Cansa: Healthy workplaces aid early cancer detection
'We also know that this often leads people to input their symptoms into Google or other search platforms, hoping to get sensible answers and advice.'
Many people are reluctant to seek proactive medical advice due to a complex interplay of social, cultural, psychological and systemic factors.
Practical challenges, such as taking time off work, long waiting periods and limited access to healthcare professionals, further discourage timely health consultations.
Cancer symptoms alone generate hundreds of thousands of Google searches each month across the globe.
''Dr Google' is a poor substitute for regular cancer screenings and medical check-ups by qualified health professionals,' warned Govender.
'The generic and sometimes conflicting advice produced by Google and AI-powered platforms like Copilot and ChatGPT often causes more confusion and may result in missed diagnoses of serious conditions.'
To mark Corporate Wellness Week, which took place from July 1 to 5, Govender believes it is the ideal opportunity to address this issue.
Bringing health solutions into the workplace
A proactive approach to employee health can significantly reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
This not only enhances employee well-being but also reduces sick days and improves productivity, ultimately contributing to business continuity and sustainability.
Cansa has developed a comprehensive workplace wellness programme, offering general health and cancer screenings alongside health-boosting advice directly within the corporate environment.
'We take a multi-faceted approach to assist employees in lowering their risk, not only for cancer but for other non-communicable diseases too.
'Through various services and activities, we promote the benefits of a healthy work environment and encourage employees to adopt positive lifestyle habits and schedule regular medical check-ups,' explained Govender.
Employers need to understand that a cancer diagnosis does not necessarily mean an employee has to reduce working hours or leave the workforce. Early detection significantly increases the chance of positive outcomes.
The benefits for employers and employees.
Corporate wellness initiatives offer far-reaching benefits. By integrating health services into the workplace, companies help achieve sustainable development goals such as promoting good health and well-being, supporting a productive and inclusive workforce and fostering sustainable economic growth.
'Employee wellness programmes are not just a perk, they are a strategic investment. They help to build a healthier, more resilient and motivated workforce, which is essential in today's competitive business landscape,' Govender noted.
How the programme works
The programme is funded by the employer and is free of charge to employees.
'The frequency of the programme is tailored to each company's needs. It can be a one-day initiative, run over several days, or repeated multiple times a year based on the organisation's request,' said Govender.
In addition to screenings and personalised health advice, Cansa's corporate wellness days may feature educational talks and interactive exhibitions covering a range of cancer-related topics.
Presentations often focus on the most common cancers affecting men and women in South Africa. Informational leaflets and demonstration models are provided to educate employees on self-examination techniques.
Supporting cancer risk reduction in South Africa
'The importance of health risk assessments and screenings cannot be overstated. Cancer is a growing health priority in South Africa and around the world.
'According to the 2021 Percept Report, cancer cases in South Africa are projected to double to 220,000 new cases annually by 2030,' said Govender.
By partnering with Cansa, companies can play a crucial role in lowering the nation's cancer risk and supporting a culture of wellness at work.
For enquiries about Cansa's Corporate Wellness Programme, complete the online booking form or email [email protected]
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
3 days ago
- The Citizen
Cansa: Healthy workplaces aid early cancer detection
'We know only too well that the workplace often leaves employees little or no time to seek medical advice from healthcare professionals,' said Lorraine Govender, the Cansa national manager for health promotion. 'We also know that this often leads people to input their symptoms into Google or other search platforms, hoping to get sensible answers and advice.' Many people are reluctant to seek proactive medical advice due to a complex interplay of social, cultural, psychological and systemic factors. Practical challenges, such as taking time off work, long waiting periods and limited access to healthcare professionals, further discourage timely health consultations. Cancer symptoms alone generate hundreds of thousands of Google searches each month across the globe. ''Dr Google' is a poor substitute for regular cancer screenings and medical check-ups by qualified health professionals,' warned Govender. 'The generic and sometimes conflicting advice produced by Google and AI-powered platforms like Copilot and ChatGPT often causes more confusion and may result in missed diagnoses of serious conditions.' To mark Corporate Wellness Week, which took place from July 1 to 5, Govender believes it is the ideal opportunity to address this issue. Bringing health solutions into the workplace A proactive approach to employee health can significantly reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease. This not only enhances employee well-being but also reduces sick days and improves productivity, ultimately contributing to business continuity and sustainability. Cansa has developed a comprehensive workplace wellness programme, offering general health and cancer screenings alongside health-boosting advice directly within the corporate environment. 'We take a multi-faceted approach to assist employees in lowering their risk, not only for cancer but for other non-communicable diseases too. 'Through various services and activities, we promote the benefits of a healthy work environment and encourage employees to adopt positive lifestyle habits and schedule regular medical check-ups,' explained Govender. Employers need to understand that a cancer diagnosis does not necessarily mean an employee has to reduce working hours or leave the workforce. Early detection significantly increases the chance of positive outcomes. The benefits for employers and employees. Corporate wellness initiatives offer far-reaching benefits. By integrating health services into the workplace, companies help achieve sustainable development goals such as promoting good health and well-being, supporting a productive and inclusive workforce and fostering sustainable economic growth. 'Employee wellness programmes are not just a perk, they are a strategic investment. They help to build a healthier, more resilient and motivated workforce, which is essential in today's competitive business landscape,' Govender noted. How the programme works The programme is funded by the employer and is free of charge to employees. 'The frequency of the programme is tailored to each company's needs. It can be a one-day initiative, run over several days, or repeated multiple times a year based on the organisation's request,' said Govender. In addition to screenings and personalised health advice, Cansa's corporate wellness days may feature educational talks and interactive exhibitions covering a range of cancer-related topics. Presentations often focus on the most common cancers affecting men and women in South Africa. Informational leaflets and demonstration models are provided to educate employees on self-examination techniques. Supporting cancer risk reduction in South Africa 'The importance of health risk assessments and screenings cannot be overstated. Cancer is a growing health priority in South Africa and around the world. 'According to the 2021 Percept Report, cancer cases in South Africa are projected to double to 220,000 new cases annually by 2030,' said Govender. By partnering with Cansa, companies can play a crucial role in lowering the nation's cancer risk and supporting a culture of wellness at work. For enquiries about Cansa's Corporate Wellness Programme, complete the online booking form or email [email protected] At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
3 days ago
- IOL News
Can AI chatbots replace human therapists? Unpacking the mental health revolution
AI serves as a supportive tool but should not replace professional care. Image: Ron Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept it's here, embedded in our daily lives, reshaping how we work, connect, and even care for our mental health. But can a chatbot like ChatGPT truly replace a human therapist? The question might sound far-fetched, but as the use of AI in mental health continues to grow, this debate has become urgent and deeply personal. To explore this, I turned to Cassie Chambers, operations director at the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), who offered thoughtful insights into this complex conversation. Let's dive into the pros, cons and the bigger picture of AI's role in mental health support. What AI can and can't offer AI tools like ChatGPT are undeniably convenient. Available 24/7, stigma-free, and offering instant responses, they're a lifeline for people seeking immediate support. 'AI can simulate conversations, suggest coping techniques, and even provide resources like breathing exercises or links to helpful videos," Chambers explains. "But it cannot replicate the deep empathy, compassion, and authentic human connection that come from a skilled therapist.' Human therapists bring something irreplaceable: the ability to read subtle cues like tone, body language and even those heavy pauses that convey unspoken emotions. 'Therapists rely on intuition, warmth, and their own lived experiences, Chambers says. "This creates a healing relationship built on trust, shared humanity and vulnerability, something no algorithm can fully replicate.' The wake-up call for traditional therapy AI's growing popularity highlights gaps in the traditional mental health care model. People want flexibility, affordability, and immediate support qualities often missing in conventional therapy. 'When someone is in crisis, they can't always wait weeks for an appointment,' Chambers notes. 'Traditional models need to evolve to meet these changing demands.' AI offers an accessible, user-friendly option. It's as simple as opening an app or sending a message, making support available when and where people need it most. SADAG, for example, has embraced a hybrid approach, offering both human-led support groups and digital tools to reach people on their terms. Therapists rely on intuition, warmth, and their own lived experiences. This creates a healing relationship built on trust, shared humanity, and vulnerability something no algorithm can fully replicate. Image: Pexels The bigger question: What does this say about us? Perhaps the most thought-provoking aspect of this debate isn't about AI replacing therapists, but what it reveals about human connection today. Chambers reflects on how many people feel more heard and understood by AI than in their real-life relationships. She says, 'This is deeply telling. It shows how much we struggle to find safe spaces where we feel free to open up and be vulnerable.' The pandemic only deepened this disconnect. 'Covid-19 disrupted our ability to communicate and connect," Chambers explains. Young people, in particular, have struggled to rebuild those skills. It's like that saying: You can be in a room full of people and still feel utterly alone. While AI chatbots can simulate empathy and active listening, they can't replace the mutual connection and shared humanity of real relationships. Research during Covid highlighted the power of a simple phone call with a loved one, which could boost mood and mental well-being as effectively as therapy. AI can access vast amounts of data, providing insights into therapy techniques, psychological models and case studies. However, the human touch remains irreplaceable for complex issues such as trauma, addiction or depression. Image: Ron Can AI handle complex mental health issues? AI excels in accessing vast amounts of data, offering insights into therapy techniques, psychological models, and case studies. But when it comes to complex issues like trauma, addiction, or depression, the human touch remains irreplaceable. 'These cases require nuanced, moment-to-moment intuition shaped by personal history, cultural context, and emotions,' Chambers explains. "A therapist's ability to adapt their approach to each person's unique story is something AI can't replicate.' That said, AI can complement human therapists by streamlining their work and handling routine tasks like screenings or resource sharing, freeing up therapists to focus on deeper, more complex care. Emotional bonds with AI: A growing concern One troubling trend is the emotional attachment some users form with AI. Vulnerable individuals, particularly young people, have reported naming their AI companions and even building what feels like romantic relationships. These attachments, while understandable, can lead to heartbreak and even harm when users realise the relationship isn't real. 'This is why critical thinking and education are so important,' Chambers stresses. "AI can be a supportive tool, but it should never replace professional care. Just like you wouldn't trust Google to treat cancer or diabetes, you shouldn't rely solely on AI for mental health.' So, where do we go from here? Chambers envisions a collaborative future where AI and human therapists work together. 'AI can handle the basic screenings, psychoeducation, and routine check-ins while human therapists focus on the deeper work of healing, she says. "This partnership could make mental health care more accessible without losing the deeply human aspect that's essential for true healing.' However, the risk is that people might see AI as 'good enough' and stop seeking human connection altogether. 'We must ensure that humans remain at the heart of mental health care, Chambers emphasises. Post-Covid, we've learned that humans need humans. No machine can replace the profound impact of genuine human connection.' The rise of AI in mental health is a wake-up call not just for therapists, but for all of us. It forces us to examine how we connect and how we can do better. While AI can be a powerful tool, it's not a solution. It's a supplement, a first step, but never the whole journey. As we navigate this new digital age, we must prioritise fostering compassionate, accepting relationships in our homes, workplaces and communities. At the end of the day, no machine can ever make us feel as seen, heard, and valued as another human being can.
IOL News
5 days ago
- IOL News
South Africa weighs in on global movement restricting social media for under-16s
South Africa has joined the global conversation on restricting social media access for under-16s. With growing concern over the impact of social media on children's mental health, several countries, including Australia, France, and even some U.S. states, are calling for a ban on under-16s joining social platforms. In South Africa, the conversation is gaining momentum as KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC, Nomagugu Simelane raised concerns about the harmful effects of social media. Simelane recently made an impassioned appeal for parents to get more involved in their children's digital lives. Speaking on the KZN Health Chat multimedia programme, she warned of the links between social media use and anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and even suicide among young people. 'Our children become severely affected by social media,' said Simelane. 'You realise that as parents, we take it for granted, thinking 'it's just a phone.' But you find cases whereby a child may take their own life, only to find that it's due to the pressure that they had put themselves under, based on what they see on social media.' Simelane stressed the dangers of cyberbullying and digital peer pressure. She highlighted a case where a learner superimposed another student's face onto a sex worker's profile as an example of the devastating consequences of unsupervised online access. South Africa now has 26.7 million active adult social media users, with numbers rising by over 700,000 in just one year. 95% of children in grades 4 to 11 (ages 10 to 17) have regular internet access, and 83% of 12-year-olds already possess at least one social media account. As a South African mother of 11-year-old girls, I can personally attest to how difficult it is to monitor online use. Like most children today, they turn to Google rather than a library for information, drawn in by content that is visually appealing, addictive, and not always accurate. This endless stream of algorithm-curated material can leave them anxious, unsettled, and craving even more content, some of which is often not age-appropriate.
