The Traditional Shotokan Karate-do Federation of SA (TSKFSA) is among sporting clubs challenging others to tackle men’s cancers through Cancer Council SA’s Call To Arms activities.

It joins high profile ambassadors Socceroos’ Tim Cahill, Adelaide United’s Lucas Pantelis and Adelaide Crow’s Patrick Dangerfield and Nathan Van Berlo urging teams and clubs of all ages, leagues and codes to tackle what could be their toughest opponent yet – cancer – through awareness and fundraising.

The TSKFSA is planning a day long training session on August 7 at the Gawler Community Centre (Nixon Terrace) which is being provided free of charge by management and staff.

“We’re Uniting in the Fight to beat cancer, conscious that it’s prevalence is likely to affect our members or friends at some time,” says TSKFSA spokesman Jon Brassington.

“No-one is immune to cancer and we all recognise a responsibility to tackle it head on during the Call To Arms awareness effort.”

The head of TSKF Australia, Shihan Takahashi Shunsuke OAM, has dedicated more than 30 years to teaching traditional Japanese Karate in Australia.

The SA club has more than 22 blackbelts, state and national medal holders and involves children as young as six.  The oldest member, now 65, gained her blackbelt last year.

Compared to women, men are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer and less likely to survive their diagnoses.

“Every year almost 5,000 South Australian men are diagnosed with cancer and almost 2,000 men die from the disease.  The reality is it could be your father, brother, husband, son or best mate,” says Professor Brenda Wilson, Chief Executive, Cancer Council SA.

 
“SA clubs getting behind Call To Arms include Adelaide United, the Adelaide Crows, SA Amateur Football League and Football Federation SA.  Many of them have already scheduled Call To Arms matches involving yellow arm bands.

“This signifies support for men who have survived cancer, and remembrance of mates who have been lost to the disease.

“Call To Arms gives sporting clubs the ability to help save men’s lives and the funds raised will help prevent and detect cancers, find new treatments, as well as support those affected.”

“It also helps spread the message that up to 50 per cent of cancers are preventable.  Men can reduce their risk by not smoking, reducing alcohol intake, eating healthily and exercising.

Call To Arms is open to all ages, from junior leagues up to professional clubs of all codes. For more information and to register, visit www.calltoarms.com.au or call 1300 65 65 85.

Statistics on men’s cancers in SA
• About 4,760 South Australian men are diagnosed with cancer each year.
• By this time tomorrow, 13 South Australian men will have heard the words ‘you have cancer’.
• The most common cancers facing men in SA are lung, colorectal and prostate cancer.
• The Australian survival rate for many common cancers has increased by more than 30 per cent in the past two decades.
• While more than 60 per cent of South Australian men will now survive a cancer diagnosis, cancer remains the leading cause of death.  Every year about 1,880 SA men will lose their lives as a result of the disease.
• Compared to women, SA men are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer, and are less likely to survive their diagnosis.
• Many men don’t realise that up to 50 per cent of cancers are preventable.  You can reduce your cancer risk by not smoking, reducing alcohol intake, eating healthily and exercising.
• Not smoking, or giving up, is the single most effective strategy to prevent cancer.  Nationally, one in nine cancer cases, and more than one in five cancer deaths (more than 7,700 every year) are caused by cigarette smoking.
• Those with questions about cancer can call the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20.