The World Health Organisation states that worldwide, about 700 million children are exposed to tobacco polluted air, especially in their own homes. This staggering statistic underpins the theme for this year's World Cancer Day:
“I Love my Smoke-Free Childhood”.
This global initiative to raise awareness of the dangers of smoking around children aims to reach parents, those involved in child care, and the community at large. Whilst South Africa has implemented several measures to restrict our exposure to second hand smoke, this still remains a problem in many private and communal homes, in cars and in other restricted spaces.
Aside from respiratory, cardiac and circulatory problems caused, tobacco (whether smoked, chewed or inhaled as second hand smoke) is known to be a contributory factor in the development of several cancers: lung, mouth, oropharynx, larynx, oesophagus, stomach and urinary tract. About a third of tobacco related deaths in adults are attributable to various cancers.
World Cancer Day is marked annually in order to raise public awareness and educate people about cancer as an illness that in some cases is preventable (many cancers are directly related to lifestyle), and in certain cases is curable (provided it is detected and treated in the early stages). The organisations below are working together to improve understanding of cancer as an illness – its physical, psychological and social implications. All have representatives available to share information about cancer, its detection and management.
For further information about the dangers of cigarette smoking, second hand smoke and children's health, contact Petra Fordelman, National Chairperson of the National Oncology Nursing Society of South Africa, on 021 843 1323 or
S A National Oncology Nurses Association
S A Oncology Social Work Association
iThemba Labs
GVI Oncology
Childhood Cancer Foundation (CHOC)
People Living With Cancer
Ms Clare Manicom
Oncology Social Worker
Constantiaberg Oncology Unit
Tel: +27-(0)21-761-4942
Fax: +27-(0)21-797-6536
Email:
Oncology Unit; Constantiaberg Medi-Clinic; Burnham Rd; Plumstead; 7800
P.O.Box 15811; Panorama; 7506.
www.cancercare.co.za
