CANSA Head of Research: AWACAN-ED Collaboration
Prof Jane Harries
About AWACAN-ED
AWACAN-ED (African aWAreness of CANcer & Early Diagnosis) is an NIHR-funded Global Health Research Group focussing on Advancing Early Diagnosis of Cancer in Southern Africa.
The study aims to develop and evaluate electronic tools (e-Tools) to improve care-seeking behaviour and reduce healthcare delays in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
The research focuses on:
- Cervical and breast cancer in women
- Colorectal cancer in men and women
These cancers are common and have relatively accessible methods for detection and treatment, particularly when identified at an early stage.
Key Publications
(Prof Harries is a co-author)
-
Mapping local evidence on early recognition and management of people with potential cancer symptoms: a narrative review
South African Health Review, 2023 -
Insights from Conducting Community- and Health Facility-Based Cancer Research in Sub-Saharan Africa
Social and Health Sciences, 2025
- Randomised controlled community trial assessing efficacy of the AWACAN-ED public toolkit to improve cancer symptom awareness and intention to seek help in South Africa and Zimbabwe: study protocol
BMJ Open, January 2026
Participating Institutions
Individual institution pages provide more information on activities at each site:
This collaboration has provided an important opportunity for Prof Harries to play an active role in international cancer research and to showcase the work and expertise of the CANSA Research Department.
