“Shave or spray in solidarity with a cancer survivor” is the theme of this year’s CANSA Shavathon because hair loss is a common side-effect of cancer treatment, said Sue Janse van Rensburg, National Executive Director of CANSA, who is a cancer survivor.

According to the latest available statistics from the National Cancer Registry, one in four South Africans will be affected by cancer in his or her lifetime. The most common cancer in South Africa is skin cancer with about 20 000 reported new cases each year. South Africa has the second highest incidence of skin cancer in the world after Australia. The global burden of cancer has more than doubled during the past 30 years and it is estimated that in 2008 there were over 12 million new cases of cancer diagnosed, 7 million deaths from cancer and 25 million persons alive with cancer. According to estimates, cancer will be the leading cause of death globally in the year 2010.   [Cancer Association of South Africa]

It’s quite clear with these alarming statistics that cancer is serious and the “ball is in our hands”. We can decide to make a difference.

Thank you to everyone who took part in this noble event. I am certain that our gesture of kindness will definitely make a difference in someone’s life & give them the hope to continue fighting their daily battles against cancer. This battle can be won!

“You can be this world’s miracle, if you follow your heart & believe it!!!”