CANSA Calls for Honest Conversations on World Lymphoma Awareness Day
The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) is shining a light on lymphoma this World Lymphoma Awareness Day (15 September), calling for more open conversations and stronger support for patients and their loved ones.
Lymphoma is one of the fastest-growing cancers worldwide yet often misunderstood. Each year, more than 810,000 people are diagnosed globally – and the emotional toll can be as tough as the physical illness. In South Africa, latest National Cancer Registry figures (2023) show over 2,200 new cases of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and nearly 640 cases of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, placing NHL among the top 10 most common cancers in both men and women (when including skin cancers).
CANSA provides vital services to those affected, including counselling, support groups, navigation of the health system, patient care homes, and evidence-based information in local languages. Its CANSA Tele Counselling and online support platforms also ensure that no one faces lymphoma alone.
As part of this year’s global campaign theme, ‘It’s Time for Honest Talk,’ CANSA is promoting the Lymphoma Coalition’s Honest Talk Conversation Starters – practical, downloadable tools that help patients, caregivers, and families have important discussions with doctors, employers, and loved ones – download infographics: Lymphoma | Prognosis and Diagnosis | Care Partner | Returning to Work
“Challenging feelings are a normal part of the cancer experience, but they shouldn’t be faced in silence,” says Lorraine Govender, CANSA’s National Manager: Health Programmes. “That’s why CANSA integrates emotional, practical, and clinical support into everything we do.”.
“CANSA’s membership with the Lymphoma Coalition keeps us aligned with the latest information on lymphoma or chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), enabling us to share it with the South African public while adhering to the global standards for excellence in lymphoma care outlined in the Lymphoma Charter”, states Govender.
According to the Psychological Impact of Lymphoma Report, conversations about a diagnosis or test results can be difficult, but 96% of people with lymphoma said it’s important that doctors share the full truth. The Honest Talk Medical News Conversation Starter helps patients and care partners confidently engage with their healthcare team to get the complete information they need.
A lymphoma diagnosis affects more than just the patient – 91% of care partners report emotional strain. The Honest Talk Care Partner Conversation Starter helps carers express their needs and seek the support they deserve.
All Conversation Starters are available free for download at www.worldlymphomaawarenessday.org and can be shared with medical teams or personal contacts to help start difficult conversations and address any pressing matters.
“Early awareness and strong support networks can make a life-changing difference,” adds Govender. “By starting these honest conversations, we can break down barriers and ensure patients feel understood and supported. The Honest Talk Return-to-Work Conversation Starter helps you confidently open discussions about returning to the workplace and can be shared with your manager, colleagues, or HR.”
Recognising the unique challenges faced by lymphoma patients, survivors and their families, CANSA further provides counselling and support groups: individual and group counselling, online platforms including a dedicated Facebook group for survivors.
Govender shares, “We’ve developed and share evidence-based fact sheets and educational material on lymphoma in English and other South African languages to improve public knowledge. And our CANSA Care Homes provide affordable lodging for out-of-town lymphoma patients while they undergo treatment at oncology centres.”
*Global Patient Survey – Lymphoma Coalition
(For more information, please contact Lucy Balona, Head: Marketing and Communication at CANSA at email lbalona@cansa.org.za. Call 011 616 7662 or mobile 082 459 5230.)
About the Lymphoma Coalition
Lymphoma Coalition is a worldwide network of patient organisations that support those affected by lymphoma. LC acts as a central hub for reliable and current information, as well as advocating for equitable care globally. Its mission is to enable global impact by fostering a lymphoma ecosystem that ensures local change and evidence-based action and advocating for equitable care around the world. Today, there are more than 90 member organisations from over 55 countries. Find out more at www.lymphomacoalition.org
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