Get fruity to beat cancer this World Cancer Day

Adelaide CBD commuters will today be greeted with a special fruit giveaway to mark World Cancer Day and raise awareness about the simple things we can do every day to beat cancer.

Volunteers from Cancer Council SA will be stationed in Hindmarsh Square between 7am-9am and again between 4pm-6pm where they will hand out 2,000 pieces of fresh fruit to city workers and the general public.

The fruit freebie will be accompanied by a challenge to recipients who will each be asked “What will you do today to help beat cancer?” which is the basis of Cancer Council SA’s new campaign urging people to take immediate action and personally contribute to the fight against cancer on a daily basis.

Cancer Council SA Chief Executive Officer, Professor Brenda Wilson, says the organisation wants to inspire as many South Australians as possible today to start taking action in their own lives to beat cancer.

“Our challenge to every South Australian on World Cancer Day is ‘what will you do today to help beat cancer?” she said.

“An example of something simple people can do today is eat some fresh fruit, which is low in fat and calories and high in nutrients that are potentially protective against cancer.

“In fact, we should all aim to eat two serves of fruit every day, which is the equivalent to a medium-sized apple and banana.

“Studies show that being overweight, physically inactive and not eating well cause up to one-third of all cancers, therefore by eating healthy and exercising you can maintain a healthy body weight and reduce your risk of cancer.

“To help everyone along, Cancer Council SA is providing fresh fruit absolutely free to city commuters, which will hopefully raise awareness and encourage more people to take up the challenge.”

Professor Wilson says 25 South Australians are diagnosed with cancer every day, but states there is rising hope thanks to better cancer treatments, patient support and increasing awareness about how people can take action in their own lives every day to cut their cancer risk.

“There are a myriad of things people can do to help beat cancer. For example, eat more fruit and vegetables, be SunSmart when outdoors, limit your alcohol intake, quit smoking, make a donation, or encourage someone touched by cancer to call Cancer Council on 13 11 20,” she said.

“For more ideas, simply visit www.cancersa.org.au or join in the conversation on Cancer Council SA’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cancercouncilsa.

“Every year on World Cancer Day people from all over the globe are encouraged to stop and think about how cancer has impacted their lives and the lives of others. This year is no different, but we want people to extend these reflections into everyday actions that will help bring the defeat of cancer closer than ever before.”

Since 1928, Cancer Council SA has been working in every way to beat cancer through funding critical cancer research, increasing awareness about the importance of cancer prevention and early detection, and providing professional cancer support services to thousands of South Australians every year.

For more information visit www.cancersa.org.au or www.facebook.com/cancercouncilsa.

For more information please contact Kieran Hall at Hughes PR (08) 8412 4100 or Alana Dec at Cancer Council SA on 08 8291 4119 or media@cancersa.org.au