The responsibility rests with patients to contact CANSA for assistance. Read more...
About CANSA
Who We Are
A leader in the fight against cancer in SA, since 1931, the vision of the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), is to lead South Africa towards a cancer free society.
It’s mission as a non-profit fighting cancer, is to enable research, educate the public and advocate for and support all people affected by cancer.
Our Advocacy team strives to ensure that South African policy makers are influenced with regards to important cancer control issues, and patients’ right to healthcare is protected. Read more….
CANSA is committed to connecting people facing cancer with information, day-to-day help as well as emotional support they need in the communities where they live. Our aim is to ensure that cancer Survivors and their loved ones don’t have to face cancer alone; we’re here to support them through every step of their cancer journey.*
Your support helps us to continue the fight against cancer in South Africa and brings us closer to the challenge of a cancer-free society within our generation. Let this become our legacy to our children and generations to come.
* The responsibility rests with patients to contact CANSA for assistance. CANSA is not informed of any diagnoses / of patients being treated at medical centres. Family need to obtain permission from patients, before CANSA may contact them. Read more…
Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) number – Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA): 130001397
Non Profit Organisation Registration number – Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA): 000-524 NPO
CANSA Awarded Outstanding Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign Award by UICC
In recognition of CANSA’s breast awareness campaign, dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer during October and throughout the year, CANSA was awarded the Breast Cancer Awareness Month Campaign Award by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC)…
Read morePublished: 28 November 2024 | Last Updated: 12 May 2025
Categories: About CANSA, Advocacy, Women's Health
How Colon Cancer Changed My Life
Survival is not “cute” and cancer has completely changed my life. People look at me and think I carry everything so well, but they don’t understand how cancer will always be a part of me, even though I am cancer-free. My body will never be the same again. Daily, I go through physical challenges caused by cancer. My lifestyle has changed. Emotionally, I only survive through prayer and my faith in God. I am grateful for my second chance in life and the fact that I can positively impact people’s lives.
Read morePublished: 6 August 2024 | Last Updated: 6 August 2024
Categories: About CANSA, Advocacy
Navigating The Public Healthcare System With Cancer In The Eastern Cape: The Difficulties Encountered With Access To Treatment
Getting a cancer diagnosis is a scary thing, but there is help and support for all on this journey. CANSA, and Zodwa Sithole (Head of Advocacy at CANSA) in particular, has been so kind, helpful and supportive to me. She has listened to the problems I’ve experienced and, actually, done something about it, which I so appreciate. Words without action lead to despair but I have been able to rely on her for showing me the way forward and easing my anxiety.
Read morePublished: 17 July 2024 | Last Updated: 17 July 2024
Categories: About CANSA, Advocacy
My Journey With Two NCD’s – Cancer and HIV
We cancer patients need our cries for help to be heard about short supplies of medication, stoma bags and any delays in treatment like chemotherapy and radiation. I am ever so grateful to Zodwa, CANSA, and all her staff who, from 2021 till today, have taken the time to help me on my journey.
Read morePublished: 17 July 2024 | Last Updated: 17 July 2024
Categories: About CANSA, Advocacy
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…
Read morePublished: 8 July 2024 | Last Updated: 10 July 2024
Categories: About CANSA, Advocacy, CANSA Bedfordview Care Centre, CANSA Bloemfontein Care Centre, CANSA Cape Metro Care Centre, CANSA Durban Care Centre, CANSA East London Care Centre, CANSA George Care Centre, CANSA Gqeberha Care Centre, CANSA Highlights, CANSA Kimberley Virtual Care Centre, CANSA Lowveld Care Centre, CANSA Paarl Care Centre, CANSA Pretoria Care Centre, CANSA Roodepoort Satellite Care Centre, CANSA Rustenburg Care Centre, CANSA Springbok Virtual Care Centre, CANSA Waterberg Virtual Care Centre, I have Cancer, Men's Health, Women's Health
CANSA CEO Announced an Honouree: ‘Mission Driven Champions’ Category in Diligent Global Recognition Programme
Diligent, a leading GRC SaaS company, today announced the honourees of the 2024 Modern Governance 100 global recognition programme. Elize Joubert, the CEO of CANSA was among the honourees, and one of the winners in the ‘Mission Driven Champions’ category. Says Elize, “It is not my award, it is CANSA’s award!” with heartfelt thanks to all CANSA staff and the Board…
Read morePublished: 24 April 2024 | Last Updated: 18 February 2025
Categories: About CANSA
Great.com Talks With Lucy Balona From CANSA
Karimkhon Bukhadurov from Great.com interviewed CANSA as part of their ‘Great.com Talks With…’ podcast. This series is an antidote to negative news stories that aims to shed light on organizations and experts whose work is making a positive impact on the world.
Read morePublished: 24 January 2024 | Last Updated: 29 February 2024
Categories: About CANSA
CANSA – Guardian of Cancer Patients’ Human Rights
On 21 March, Human Rights’ Day is celebrated coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution, that enshrines the rights of all people in South Africa and affirms the democratic values of human dignity, equality and freedom. The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) upholds and helps protect the human rights of cancer patients, by speaking on behalf of patients through its Advocacy and Service departments and facilitating improved access to medication, treatment and palliative care…
Read morePublished: 16 March 2022 | Last Updated: 19 May 2022
Categories: A Loved One has Cancer, About CANSA, Advocacy, Caregiving and Cancer, I have Cancer, Media Releases & News
CANSA 90th Messages of Appreciation from Partners and Influencers
CANSA 90th – messages of appreciation from partners and influencers – CANSA is so grateful for their support…
Read morePublished: 6 December 2021 | Last Updated: 2 January 2022
Categories: CANSA 90th Anniversary
CANSA 90th Messages of Appreciation from Cancer Patients & Loved Ones
It warms our hearts to know we’ve been able to make a difference in cancer patients’ lives, and help them know they are not alone in the fight against cancer…
Read morePublished: 6 December 2021 | Last Updated: 2 January 2022
Categories: CANSA 90th Anniversary, CANSA Care Centres
CANSA 90th Messages of Appreciation from Staff & Volunteers
First opening its doors in 1931, CANSA has continued to evolve to meet the needs of cancer patients and loved ones throughout the years and we could not have done so without our amazing staff and volunteers! Special thanks to each and every staff member and volunteer…
Read morePublished: 6 December 2021 | Last Updated: 2 January 2022
Categories: CANSA 90th Anniversary, CANSA Care Centres, Volunteers Inspire, Work for CANSA
CANSA Celebrating 90 Years – Together We Give
CANSA, founded in 1931, has reached an extraordinary milepost, celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. CANSA has remained relevant, highly adaptable, and resilient, through refining its focus and service offerings to better meet the needs of those affected by cancer and educate the public on how to lower cancer risk…
Read morePublished: 24 November 2021 | Last Updated: 2 January 2022
Categories: CANSA 90th Anniversary, Media Releases & News
All Aboard for CANSA 90th – Elize Joubert CANSA CEO and Board Member
Elize Joubert, CANSA CEO: ” I appreciate being able to make a positive difference in a cancer patient or loved one’s life through CANSA. I am immensely proud of all CANSA’s achievements, and to have played a role in this organisation for 30 years.”
Read morePublished: 22 November 2021 | Last Updated: 25 November 2021
Categories: CANSA 90th Anniversary
All Aboard for CANSA 90th – Prof Patrick Arbuthnot CANSA Board Member
Prof Patrick Arbuthnot, Board member: “CANSA carries out valuable, compassionate work to assist people whose lives are affected by cancer. The organisation supports research, which is important to tackle problems that are particularly important to South Africa.”
Read morePublished: 22 November 2021
Categories: CANSA 90th Anniversary
All Aboard for CANSA 90th – Dr Rosie Mngqibisa CANSA Board Member
Dr Rosie Mngqbisa, Board member: “CANSA has a national footprint and its vision to make its service available to under-served communities inspired me to be part of the team. I admire CANSA’s education and support service, despite the challenges that they have faced over the years. Their innovation in reaching communities regardless of the restrictions introduced by the pandemic and passion of staff to achieve this has been most admirable.”
Read morePublished: 22 November 2021
Categories: CANSA 90th Anniversary
All Aboard for CANSA 90th – Judge Dhaya Pillay CANSA Board Member
Judge Dhaya Pillay, Board member: “I serve on the Board of CANSA because of its universal appeal as an organisation committed to service of vulnerable people. As a judge, I am cautious about the organisations I associate myself with. Serving with like-minded people selflessly committed to the highest ethical standards, reassures me that this is where I want to be.”
Read morePublished: 22 November 2021
Categories: CANSA 90th Anniversary
All Aboard for CANSA 90th – Jené Palmer CANSA Board Member
Jené Palmer, Board member: “CANSA admirably symbolises the hope, determination and endurance demonstrated by cancer patients and those affected by cancer. Even though the organisation has faced many challenges, it continues to fight to serve others. This is a fitting tribute to the employees and volunteers who selflessly give of their time and energy to research different aspects of cancer; educate the public and encourage healthy lifestyles; and provide support for cancer patients and those affected by cancer.”
Read morePublished: 22 November 2021
Categories: CANSA 90th Anniversary
All Aboard for CANSA 90th – Peter Mukheli CANSA CFO and Board Member
Peter Mukheli, CANSA CFO and Board member: “My message to CANSA is to continue to grow its support services, as this makes a tangible impact on communities, and to enable more awareness of cancer.”
Read morePublished: 22 November 2021
Categories: CANSA 90th Anniversary
All Aboard for CANSA 90th – Dr Martin Mandew CANSA Board Member
Dr Martin Mandew, Board member: “The support that CANSA gives to ordinary people, many of whom do not understand the complex challenges that a cancer diagnosis will present, is extremely valuable.”
Read morePublished: 22 November 2021
Categories: CANSA 90th Anniversary
All Aboard for CANSA 90th – Bothwell Mazarura CANSA Board Member
Bothwell Mazarura, Board member: “I believe CANSA is playing a key role in advancing awareness and research which is vital to saving lives. Education and awareness play a significant role in getting rid of myths surrounding the disease and allows for early detection and treatment especially amongst our black communities.”
Read morePublished: 22 November 2021
Categories: CANSA 90th Anniversary
All Aboard for CANSA 90th – Bugs Pancha President CANSA Board
Bugs Pancha, President Board: “I serve CANSA because of the joy I get from working with the most dedicated and committed team. Within the next 10 years I would like to see CANSA’s research, education and support programmes expanded and reaching all people in our country.”
Read morePublished: 22 November 2021 | Last Updated: 25 November 2021
Categories: CANSA 90th Anniversary
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