Every year, South Africans celebrate victory over cancer through the efforts of organisations like Cancervive, which educates rural communities about early detection and debunking myths, supported by initiatives like SPAR Group, fostering hope and understanding about the disease.
South Africa (06 February 2024) – The words ‘cancer’ and ‘celebration’ aren’t often heard in the same sentence, but the fact is that every year thousands of South Africans emerge victorious after a battle with the disease and continue living fruitful lives.
Observed annually on the 4 February, World Cancer Day serves as a reminder that cancer remains a leading cause of death globally.
But, as with most things, the more you know about cancer, the more likely you are to understand and work through the implications of dealing with it, says Helen Barrett, National Advertising & Promotions Manager at The SPAR Group when discussing how Ray Cassiem, an Education Buddy at Cancervive, has lived with life-threatening cancer for 18 years.
“As a community-based retailer serving people across our nation, The SPAR Group concentrates our social involvement on selected projects and organisations that impact nutrition, health, and education. Cancervive, an example of how a single person can launch a movement that educates and inspires others, is an inspirational organisation that we have been proudly supporting since 2011.”
“Acknowledged as one of the world’s most dynamic cancer awareness campaigns, Cancervive uses music, dance, and storytelling to inform and educate people about cancer and the importance of early detection.”
“What is particularly important is that much of their work is done in rural communities where information is not readily available or easily accessible, and that the activities are conducted in the participants’ home language,” says Barrett.
Posters at clinics may not be enough, access to information is not only important to prevent cancer but for early diagnosis.
Cancervive ensures that cancer education is original and that all understand how early detection and knowing their bodies could save their lives. By openly addressing all types of cancer and using activities rather than lectures to encourage participation. Cancervive also debunks the common myths and social stigmas surrounding cancer in rural areas.
Uniquely, Cancervive adds an element of celebration to its education mix by involving cancer survivors in actively spreading the message that the battle against cancer can be won.
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Cancervive’s flagship event is an annual 10-day motorcycle ride across South Africa. More than 60 cancer survivors, supporters and crew embark on a mission to spread awareness, educate, and deliver the message of hope and encouragement to thousands of school children and community groups along their route.
At stops along the way, Cancervive campaign members share their stories, celebrate life, and recognise that a cancer diagnosis does not have to mean a death sentence. Openly talking about cancer in our communities, may reduce the stigma attached to the disease, which may encourage people to test and allow those with the disease to be more open about it.
Cancervive also honours those who have lost their battles and raises funds to help fight the disease and provide care to the most vulnerable.
The SPAR Group practically assists Cancervive by covering travel, food and accommodation costs as they move from site to site, reaching out with a message of hope to people in rural areas and township gatherings.
“SPAR, with its presence in hundreds of communities across the country, believes that help begins at home – in this case, through our locally-owned family stores that give help where it is most needed. Often their work, and the organisations they work with, do not get the attention and support they deserve, and we’re doing what we can to change that,” says Barrett.
To find out more about Cancervive, visit https://www.cancervive.co.za.
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