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CANSA Research
Prof Paul Ruff appointed as Chair of ASCO’s Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Council
CANSA congratulates CANSA Research Committee (RESCOM) member Prof Paul Ruff for being appointed as Chair of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Council. Prof Ruff is an Emeritus Professor of Medical Oncology at the School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand. The Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Council has 12 members who […]
Read morePublished: 14 March 2023
Updated: 15 March 2023
Categories: CANSA Research, Notice Board, Our Research Team
Professor Sharon Prince Awarded Gold for Outstanding Scientific Contributions to Health Research
The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) held its 9th SAMRC Scientific Merit Awards recently to recognise excellence in health research. Read more here. Congratulations to Prof Sharon Prince, on being awarded the South African Medical Research Council’s Gold Award for her substantial and influential contribution to health, especially in low and middle-income countries. Prof […]
Read morePublished: 13 March 2023
Updated: 14 March 2023
Categories: CANSA Research, Notice Board
Different Areas of Cancer Research
The term “cancer research” covers a wide range of research activities. In general, there are five main areas of cancer research: Basic research Clinical research Translational research Socio-behavioural research Population-oriented research Basic Research Basic research, also known as cancer biology, focuses on understanding how cells function and what makes cancer cells different from normal cells. […]
Read morePublished: 14 November 2022
Updated: 12 May 2026
Categories: CANSA Research
Oettlé Memorial Award 2022 to Dr Elvira Singh
Dr. Elvira Singh has been selected to receive the coveted AG Oettlé Memorial medal from CANSA for her outstanding contributions to cancer research. Elvira meets the spirit and action required of the AG Oettlé Award. Dr. Singh led the South African National Cancer Registry (NCR) since 2014 and played a critical role in revitalising the […]
Read morePublished: 1 November 2022
Updated: 24 July 2023
Categories: CANSA Research, Notice Board
Research Reports
Polygenic Scores for Cancer – PHG FoundationThis report explains polygenic scores – how multiple genetic variants are combined – and what they could mean for cancer prediction, prevention, and care. Written for health policymakers and other stakeholders, it highlights where polygenic scores could be used in health services and points out current gaps in the […]
Read morePublished: 19 October 2022
Updated: 28 January 2026
Categories: CANSA Research, Notice Board, Research Findings
CANSA Head of Research: AWACAN-ED Collaboration
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 […]
Read morePublished: 8 August 2022
Updated: 26 February 2026
Categories: CANSA Research, Notice Board, Research Findings, Research Projects
MSD Global Oncology Policy Grant
Study Title Legal frameworks and policies: advancing innovative approaches to cancer care in South Africa Study Description This is a collaborative research study with the Cancer Alliance, the Cancer Association of South Africa, Global Health Unit, Institute of Cancer Policy, Kings College London and Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, […]
Read morePublished: 7 August 2022
Updated: 30 September 2025
Categories: CANSA Research, Notice Board, Research Findings, Research Projects
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) – Research Evidence-based Booklets
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has developed a series of high-quality evidence-based (short-format) booklets: Breast Cancer Outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa – The need to tackle advanced stage at diagnosis and improve access to high-quality treatment Improving Early Detection and Clinical Management of Bladder Cancer – A promising urine test (uTERTpm) The Nutri-Score: […]
Read morePublished: 3 June 2022
Updated: 3 June 2022
Categories: CANSA Research, Notice Board, Research Findings
E-cigarette Study Funded by CANSA
CANSA funded a qualitative research study on electronic cigarettes in collaboration with the UCT Knowledge Co-op which facilitated the project. The study focussed on the knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes towards e-cigarettes among university students. Dissertation – 2019 (PDF) Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are deemed to be safer than tobacco cigarettes because they do not contain a […]
Read morePublished: 19 May 2022
Updated: 19 May 2022
Categories: CANSA Research, No-Tobacco Campaign
Genetic Risk Factors for Breast Cancer in South Africa
Prof Christopher Mathew Department of Human Genetics and Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of the Witwatersrand Email A/Prof Michael Urban Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand Email Title of the project Genetic risk factors for breast cancer in South Africa: A […]
Read morePublished: 8 April 2022
Updated: 5 February 2026
Categories: CANSA Research, Research Projects
Improving Cure for Lymphoma Patients in South Africa by Enhancing Access to Early and Accurate Lymphoma Diagnosis
Project ended 30 May 2025 A/Prof Estelle Verburgh Clinical Haematology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town Email Title of the project Improving cure for lymphoma patients in South Africa by enhancing access to early and accurate lymphoma diagnosis Project Description The incidence of aggressive lymphoma is markedly elevated in people living with HIV (PLWH) […]
Read morePublished: 8 April 2022
Updated: 13 October 2025
Categories: CANSA Research, Research Projects
CANSA Attends Launch of the Pan African Cancer Research Institute as an Official Partner to Transform the Fight Against Cancer
“CANSA recognises that to survive in the current challenging climate, we need strong partnerships that will help us to reach our mission and objectives. The Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI) have our full support representing civil society and thousands of people affected by cancer” The University of Pretoria (UP) has launched the Pan African […]
Read morePublished: 3 March 2022
Updated: 4 March 2022
Categories: CANSA Research, Notice Board
Message of Condolence for Dr Elvira Singh
CANSA is devastated to learn of the loss of Dr Elvira Singh who dedicated her talent and energy as Head of Department for the National Cancer Registry. She was a passionate public health specialist concerned about the high incidences of cancer in SA. We worked closely with her over many years, and she was a […]
Read morePublished: 1 March 2022
Updated: 1 March 2022
Categories: CANSA Research, Notice Board
CANSA Engagement with Traditional Practitioners in Early Detection of Cancer
CANSA Provides Training to Traditional Health Practitioners to help Close the Cancer Care Gap CANSA joins hands with traditional practitioners
Read morePublished: 21 February 2022
Updated: 21 February 2022
Categories: CANSA Research, Notice Board
UCT’s Professor Lynette Denny honoured by the president with National Order
University of Cape Town (UCT) cervical cancer researcher Prof Lynette Denny received the Order of the Baobab (Silver) from President Cyril Ramaphosa at an investiture ceremony hosted by the presidency in recognition of Prof Denny’s work as a leading global researcher in cervical cancer and its association with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Prof Denny is […]
Read morePublished: 1 December 2021
Updated: 1 December 2021
Categories: CANSA Research, Notice Board, Research Findings
Breast Cancer Research – Prof Jane Harries
Booklet 9 – Professor Jane Harries – Contraceptive needs and fertility intentions of women with breast cancer in Cape Town, South Africa: a qualitative study
Read morePublished: 18 November 2021
Updated: 22 November 2021
Categories: CANSA Detectives Research Booklets, CANSA Research, Research Findings
Prostate Cancer Research – Prof Riana Bornman
Booklet 8 – Professor Riana Bornman – Southern African Prostate Cancer Study (SAPCS)
Read morePublished: 18 November 2021
Updated: 22 November 2021
Categories: CANSA Detectives Research Booklets, CANSA Research, Research Findings
Breast Cancer Research – Prof Jennifer Moodley
Booklet 6 – Professor Jennifer Moodley – Women’s pathways to breast cancer diagnosis and care
Read morePublished: 18 November 2021
Updated: 24 November 2021
Categories: CANSA Detectives Research Booklets, CANSA Research, Research Findings
Chemotherapeutic Intervention Research – Prof Anna-Mart Engelbrecht
Booklet 5 – Professor Anna-Mart Engelbrecht – Novel Strategies in Chemotherapeutic Intervention
Read morePublished: 18 November 2021
Updated: 24 November 2021
Categories: CANSA Detectives Research Booklets, CANSA Research, Research Findings
Gene Therapy Research – Prof Patrick Arbuthnot
Booklet 4 – Prof Patrick Arbuthnot – Gene Therapy for Cancer Treatment
Read morePublished: 18 November 2021
Categories: CANSA Detectives Research Booklets, CANSA Research, Research Findings
Cancer Cell Research – Prof Annie Joubert
Booklet 3 – Professor Annie Joubert – ‘Designing Weapons Against Cancer’ in Silico Analysis, Synthesis and in Vitro Evaluation of Novel Anticancer Agents
Read morePublished: 18 November 2021
Updated: 22 November 2021
Categories: CANSA Detectives Research Booklets, CANSA Research, Research Findings
