The responsibility rests with patients to contact CANSA for assistance. Read more...
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. 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 experience.*
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
UICC Podcast ‘Let’s Talk Cancer’ featuring Elize Joubert (CANSA CEO) about CANSA’s Work across the Cancer Continuum
In this episode of the UICC’s Let’s Talk Cancer podcast, Cary Adams, CEO of the UICC, speaks with Elize Joubert, CEO of CANSA (a UICC member) about the organisation’s work across the cancer continuum, from prevention and screening to patient support and advocacy…
Read morePublished: 21 July 2026 | Last Updated: 21 July 2026
Categories: CANSA - Who We Are, CANSA Highlights
Article on Elize Joubert CANSA CEO in ‘Business Profile: Top 100 Business Leaders Awards 2026’
Read article regarding Elize Joubert CANSA CEO in ‘Business Profile: Top 100 Business Leaders Awards 2026’, where she discusses her longstanding involvement with CANSA and her vision for leading CANSA beyond its 95th milestone anniversary…
Read morePublished: 2 June 2026 | Last Updated: 29 June 2026
Categories: CANSA - Who We Are
CANSA Marks Cancer Survivors’ Month by Focusing on Life Beyond Treatment
June is recognised globally as International Cancer Survivors Month which provides the opportunity to recognise cancer survivors living in South Africa and to highlight the often-overlooked emotional, physical, financial and practical realities that can continue long after diagnosis and treatment. For many people, the end of active treatment is not the end of the impact that cancer has had on their lives. Survivors may continue to live with fatigue, anxiety, fear of recurrence, body image changes, relationship strain, financial pressure, workplace challenges, long-term side effects and the emotional impact of having faced a life-threatening illness. This is why survivor support must be seen as an essential part of cancer care…
Read morePublished: 25 May 2026 | Last Updated: 25 May 2026
Categories: A Loved One has Cancer, Advocacy, Beyond Diagnosis & Treatment, CANSA - Who We Are, 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 Limpopo: Polokwane Care Centre, CANSA Lowveld Care Centre, CANSA on the Move for the Youth, CANSA Paarl Care Centre, CANSA Pretoria Care Centre, CANSA Roodepoort Satellite Care Centre, CANSA Rustenburg Care Centre, CANSA Springbok Virtual Care Centre, I have Cancer, Media Releases & News, Men's Health, Women's Health, Work and Cancer
CANSA Marks 95 Years by Expanding Care, Support and Hope
From patient-centred care and screening to counselling, advocacy and a new Care Home, CANSA’s 95th anniversary reflects an organisation that continues to evolve to meet South Africa’s cancer burden. Founded in 1931, CANSA has grown into one of South Africa’s leading cancer organisations, with a national footprint spanning research, education, advocacy, screening, care and support…
Read morePublished: 22 April 2026 | Last Updated: 26 May 2026
Categories: CANSA - Who We Are, 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 Help Desk, 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 Upington Virtual Care Centre, CANSA Waterberg Virtual Care Centre, Media Releases & News, Work for CANSA
Global Brands Magazine Declares CANSA Winner of 2026 Award
The Global Brands Magazine team congratulates the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) on winning the prestigious title ‘Excellence in Cancer Support Services, South Africa – 2026’. CANSA was awarded this honour for their exceptional commitment to Innovation, Quality, Branding Activities, customer Service & Performance providing a robust system in the South Africa region…
Read morePublished: 21 April 2026 | Last Updated: 2 July 2026
Categories: Advocacy, CANSA - Who We Are
On the CANSA Couch Podcast: Celebrating 95 Years of CANSA – a Legacy of Hope, a Future of Impact
The year 2026 heralds a remarkable milestone as the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), celebrates 95 years of service, support and unwavering commitment in the fight against cancer. To commemorate this milestone, On the CANSA Couch hosts Megan and Kudzai, sit down with CANSA CEO, Elize Joubert, for a special episode that reflects on the organisation’s journey, celebrates its impact, and looks ahead to the future. Join us for this special anniversary episode of On the CANSA Couch and be part of the journey…
Read morePublished: 24 March 2026 | Last Updated: 26 May 2026
Categories: Advocacy, CANSA - Who We Are, 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 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 Upington Virtual Care Centre, CANSA Waterberg Virtual Care Centre, On the CANSA Couch Podcasts
Interview with CANSA CEO on Goeiemôre, Goodmorning to Mark World Cancer Day
Interview with CANSA CEO, Elize Joubert, on Goeiemôre, Goodmorning to mark World Cancer Day (4 Feb 2026)…
Read morePublished: 4 February 2026 | Last Updated: 24 March 2026
Categories: CANSA - Who We Are, World Cancer Day - 4 Feb
SA FM Interview with CANSA: World Cancer Day – South Africa’s Cancer Burden is Growing Fast
Today marks World Cancer Day, which is observed globally on the 4th of February. CANSA says the country’s cancer burden is growing fast with new cases projected to double by 2030, reaching around 220,000 annually. CANSA says people‑centred care can save lives, restore dignity and give hope. Elvis Presslin of First Take SA (SA FM) spoke to CANSA Clinical Health Specialist and Patient Advocate, Professor Michael Herbst…
Read morePublished: 4 February 2026 | Last Updated: 24 March 2026
Categories: CANSA - Who We Are, World Cancer Day - 4 Feb
CANSA CEO Represents South Africa on the Global Stage at the UICC World Cancer Leaders’ Summit 2025
We are proud to share that our CEO, Elize Joubert, was invited to attend the prestigious UICC World Cancer Leaders’ Summit 2025, held on 19–20 November. As part of the main programme, Elize was selected to serve as a Table Host, moderating a series of interactive discussions designed to foster global reflection, knowledge exchange, and collaborative action in cancer control.
Read morePublished: 12 December 2025
Categories: Advocacy, CANSA - Who We Are
Special Discussion: Leadership in the Fight Against NCDs
As part of the Global Week for Action on NCDs (18–25 September), a special conversation was hosted with the Heart and Stroke Foundation SA, Diabetes SA, and CANSA on the urgent role of leadership of tackling NCDs in Africa – watch discussion…
Read morePublished: 23 September 2025 | Last Updated: 1 October 2025
Categories: Advocacy, Balanced Lifestyle, CANSA - Who We Are, CANSA on the Move for the Youth, Men's Health, Women's Health
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: Advocacy, CANSA - Who We Are, 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: Advocacy, CANSA - Who We Are
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: Advocacy, CANSA - Who We Are
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: Advocacy, CANSA - Who We Are
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: 17 September 2025
Categories: Advocacy, CANSA - Who We Are, 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 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: CANSA - Who We Are
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: CANSA - Who We Are
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, Advocacy, CANSA - Who We Are, 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
