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CANSA’s Tough Living with Cancer (TLC) Programme
CANSA and DKMS Africa Partner to Expand Donor Recruitment and Support in South Africa
Through a new partnership, CANSA and DKMS Africa, an international non-profit organisation dedicated to the fight against blood cancer and blood disorders, will strengthen the recruitment of diverse stem cell donors in South Africa, while ensuring improved support and matching for blood cancer and blood disorder patients who need life-saving transplants. DKMS Africa is dedicated to registering and supporting donors to match patients in need. The CANSA TLC programme places equal importance on patient and donor welfare. Donors travelling for transplant procedures will stay for free at CANSA TLC facilities…
Read morePublished: 16 September 2025
Updated: 16 September 2025
Categories: A Loved One has Cancer, Advocacy, CANSA Highlights, CANSA's Tough Living with Cancer (TLC) Programme, Media Releases & News, Types of cancer
CANSA Provides Hope and Care for Children and Teens with Cancer
Each September, the world unites to shine a light on the challenges of childhood cancer, highlighting the urgent need for early detection, accurate diagnosis, and access to treatment. In South Africa, around 1 000 children are diagnosed with cancer every year, many treated in under-resourced public hospitals. Every child deserves the chance to fight cancer with dignity, comfort, and hope. CANSA TLC staff walk alongside families through the toughest journeys of their lives. With every device, every meal, and every ounce of comfort, helping to ease a child’s fight against cancer – please support our online Vlok Fundraiser – all funds go towards assisting young patients in under-resourced settings…
Read morePublished: 11 September 2025
Updated: 8 October 2025
Categories: CANSA's Tough Living with Cancer (TLC) Programme, Media Releases & News
Help the Vlok Family Raise Money to Make Treatment Easier for Young Cancer Patients
Please consider donating towards CANSA TLC’s annual Paediatric Oncology Fundraiser by the Vlok Family. Funds raised in 2025 will help CANSA TLC afford life changing medical port-a-cath and broviac implants (used for critical chemotherapy infusions, administration of medicines / fluids, as well as repetitive blood draws), prosthetic eyes (retinoblastoma is a prevalent paediatric cancer in South Africa), as well as a variety of paediatric mobility devices and medical necessities. Funds will also be used for nutrition packages for those in need. We appreciate each and every donation, Together we can make a difference!
Read morePublished: 7 September 2025
Updated: 8 October 2025
Categories: CANSA's Tough Living with Cancer (TLC) Programme
CANSA Launches the FLOD Game to Help Educators Screen for Childhood Cancer through Play
The first pilot of the FLOD card game was held at the Kabega Primary School in Gqeberha towards the end of July 2025. Educators and leader volunteers assisted with introducing the game to primary school learners in the school hall. FLOD is an innovation of the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and its Tough […]
Read morePublished: 1 September 2025
Updated: 1 September 2025
Categories: CANSA Gqeberha Care Centre, CANSA on the Move for the Youth, CANSA's Tough Living with Cancer (TLC) Programme, Types of cancer
Cailla Maree Teen Cancer Survivor – My Story of Hope
If you’re a young person going through cancer, I want you to know that it’s okay if you don’t feel brave or positive all the time. It’s okay to feel tired, or disconnected, or scared. That doesn’t make you weak. You’re still here, and that means something! Cancer is a part of my story, but it doesn’t get to be all of it….
Read morePublished: 5 August 2025
Updated: 5 August 2025
Categories: A Loved One has Cancer, Beyond Diagnosis & Treatment, CANSA's Tough Living with Cancer (TLC) Programme, I have Cancer, Stories of Hope
Disciplined Cancer Care Boosts Children’s Recovery
Each year International Childhood Cancer Day, held on 15 February, reminds us that cancer has no age restriction. The campaign also raises awareness of the support that children and teenagers with cancer need to help them to fight the disease and to improve their quality of life.
Read morePublished: 12 February 2025
Updated: 6 March 2025
Categories: CANSA's Tough Living with Cancer (TLC) Programme, Media Releases & News
2 December 2024 – You Are Invited! Adolescents and Young Adult Cancer Survivors (13 to 24 yrs) to a Zoom Discussion about Your Needs
Adolescents and young adults with cancer (13 to 24 yrs) are invited to attend a Zoom discussion around their needs on Monday, 2 December 2024… – link to Zoom will be shared upon RSVP – deadline for RSVP has been extended to Friday, 29 November 2024.
Read morePublished: 26 November 2024
Updated: 4 December 2024
Categories: A Loved One has Cancer, CANSA on the Move for the Youth, CANSA's Tough Living with Cancer (TLC) Programme, Caregiving and Cancer, I have Cancer
Podcast – Childhood Cancer CANSA TLC Facilities and Resources – On the CANSA Couch
Join our guests in this podcast as they discuss important topics regarding childhood cancer, CANSA TLC Facilities and Resources – On the CANSA Couch
Read morePublished: 25 September 2024
Updated: 15 October 2024
Categories: A Loved One has Cancer, CANSA Free2Bme Support for Teens and Young Adults, CANSA on the Move for the Youth, CANSA's Tough Living with Cancer (TLC) Programme, On the CANSA Couch Podcasts
Palliative Care Improves Quality of Life for Children with Cancer
With September being Childhood Cancer Month, CANSA is reinforcing how important palliative care is and how it can assist both children with cancer and their families and caregivers.
Read morePublished: 24 September 2024
Updated: 31 October 2024
Categories: CANSA Free2Bme Support for Teens and Young Adults, CANSA's Tough Living with Cancer (TLC) Programme, Counselling & Support Groups, Media Releases & News, Specialist Care & Treatment, Support Groups, Types of cancer
Palliatiewe Sorg Verbeter Lewenskwaliteit vir Kinders Met Kanker
September is Kinderkanker-maand en KANSA beklemtoon die belangrikheid van palliatiewe sorg en hoe dit beide kinders met kanker en hulle families en versorgers kan help.
Read morePublished: 2 September 2024
Categories: CANSA Free2Bme Support for Teens and Young Adults, CANSA's Tough Living with Cancer (TLC) Programme, Media Releases & News
CANSA TLC Attends SIOP Africa 2024
CANSA TLC attended the Societe Internationale D’Oncologie Pediatrique (SIOP Africa) 2024 conference in Midrand from the 4th to the 8th of June 2024. The aim of the conference focused on working together, towards 2030, to support children with cancer. Providing care for all, support for more!
Read morePublished: 27 August 2024
Updated: 26 September 2024
Categories: CANSA Free2Bme Support for Teens and Young Adults, CANSA's Tough Living with Cancer (TLC) Programme
When Thabo had Cancer
When Thabo feels unwell his mother takes him to hospital in the city and he is diagnosed with cancer. They are told he needs to stay at the hospital to receive treatment. Thabo is sad at first, but soon makes new friends and discovers that there are many people who want him to get well […]
Read morePublished: 11 July 2024
Updated: 12 July 2024
Categories: CANSA's Tough Living with Cancer (TLC) Programme
Love Shack SA Branded Cancer Awareness T-shirts & Mugs to Benefit CANSA
The Love Shack SA will donate R20 from the sale of every cancer awareness T-shirt sold, and R7,50 per standard mug and R9,50 per magic mug sold…
Read morePublished: 2 June 2024
Updated: 11 October 2024
Categories: A Loved One has Cancer, CANSA's Tough Living with Cancer (TLC) Programme, Caregiving and Cancer, Fundraising Events & Projects, I have Cancer, Men's Health, Our Cause Related Marketing Partners, Women's Health
Resources to Help a Child Cope with the Loss of a Parent / Loved One to Cancer
CANSA TLC’s ‘Feeling Sad’ book is a sensitively written story that explains a young boy’s challenge after his mother dies from cancer, helping to normalise his fears and find ways to handle his grief. The book was written by Sally Anne Carter and illustrated by Alison Guy. Download Book: Feeling Sad
Read morePublished: 27 February 2024
Updated: 27 February 2024
Categories: A Loved One has Cancer, CANSA's Tough Living with Cancer (TLC) Programme
CANSA Introduces Additional Support Service for Children with Cancer
As a parent of a child with cancer, CANSA understands that this can be an extremely challenging and overwhelming time. When a child receives a diagnosis of cancer, parents must understand the treatment plan and its potential impact on the child’s daily life and the family. This understanding can help them cope and start planning for the future. CANSA knows only too well how children’s cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and has launched an additional support resource to its Tough Living with Cancer (TLC) programme. The online programme, which costs a nominal R270, focuses on brain profiling for the parent and four to nine-year-old cancer-diagnosed children. The insights gained from the brain profiling will help to enhance parents and guardians’ connection with their children and support their well-being throughout their cancer journey.
Read morePublished: 14 February 2024
Updated: 29 February 2024
Categories: A Loved One has Cancer, CANSA's Tough Living with Cancer (TLC) Programme, Caregiving and Cancer, Media Releases & News
A Haven of Hope – CANSA TLC Nicus Lodge Offers Vital Support to Families
In the heart of Pretoria, a beacon of hope shines brightly for families facing the overwhelming journey of childhood cancer treatment. The CANSA Tough Living with Cancer (TLC). Nicus Lodge run by CANSA, nestled within the premises of the Tshwane District Hospital, is extending its warm embrace to parents, guardians, and caregivers who find themselves far from home while their children undergo life-saving treatments…
Read morePublished: 21 September 2023
Updated: 28 September 2023
Categories: CANSA Bedfordview Care Centre, CANSA Pretoria Care Centre, CANSA Roodepoort Satellite Care Centre, CANSA Vaal Triangle Virtual Care Centre, CANSA's Tough Living with Cancer (TLC) Programme
CANSA Infographics: Children, Teens and Young Adults Affected by Cancer
Children CANSA TLC Service Warning Signs Cancer Top 5 Cancers Affecting Children Childhood Cancer – Myth vs Fact How Do I Support my Friend with Cancer (for children) Stories to Encourage Children with Cancer Teens and Young Adults Warning Signs Cancer Cancer in Teenagers in South Africa How do I Support my Friend with Cancer […]
Read morePublished: 1 September 2023
Categories: CANSA's Tough Living with Cancer (TLC) Programme
CANSA Videos: Children, Teens and Young Adults Affected by Cancer
The following videos are available: CANSA TLC Services – Celebrating Life CANSA TLC Programme CANSA TLC with Breyten Paulse CANSA TLC Nicus Lodge – SABC Real Talk
Read morePublished: 1 September 2023
Categories: CANSA's Tough Living with Cancer (TLC) Programme
CANSA Webinars: Childhood, Teen and Young Adults Affected by Cancer
Recordings are available for the following webinars: Let’s Get Chatty About Childhood Cancer Awareness Interventions for Adolescents and Young Adults Living with Cancer
Read morePublished: 1 September 2023
Categories: CANSA's Tough Living with Cancer (TLC) Programme
Resources to Help Share a Parent or Loved Ones’ Cancer Diagnosis with a Child
You may be stressed about revealing your cancer diagnosis to your child or children. Children love stories and these often provide parents with a means of broaching tricky subjects and so the ‘The Secret Warrior’ book was especially written for CANSA TLC, by creative writer and social worker, Sally Ann Carter. We understand that sharing a cancer […]
Read morePublished: 31 August 2023
Updated: 11 June 2024
Categories: CANSA's Tough Living with Cancer (TLC) Programme
Resources to Help Cope with Side Effects of Cancer Treatment (for Parents / Loved Ones)
Our CANSA TLC staff have seen first-hand the common side effects caused by cancer treatment, that children battle with. Parents often feel helpless in the face of nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and other common side effects their children experience, which in turn affects children’s appetite and general well-being. The purpose is to help parents manage these side […]
Read morePublished: 31 August 2023
Categories: CANSA's Tough Living with Cancer (TLC) Programme
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