The Cancer Association of South Africa

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The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), a non-profit leader in the fight against cancer since 1931, enables research, educates the public and advocates for and supports all people affected by cancer, while leading SA towards a cancer-free society. Read more…

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0800 22 6622

072 197 9305 English and Afrikaans (text only)
071 867 3530 isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sesotho, Setswana and Sepedi (text only)

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News & Highlights

CANSA Boosts its Support Network for Global Cancer Survivors’ Month

June each year sees global attention directed to the impact of cancer on its survivors, their caregivers, loved ones, families and other people within the survivor’s circle. Often these people just need someone to talk to about their cancer experience. CANSA launched a virtual support group, that will take place on a monthly basis, to boost the reach it has already achieved through its face-to-face support groups, Facebook and WhatsApp support groups, run across South Africa.

Malls Unite to Showcase the Your Cancer Counts Campaign

This May and June, Old Mutual Property is putting the spotlight on cancer in a bold and interactive way. Through its support of Living with Cancer SA, eight major malls in five different provinces under its banner will become vibrant hubs for community-led cancer awareness, reflection and information sharing, in the build-up to National Cancer Survivors Day on 2 June 2025…

CANSA Virtual Support Group

CANSA is launching a new monthly virtual support group starting Saturday, 24 May from 11:00 to 12:00 via Zoom.

Vaping is Not a Safe Form of Smoking for Youngsters (or Adults) Warns CANSA

As the world marks World No Tobacco Day on 31 May, CANSA is calling out the tobacco industry for deliberately marketing vaping products to teenagers and younger children. And one day earlier, CANSA will be walking with South African youth to draw attention to this alarming trend…

Updates to the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill Workshop

CANSA hosted an impactful workshop on Saturday, 29 March 2025 at the Premier Hotel in Cape Town, focusing on the Updates to the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill. Our expert guest speakers captivated attendees with valuable insights and information, sparking engaging discussions. The interactive audience raised important questions, contributing to a dynamic and informative session.

Colorectal Cancer – The Power of Balance – Fibre and Gut Health

While genetics play a role, lifestyle choices make a big difference to the risk of developing colorectal cancer, says Lorraine Govender, National Manager: Health of the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), of one of the top five most common cancers in South Africa.

One Dose of HPV Vaccine, One Less Worry for Cervical Cancer

International Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Awareness Day, observed annually on 4 March, serves as a crucial reminder of the link between HPV and cervical cancer. The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) supports the International Papillomavirus Society’s (IPVS) initiative to address the urgent need to raise awareness about this common virus and its potential harm. Since most HPV-related cancers are preventable through vaccination, screening (such as Pap smears) and timely treatment, increasing public awareness is essential.

Video: Samantha Graham Mare – A Cancer Survivor Story

Samantha Graham-Maré is a current Deputy Minister and breast cancer survivor who was diagnosed twice and at the time, had no access to medical aid. She stayed at our CANSA Strelitzia Care Home. Watch to hear her story and her message of hope. Find out more about breast cancer and tips for coping with breast cancer surgery…

Coping with Breast Cancer Surgery

CANSA shares some helpful tips to support breast cancer patients who undergo surgery as part of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer affecting women of all races in South Africa…

CANSA Partnering with Provincial Departments of Health to Fight Cancer

CANSA’s Advocacy team regularly lobbies and engages with the Departments of Health and aims to establish partnerships with key National and Provincial stakeholders. CANSA advocates for the training of Primary Health Professional Care Workers on the top five cancers for men and women prevalent in SA. This will help with the early detection of cancer in the Primary Health settings and early access to cancer treatment.  The focus is mainly with the Provincial Departments of Health, and our CANSA Service team implement the activities in the provinces. To date, four Provincial Departments of Health have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with CANSA:  Northern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga.  Work continues to engage with the remaining provinces…

MSD Global Oncology Policy Grant

See the Desktop Review Summary Report, Policy Brief and Publication in ecancermedicalscience of the study titled Legal frameworks and policies: advancing innovative approaches to cancer care in South Africa.

Patient-Led South African Cancer Registry – Living with Cancer

The data that the LWC Patient-Led Cancer Registry collates will be added to the current National Cancer registry to look at cancer incidents and to improve planning for cancer services in SA in the long run. CANSA invites all cancer patients to register on the portal…

CANSA Research Type A Funding Call 2026

We are accepting expressions of research interest focused on controlling priority cancers in South Africa. Research may be on a range of cancer control determinants, including those with a focus on public health, and clinical and basic sciences. We also welcome projects investigating cancer research that utilises new methodologies and technologies. Interested applicants are invited to submit a Letter of Interest by 30 April 2025.

Cancer-related Research Studies

We collaborate with partners to support awareness of, and access to, cancer-related research studies and make available regularly updated information on studies currently taking place in South Africa. Find out what studies and research are taking place, if you are eligible and how you can get involved.

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