Raising awareness this World Cancer Day

Cancer is all around us and worldcancerday.org shares these statistics: 10 million people die each year from cancer. That's more than HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined. By 2030, experts project cancer deaths to rise to 13 million if we don't act. In South Africa, over 100 000 new cases of cancer are diagnosed each year.

We at Discovery Health Medical Scheme hope to empower and educate our members to raise awareness, guide and support those who are living with cancer. A cancer diagnosis affects everyone and is traumatic to both the patient diagnosed and the loved ones caring for and supporting the person diagnosed. Make sure to use our dedicated Oncology Hub to best equip yourself and your loved ones with important information about cancer.

You can also find hope hearing from brave cancer survivors as they share their experiences fighting cancer and their key learnings. Be inspired by their words of wisdom, practical guidance and support:

• Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma survivor, Alexia: "I'm now ready to take on the world!"
• Princess Nakedi is a triple negative breast cancer survivor

Discovery's Oncology Hub is created to support those affected by cancer

You can learn more about and understand cancer by visiting our Oncology Hub where you can find educational resources and insights. Access insights from people living with cancer, podcasts where South Africa's top oncology experts share their knowledge, and our oncology screenings and benefits.

• Insights from people living with cancer

When you hear from those living with cancer, cancer survivors and their loved ones, you quickly realise that cancer does not discriminate. From babies to senior citizens and everyone in between - rich, poor, educated, illiterate, brown, black, white - whatever you do, whoever you are - cancer can affect you.

Share in the experiences and key learnings of brave cancer survivors who are fighting or have fought cancer. Let their words of wisdom, hope and support inspire you.

• Understanding cancer and what it entails

You can't really know the journey unless you've dealt with cancer - but you can come close. We've created a ten-part podcast series that will empower you with a new understanding of cancer. The country's top oncology experts share fascinating insights that are sure to inform and change your perspective on cancer.

• Discovery Health's oncology screenings

Find out more about these life changing screenings on our website:

• MyFamilyHistory records your family's health history to assess your risk of developing certain medical conditions.
• MyBreastCancerRisk Calculator estimates your risk of developing breast cancer based on questions about your health and your family's medical history.

If you or a loved one is dealing with cancer - remember, you do not have to go the distance alone. Discovery Health is committed to supporting our members who are bravely battling this disease. Our various oncology benefits can help you access the best care to manage your illness.

_{Discovery Health Medical Scheme, registration number 1125, is regulated by the Council for Medical Schemes and administered by Discovery Health (Pty) Ltd, registration number 1997/013480/07, an authorised financial services provider}