On Saturday 21 June, Netcare Unitas Hospital in Pretoria will be hosting a health and oncology open day to raise public awareness about cancer, preventative measures individuals could take, the early warning signs for different types of cancer, as well as the detection and treatment for certain types of cancer.
According to Robert Jordaan, general manager at Netcare Unitas Hospital, cancer is one of the greatest healthcare challenges facing our society. It has been estimated that one in four males and one in six females in South Africa will develop cancer at some point in their lives.
“However, an estimated 40% of cancers can be prevented through the adoption of a healthy lifestyle which includes taking preventative measures such as going for regular screenings and medical checkups and getting vaccinated against certain cancers such as cervical cancer,” he says.
“Many cancers respond very well to treatment, particularly if the disease is diagnosed early. It is therefore critical that South Africans have themselves screened for the more common forms of the disease as this can save lives,” asserts Jordaan.
Patients and members of the public are warmly invited to participate in the health and oncology open day which will take place at Netcare Unitas Hospital’s parking area from 9am to 1pm.
During the course of the day, the hospital will be offering free prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests to screen for prostate cancer as well as free blood pressure and cholesterol tests. In addition, there will be a limited number of free mammogram screenings by radiologists at the hospital to screen for breast cancer. General surgeon, Dr Hans Jekel, and plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr Nicolette Landman, will also be available to discuss breast cancer and reconstructive breast surgery.
The South African National Blood Service, Childhood Cancer Foundation (CHOC), Centurion Hospice and Reach for a Dream will all be supporting the event and merchandise such as bandanas in aid of the Sunflower Fund will be on sale during the open day. Entertainment will be provided for the little ones while there will be food stalls to keep hunger at bay. The day will end with a lucky draw.
According to Jordaan, the aim of the day is to increase awareness among the community that we can all do our bit to combat cancer by taking responsibility for our own health. “Being informed about the proactive steps you can take to prevent this disease, such as adopting a healthy lifestyle, going for the recommended health screenings and being vigilant, is one of the ways through which this can be achieved. We encourage the public to attend and share in the day’s activities,” he concludes.
Ends
Issued by : Martina Nicholson Associates (MNA) on behalf of Netcare Unitas Hospital
Contact : Martina Nicholson, Graeme Swinney, Sarah Beswick and Jillian Penaluna
Telephone : (011) 469 3016
Email : [email protected], [email protected] or [email protected] or [email protected]