The e-Center Cancer Awareness Program
In South Africa , the incidence of cancer is increasing rapidly; therefore, it is important to step up cancer literacy and knowledge among the population. We hope that this will lead to early detection which is important in the management and treatment of cancer and prevention by making necessary changes in lifestyle.
We at the E-Center for Women’s Cancer and Maternal Health are one of the inclusive and accessible Cancer NGOs in South Africa . Our work encompasses the entire Cancer spectrum from Cancer awareness, early detection, diagnosis and treatment funding, post-treatment support, and rehabilitation. Our focus is the underprivileged section of the society both in urban and rural South Africa . Your one decision to donate to an NGO can save many lives. Thank you for choosing to donate to the E-Center for Women’s Cancers and Maternal Health.
WHAT IS CANCER
Cancer is a disease in which cells grow out of control and can spread to other parts of the body.
The primary purpose of E-Center NPO is to raise awareness about cancer and how it can be managed. In addition to public awareness campaigns, we also provide support for those who are living with cancer or have survived cancer, hence our existence in driving cancer awareness.
Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control. There are different kinds of breast cancer. The kind of breast cancer depends on which cells in the breast turn into cancer. Breast cancer can begin in different parts of the breast.
Breast cancer can occur in women and rarely in men.Common Symptoms of Breast Cancer?
- New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit).
- Thickening or swelling of part of the breast.
- Irritation or dimpling of breast skin.
- Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast.
- Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area.
- Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood.
- Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.
- Pain in any area of the breast.
Reduce Risk Through Regular Examinations
- Self Breast Examinations.
- Clinical Breast Examinations.
- Mammograms.
- MammaPrint (Genomic Testing)
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is one of the top 3 malignancies in men and women in South Africa, respectively. In 2018, there were about 1.8 million lung cancer fatalities and more than 2 million new cases worldwide. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in South Africa.
Systemic therapies are crucial in the later stages of lung cancer. Targeted medicines, such as monoclonal antibodies, have shown patient survival improvements when compared to other systemic treatments.
Although it is a popular misconception that lung cancer is a disease of the elderly smokers, it can also strike younger ex-smokers and even people who have never smoked. This misunderstanding can prevent an early diagnosis and efficient care.
Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV is a very common virus that can be passed on through any type of sexual activity, regardless of gender. It affects about 50% of sexually active people and is normally cleared by the body on it’s own. However, when it persists in the body it can lead to cervical cancer, genital warts or other cancers.
Cervical cancer is caused by the abnormal growth of cells that spread to other parts of the body.
Cervical Cancer Awareness Month is observed in September in South Africa to encourage women to go for screening to prevent it.
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in South Africa, and many die from it each year – but it can be prevented.
The goal of screening for cervical cancer is to find cervix cell changes and early cervical cancers before they cause symptoms.
Screening refers to the use of tests and exams to find a disease, such as cancer, in people who do not have any symptoms.
Early detection means applying a strategy that results in an earlier diagnosis of cervical cancer than otherwise might have occurred. Screening tests offer the best chance to detect cervical cancer at an early stage when successful treatment is likely. Screening can also actually prevent most cervical cancers by finding abnormal cell changes (pre-cancers) so that they can be treated before they have a chance to turn into a cervical cancer.
Myth |
Fact |
|---|---|
| Cervical cancer is hereditary. | Cervical cancer is not inherited. It results from an HPV infection. Make sure your youngster receives the HPV vaccine to protect them from the virus. Make sure to get routine Pap and HPV tests if you are too old to receive the HPV vaccine. |
| The cause of cervical cancer is unknown. | The HPV virus, a sexually transmitted infection, is the most common cause of cervical cancer. |
| I don’t need to get screened because I don’t have any symptoms. | When a person has no symptoms, a screening test is performed to see if there is anything odd going on in their body. When there are symptoms, a diagnostic test is performed to determine what is causing them. While there are no early signs of an aberrant cervical cell, they can be found during the screening. |
| Pap smear test can help in the diagnosis of other gynaecological cancers, example: ovarian cancer. | Other gynecological cancers are not tested for by the cervical Pap Smear Test. |
| A Pap test is enough for protecting women against cervical cancer. | A Pap test alone will not shield women against cervical cancer. An HPV test in addition to a Pap smear test enhances the likelihood of an early diagnosis for any woman over the age of 30. |
| Cervical cancer is fatal. | If identified and treated at a young age, cervical cancer is curable. |
| Cervical cancer is contagious. | Cancer is not contagious; it cannot be passed from one person to another. On the other hand, skin-to-skin contact and sexual activity both contribute to the transmission of the infectious HPV virus. |
A condition known as colorectal cancer is characterized by uncontrolled cell growth in the colon or rectum. Colon cancer is a common shorthand term for it.
The large intestine, or colon, is the large bowel. The rectum serves as the conduit between the colon and the anus.
In the colon or rectum, abnormal growths known as polyps can develop occasionally. Some polyps may eventually develop into cancer. Polyps can be found through screening tests, allowing for their removal before they develop into cancer. Additionally, screening aids in the early detection of colorectal cancer, when therapy is most effective.
What Are the Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer?
Both colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer don’t always cause symptoms, especially early on. They are abnormal growths in the colon or rectum that can develop into cancer if left untreated. Without realizing it, a person could develop polyps or colorectal cancer. For this reason, it’s crucial to have frequent colorectal cancer screenings.
Some symptoms to look out for:
- A change in bowel habits.
- Blood in or on your stool (bowel movement).
- Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty all the way.
- Abdominal pain, aches, or cramps that don’t go away.
- Weight loss and you don’t know why.
If you have any of these symptoms, consult a doctor, visit a local clinic or contact us for advise. They may be caused by something other than cancer. The only way to know what is causing them is to see your doctor.
A Cancer that develops in the prostate is called rostate cancer. In males, the prostate is a little walnut-shaped gland that secretes seminal fluid, which feeds and carries sperm.
One of the most prevalent cancers is prostate cancer. In the prostate gland, where they may not do much harm, many prostate tumors develop slowly and are localized. Although some prostate cancers spread slowly and may require little to no therapy, others are aggressive and can spread very quickly.
Early detection of prostate cancer, when it is still contained within the prostate gland, offers the highest chance of successful therapy.
Symptoms
Prostate cancer may cause no signs or symptoms in its early stages.
Prostate cancer that’s more advanced may cause signs and symptoms such as:
- Trouble urinating
- Decreased force in the stream of urine
- Blood in the urine
- Blood in the semen
- Bone pain
- Losing weight without trying
- Erectile dysfunction
Risk Factors
Prostate cancer risk factors include the following:
- Older Age. As you become older, your chance of prostate cancer rises. After 50, it becomes more prevalent.
- Race. Black people are more likely than those of other races to develop prostate cancer, for unknown reasons. Prostate cancer is also more likely to be aggressive or progressed in Black persons.
- Family background. Your risk may be raised if a blood related, such as a parent, sibling, or child, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. In addition, your chance of developing prostate cancer may be increased if you carry the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene or have a strong family history of breast cancer.
- Obesity. Obese people may be more likely to develop prostate cancer.
If you have any of these symptoms, consult a doctor, visit a local clinic or contact us for advise. They may be caused by something other than cancer. The only way to know what is causing them is to see your doctor.
Leading an active life, combined with healthy food habits is essential to good health, this is part of Cancer Awareness.
The primary goal of E-Center is to promote and develop awareness in the public and emphasize the importance of early detection, all of which play a major role in the treatment of cancer. Cancer awareness can also lead to people making healthier lifestyle choices.
- Inform people about the importance of regular screening and check-ups.
- Inform women about mammograms, clinical breast exam and breast self-exam.
- Inform women about Pap smear tests to check for signs of cervical cancer.
- Create cancer awareness and remove the stigma and fear attached.
- Help people recognize the early signs and symptoms of cancer, thus enabling them to seek treatment at an early stage.
- Educate people about the key risk factors, since more than 30% of cancer cases could be prevented by modifying lifestyle or avoiding the risk factors.
- Inform people about the importance of regular screening and check-ups.
- Inform women about mammograms, clinical breast exam and breast self-exam.
- Inform women about Pap smear tests to check for signs of cervical cancer.
- The primary goal of E-Center is to promote and develop awareness in the public and emphasize the importance of early detection, all of which play a major role in the treatment of cancer. Cancer awareness can also lead to people making healthier lifestyle choices.