Tobacco-related diseases kill more than 44 000 South Africans and six-million people worldwide annually. Tobacco usage increases the risk of lung, oesophageal, mouth, bladder, pancreatic, kidney, stomach, cervical and breast cancer. Smoking during pregnancy and exposure to second-hand smoke are both linked to miscarriages, low birth weights and stillbirths, and babies who breathe in second-hand smoke have a higher risk of sudden death infant syndrome (SIDS.)
The Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) encourages everyone to be part of the global movement to raise awareness about World No Tobacco Day by pledging to be tobacco-free and share a message. Here’s what you can do:
- Write a message on the Cansa website wall.
- Share a photo of yourself with your pledge/message on Cansa’s social-media platforms, using the hashtag #KickButtWorldNoTobaccoDay.
- Pledge a donation. Help Cansa to educate and reduce the cancer risk. R300 will enable Cansa to produce 600 educational pamphlets that will inform the public on the dangers of tobacco and what type of screening is available, as well as cancer symptoms and how they can reduce their risk of cancer.
- Sign up for their free eKick Butt Programme – a unique programme that offers you guidance and empowers in your quest to quit smoking and lead a healthier lifestyle.
Visit www.cansa.org.za for more information.
