Media Releases & News

This Nelson Mandela Day CANSA gives back to cancer patients, those affected by cancer and caregivers by launching its CANSA Tele Counselling service. This is confidential, professional, cancer-related telephonic counselling to cancer patients, caregivers and their families and parents or guardians of children living with cancer. Counselling is available in seven languages (English, Afrikaans, isiXhosa, isiZulu, siSwati, Sesotho and Setswana) and is free of charge. #CANSATeleCounselling #ConnectWithHope #MandelaDay

Rugani Vegetable juices have been awarded the CANSA Seal of Recognition signifying these juices as a CANSA Smart Choice. Owing to the innovative extraction processes and packaging, no additives (sugar, preservatives or colourants) are used in the production of Rugani’s juices and provide nutrients that may aid in reducing the risk of cancer.

Cuppa For CANSA is an opportunity to connect with those you care about and drinking your favourite beverage while raising funds for a worthy cause at the same time. We’re excited to introduce ‘Celebration of Life’ and invite you to share ‘Cuppa’ story with us by hosting an intimate Cuppa with your family groups, friends or colleagues at work.

CANSA has continued to provide vital services to cancer patients during lockdown and invites those who have benefitted from its support services to ‘pay it forward’ this International Survivors’ month (June), by sharing how CANSA has helped them and making a donation to support the organisation.

CANSA has partnered with Eau Thermale Avène to celebrate cancer Survivors and the caregivers and staff taking care of them, this International Cancer Survivors’ Month, by delivering 780 thermal water and skin repair products to patients, caregivers and staff at CANSA’s 11 Care Homes. 

CANSA welcomes the re-opening of four more of its CANSA Care Homes in Rustenburg, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town and George. Most of the CANSA Care Homes have remained open despite the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and where homes were temporarily closed due to restrictions, plans were made to admit critical cancer patients full time at specific hospitals and treatment centres.

The COVID-19 pandemic, subsequent national lockdown and ban on the sale of tobacco products may have forced many smokers to stop smoking. Having to quit in this way may be challenging on so many levels. It could cause intense withdrawal and cravings, which could lead to widespread anxiety. As part of World No Tobacco Day (31 May), CANSA offers support to these smokers and also to others who have embraced the opportunity to quit smoking and are looking for coping tips.

People living with cancer are at a very high risk should they become infected with COVID-19 and so CANSA aims to educate and share early detection messages to avoid more people being diagnosed with cancer. CANSA highlights the stories of two survivors living with skin cancer to help educate and promote early detection of cancer.

International Tekkie Tax Day will be celebrated on Friday, 31 July 2020. CANSA invites the public to ‘make the circle bigger’ by encouraging all their contacts to join them in paying their Tekkie Tax and helping to fund CANSA’s educational programmes around lowering risk for cancer.

In the interests of cancer patients and Survivors, amid the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus, CANSA is releasing information to help keep patients and survivors safe, and providing online support through the CANSA website, social media platforms and staff on call.

The safety and health of our cancer patients, volunteers and staff is paramount. As our most valued partner, we assure you that CANSA is taking all the necessary precautions to minimise the impact of COVID-19. Cancer patients are among those at high risk of serious illness from an infection because their immune systems are often vulnerable.

CANSA launches its Colorectal Cancer Awareness Campaign in partnership with Medtronic, the global leader in medical technology, as both organisations are passionate about early diagnosis and better treatment outcomes for patients. Unique to the campaign is a large ‘Colin the Colon Tunnel’, an inflatable 2x3m tunnel, which the public can walk through and be educated about colorectal cancer.

4 March 2020 – CANSA launched its first CANSA Care Room for terminal or bedridden cancer patients in Mpumalanga, on 2 March 2020 in partnership with SAVF Ermelo Homes for aged people. This brings the total number of Care Rooms […]

As the year draws to a close and planning starts for 2020, CANSA, reminds all to diarise CANSA’s 17th national Shavathon, taking place on Saturday, 29 February 2020 at shopping centres countrywide. The theme ‘Hope 2020’ is apt, as participants will be giving ‘Hope’ to cancer Survivors and loved ones, by showing solidarity with them in the fight against cancer as they stencil, spray or shave their hair. Invite 20 people to join the fun event in the year 2020!

Two organisations that save lives through the early detection of cancer are hoping for a huge turnout for the Daredevil Run next month. The annual race where men pound the ground clad in purple Speedos has a serious side behind the frivolous speedo dress code. It raises hundreds of thousands of rands every year that allow CANSA and the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) to carry out screening tests, run awareness campaigns and help patients detect prostate cancer early.

13 February 2020 – A group of 70 Grey College Bloemfontein old boys are riding the 2020 Cape Town Cycle Tour on 8 March 2020 in support of CANSA and Diabetes South Africa (Diabetes SA) and raising awareness and funds. […]

CANSA is excited to launch one of the few teen cancer patient rooms in the country, at Ward 3, Tygerberg Hospital, as part of its CANSA TLC (Tough Living with Cancer) support service to children, teens and families affected by cancer on 14 February 2020, just ahead of International Childhood Cancer Day (15 February).

4 February 2020 – Compassionhat, headwear designed specifically for cancer Survivors, was awarded the CANSA Seal of Recognition status as a CANSA Smart Choice product aimed at improving quality of life and dignity. Sue Richards, owner of Compassionhats, says, “The […]

To mark the 20th anniversary of World Cancer Day, the UICC commissioned a global survey to form an up-to-date picture of the public’s experiences, views and behaviours around cancer. Conducted by Ipsos (independent market research company), the survey includes more than 15,000 adults across 20 countries (including South Africa) in the first multi-country public survey on cancer perceptions in a decade. The results, detailed in UICC’s report released 4 February 2020, International Public Opinion Survey on Cancer 2020: What people feel, think and believe about cancer today, indicates a clear divide between higher and lower socioeconomic groups when it comes to knowledge and awareness of cancer risks and as a result, the practice of behaviours to limit such risk.

On the 20th anniversary of World Cancer Day (4 February 2020), CANSA and Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), challenges individuals to make a personal commitment to lower the impact of cancer for themselves, the people they love and the world. #IAmAndIWill #WorldCancerDay