Altrisk Supports the Cancer Association of South Africa
Altrisk - CANSA cheque hand over,
Every year 14 million people worldwide hear the words: "You have cancer". In South Africa, more than 100 000 people are diagnosed each year, and besides the emotional toll of coping with the disease, it also brings with it exceptional financial challenges. This is one of the reasons why Altrisk is donating R70 300 to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) towards their CANSA Care Centres that provide care and support programmes for those living with cancer and their loved ones to assist them during their treatment and recovery.
CANSA is a non-profit organisation that enables research, educates the public and provides support to all people affected by cancer. CANSA also provides home-from-home accommodation to patients undergoing cancer treatment at oncology clinics far from their homes - there are currently 12 CANSA Care Homes across the country where patients stay for an average of six weeks at a time and receive meals, counselling, support and transport to and from treatment centres (http://www.cansa.org.za/cansa-care-centres/)
Lucy Balona, CANSA's Head: Marketing and Communications says with financial help from organisations such as Altrisk they're able to extend their reach to cancer patients who are in dire need of support.
"One of many things CANSA would like to do is to translate our CancerCare coping kit into more official languages. The kit consists of two audio CDs aimed at anyone recently diagnosed with cancer - it provides information and practical tips to promote physical, emotional and mental well-being before and during treatment - in short, helping survivors and their loved ones cope better with a cancer diagnosis,” she explains (http://www.cansa.org.za/cancercare-coping-kit/)
Michael Blain, managing director of Altrisk adds, "Cancer remains a highly emotive illness that has far reaching implications for the patient and their family. Unfortunately, not only does the cancer survivor face a punishing treatment regimen in many cases, but the cost of treatment can become a major financial burden,” he says. "Considering the emotional strain of being diagnosed with the disease, the care and support programme offered by CANSA provides an essential safety net for patients who do not have the financial means to cope with this debilitating illness.
"When living with a serious disease or condition, proper care, disease management, nutrition and counselling is fundamental to ensure a fulfilling and better quality of life. As Altrisk, we’re delighted to be able to contribute to supporting cancer patients on their journey from treatment to recovery.”
Altrisk is a specialist long-term risk product provider that offers risk products ranging from death and disability to critical illness, cancer, income replacement and retrenchment benefits. Each year Altrisk supports a non-profit organisation that works towards making a health-related improvement in the lives of South Africans by driving positive behavioural change. Part of the insurer’s fundraising drive is to encourage financial advisors to be part of the initiative. Altrisk therefore pledges a sum to a worthy cause for every application received from financial advisors during the campaign period. (www.altrisk.co.za)
Cancer Reality Check (info supplied by CANSA)
The top five cancers among South African men and women (excluding non-Melanoma skin cancers) are:
(* ‘Primary sight unknown’ means that it is not possible to determine where the cancer originated in the body)
• 90% of cancers are caused by environmental & lifestyle factors such as smoking, diet and exercise.
• More than 100 000 South Africans are diagnosed with cancer every year.
• South African cancer survival rate is 6/10.
• 1 in 4 South Africans are affected by cancer through diagnosis of family, friends or self.
• Globally cancer kills more people than TB, AIDS and Malaria combined.
Source: National Cancer Registry (2005)
For more information go to www.altrisk.co.za
