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CANSA Research
Phthalates, Plasticisers and Toxic Toys Project
Research showed that chemicals used in plastic toys and childcare articles could damage the reproductive systems of young children. Hundreds of phthalate-containing toys and other childcare articles are sold in South Africa every day. What is Phthalates? Phthalates are plasticisers used to soften plastic articles such as bath rubber duckies and infant teethers. These chemicals are also […]
Read morePublished: 9 October 2009
Updated: 7 October 2015
Categories: Research Projects
Purity of Tap Water Project
Dozens of carcinogens may be found in our drinking water. The greatest threats for these carcinogens are accidental spillages, industrial and agricultural pollution. Fact sheet on drinking water Download the fact sheet on drinking water. Progress made by us Modern technology makes it possible to detect and measure the quantity of these chemicals. CANSA will […]
Read morePublished: 6 October 2009
Updated: 28 November 2012
Categories: Research Projects
Smoke project
All kinds of smoke contain carcinogens. Millions of South Africans are exposed to smoke every day: from motor car emission gasses due to traffic congestion to burning wood and coal due to poor ventilation in huts and township shacks. These kinds of smoke are largely ignored and may be causing cancer. Cigarette smoke is recognised […]
Read morePublished: 6 October 2009
Updated: 28 November 2012
Categories: Research Projects
Asbestos Project
Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung with a very bad prognosis. (Find CANSA’s latest fact sheet re mesothelioma here…) There are a number of abandoned asbestos mines in South Africa that may still pose a threat. Asbestos has been used in building materials such as roofs […]
Read morePublished: 6 October 2009
Updated: 9 March 2021
Categories: Environment, Research Projects
Dioxin Project
Dioxins are some of the most toxic chemicals known. It is formed during the burning of PVC plastic and during the bleaching of paper fibers. Dioxin was used as a poison against President Viktor Yushchenko of the Ukraine. He suffered from a form of persistent acne known as chloracne. What is dioxin Dioxin refers to […]
Read morePublished: 6 October 2009
Updated: 28 November 2012
Categories: Research Projects
Bisphenol A in Baby Bottles Project
Babies are exposed to many man-made chemicals such as bisphenol A which may be harmful because they are hormone disrupters and could be risk-factors for breast and prostate cancer in later life. What is Bisphenol A? Bisphenol A (BPA) is a man-made chemical used in the manufacture of certain plastic products. It is ubiquitous in the modern world, cropping up in […]
Read morePublished: 2 October 2009
Updated: 19 February 2021
Categories: Research Findings
Research Office – Forms and Grant Information
Please contact our Research Office to request grant application forms or to submit any queries using the enquiry box at the bottom of the page if the information you need is not available. Grant Reporting Forms and Instructions Progress Report Form for Ongoing Projects Progress Report Form for Final Projects Application Forms Application to Use […]
Read morePublished: 30 September 2009
Updated: 12 May 2026
Categories: Research Funding and Grants
Apply for a Type A Research Grant
Our Type A funding programme is aimed at MBChB and Ph.D. cancer researchers based at South African universities and research organisations. The purpose of this funding is to support high-quality research to advance management and improve outcomes for the most common cancers in South Africa. There is currently no funding call for 2025 Type A […]
Read morePublished: 30 September 2009
Updated: 23 January 2024
Categories: Research Funding and Grants
Larger-Scale Research Projects
CANSA currently funds and supports four cancer research projects at universities and research institutions across South Africa. These projects focus on areas including epidemiology, early diagnosis, cancer risk reduction, and optimising patient care. The purpose of this funding is to support high-quality cancer research that advances cancer management and improves outcomes for some of the […]
Read morePublished: 12 August 2009
Updated: 12 May 2026
Categories: Research Projects
Sunbed Use Causes Cancer
Many people think that a tan looks glamorous and will make use of sunbeds to achieve a tanned look. Young people are increasingly being targeted by the beauty industry, with special promotions on sunbed sessions prior to matric dances. Sunbeds have been classified as carcinogenic (causing cancer) to humans. Don’t let the beauty industry or […]
Read morePublished: 5 August 2009
Updated: 25 September 2025
Categories: Research Findings, SunSmart
CANSA Research Committee (RESCOM)
Prof Hannah Sebitloane-Habile RESCOM Chairperson Associate Professor and Head of Discipline: Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of KwaZulu-Natal Email Prof Jane Harries CANSA Head of Research Email Elize Joubert CANSA CEO Email Prof Paul Ruff Emeritus Professor of Medical OncologySchool of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand Email Dr Richard Khanyile Head: Department of Medical OncologySteve […]
Read morePublished: 25 June 2009
Updated: 4 June 2026
Categories: Our Research Team
Our Research Committee
CANSA’s Research Committee (RESCOM) is made up of experts in their field of work and research who volunteer their time and expertise. The role of RESCOM is summarised as follows: Assess research proposals submitted to CANSA and recommend the projects for funding in terms of CANSA`s strategic vision and agreed funding criteria for research Facilitate […]
Read morePublished: 25 June 2009
Updated: 20 March 2024
Categories: Our Research Team
How to Read a Medical Abstract
An abstract is a summary of a research study that allows readers to quickly learn about the important aspects of a study. In medical journals, an abstract is usually presented at the beginning of the published article. Abstracts are also a main vehicle of communication at scientific meetings. Although the intended audiences for most abstracts are medical and scientific professionals, it is becoming more common for patients and their friends and family members to read abstracts while learning about cancer. Unlike most journal articles, abstracts are easier to search online and can usually be accessed free of charge.
Read morePublished: 9 December 2008
Updated: 11 March 2021
Categories: CANSA Research, I have Cancer
Cancer Detectives – The prospect of eradicating liver cancer in southern Africa
Download booklet by Prof Mike Kew. (340KB)
Read morePublished: 5 February 2008
Updated: 9 December 2012
Categories: Research Projects
