“CANSA launches its Colorectal Cancer Awareness Campaign in partnership with Medtronic, the global leader in medical technology, as both organisations are passionate about early diagnosis and better treatment outcomes for patients. Unique to the campaign is a large ‘Colin the Colon Tunnel’, an inflatable 2x3m tunnel, which the public can walk through and be educated about colorectal cancer. ‘Colin’ moves around at specific CANSA events and can be booked by interested schools or workplaces and can also be activated at specific lifestyle events. The campaign includes a booklet and an animated video with information giving advice on lowering the risk of colorectal cancer and promoting screening.

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in men (following prostate cancer) and the third most common cancer in women (following breast and cervical cancer). An estimated 6 927 new cases of colorectal cancer were diagnosed in South Africa in 2018 which was about 6.5% of all cancers (1). More men (7.3% of all cancers) than women (5.7% of all cancers) were diagnosed with colorectal cancer in this same year.

As part of the campaign, the booklet contains information concerning lifestyle factors that increase the risk for colorectal cancer, such as a lack of exercise, poor diet, smoking and regular alcohol consumption and provides information on how men and women are able to lower their risk. Research has shown that poor diet and physical inactivity, as well as smoking and the regular consumption of alcohol are key factors that can increase a person’s cancer risk. Getting to and maintaining a healthy weight is important to reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes.”

Find more from Cansa (South Africa, March 2020)