoing cancer treatment, as well as cancer Survivors.
- Hair Dye After Chemo?
- Scalp Cooling to Minimise Hair Loss Fact Sheet
- Temporary Henna Tattoos Position Statement & Fact Sheet
Other Matters:
- Botox Use by Cancer Survivors
- Tattoos (Health Risks) Position Statement & Fact Sheet (including areola nipple tattoos)
- Warning Melanotan II
Has Cancer Touched Your Life?
We want you to know that you are not alone and that we would like to support you and your loved ones, regardless of how cancer has touched your life.
Find info & online resources to help you fight cancer and please read more about CANSA’s care & support services.
