The responsibility rests with patients to contact CANSA for assistance. Read more...
A Loved One has Cancer
Your blood runs cold, as you try to take in the news that your loved one has cancer.
Finding out that a loved one has cancer can be an overwhelming experience, leaving you in a state of shock. You may feel frightened, angry or saddened by the news. You may even try to deny that this could happen to your loved one.
You quickly embark on a steep learning curve about cancer, medical terminology, treatment options, and wait anxiously with your loved one for test results or treatment outcomes. There are countless decisions to be made and financial hurdles to overcome.
You may feel ill equipped to support and care for your loved one, or feel guilty because you are not coping, when they are the one facing a life threatening disease. You may feel resentful that cancer has changed your lives and burdened you both. Your loved one is also going through physical and emotional changes due to the side effects of treatment, and you may feel at a loss to deal with these changes. All of these things leave you feeling exhausted.
You need help – every bit as much as your loved one and you need not face this alone.
It is important to acknowledge your feelings and to arrange for support for yourself, if you are to help your loved one.
CANSA Tele or Virtual Counselling can be accessed via the CANSA Help Desk on 0800 22 66 22 toll free, or book online. This is a confidential, professional, cancer-related telephonic counselling service to cancer patients, caregivers and their families and parents or guardians of children living with cancer. Counselling is available in most SA languages and is free of charge.
You are welcome to join our Facebook Support Group CANSA Survivors – Champions of Hope for loved ones and patients. Here you can connect with others in a similar position and find valuable tips to help your loved one cope with treatment. Find more online resources to help your loved one…
Remember to take care of your physical and emotional needs – eat well and get enough exercise and sleep. Also make sure that you don’t neglect regular health checks and cancer screening.
Tips:
PPT: What to Say to a Colleague with Cancer
Leaflet: What to Say to a Colleague with Cancer
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.*
* 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…
World Cancer Day 2026: United by Unique – Every Cancer Experience Matters
This World Cancer Day, the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) is calling on South Africans to stand ‘United by Unique’, recognising that every cancer experience is deeply personal – and that people-centred care can save lives, restore dignity and give hope. Now in its second year, Union for International Cancer Control (UICC),’s global United by Unique campaign highlights the importance of seeing the person behind the diagnosis and responding to their individual needs, circumstances and lived experiences….
Read morePublished: 28 January 2026
Updated: 9 April 2026
Categories: A Loved One has Cancer, 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 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, CANSA Upington Virtual Care Centre, CANSA Waterberg Virtual Care Centre, Caregiving and Cancer, I have Cancer, Media Releases & News, Men's Health, Women's Health, World Cancer Day - 4 Feb
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: 3 July 2026
Categories: A Loved One has Cancer, Advocacy, CANSA's Tough Living with Cancer (TLC) Programme, Media Releases & News, Types of cancer
Cancer – Overcoming the Unimaginable
Marcelle D’Allende, stage 4 lung cancer patient, believes that cancer Survivors are responsible for their own well-being, whether it is physical, mental or spiritual. Which “take-away” points resonate with you? Her ‘Take Away Points’ include: A strong, resilient mind will help you overcome difficulties (mental health counts) Cancer does not define who you are – […]
Read morePublished: 21 August 2025
Updated: 3 September 2025
Categories: A Loved One has Cancer, Caregiving and Cancer, I have Cancer, Men's Health, Women's Health
Uterine Cancer Survivor Shares Her Journey from Stranger to Strength
Today, I’m learning to live with my body-stranger, finding strength in unexpected moments, and grateful for the community that’s rallied around me. Some days are diamonds, some days are rough, but every day I’m here is a day worth celebrating…
Read morePublished: 5 August 2025
Updated: 5 August 2025
Categories: A Loved One has Cancer, Caregiving and Cancer, I have Cancer, Stories of Hope, Women's Health
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
Breaking the Silence Around Lung Cancer
As the world marks World Lung Cancer Day on 1 August, CANSA is calling for greater compassion and awareness around one of the most stigmatised cancers. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths globally, but myths and blame continue to cloud understanding and response to this complex disease…
Read morePublished: 31 July 2025
Updated: 23 September 2025
Categories: A Loved One has Cancer, Advocacy, Caregiving and Cancer, I have Cancer, Media Releases & News, Men's Health, Women's Health
CANSA Launches WhatsApp Channel
CANSA has officially launched its WhatsApp Channel, marking a new chapter in how the 94-year-old organisation connects with the broader public, cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, volunteers and donors. This modern platform offers a convenient, quick, and informative way for all to stay updated and engaged with CANSA’s work. Follow the CANSA Cancer Association of South Africa channel on WhatsApp.
Read morePublished: 17 June 2025
Updated: 31 July 2025
Categories: A Loved One has Cancer, Beyond Diagnosis & Treatment, CANSA Help Desk, CANSA on the Move for the Youth, Caregiving and Cancer, I have Cancer, Media Releases & News, Men's Health, Women's Health
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
The 2024 IKCC Global Patient Survey on Kidney Cancer and Growths Open until 15 Nov 2024
Participate in the survey, open until 15 November 2024 – the information gathered helps local patient organisations and IKCC create education, awareness and advocacy programmes that accurately respond to the needs of people affected by kidney cancer. Success depends on hearing from many patients and carers in many countries and learning about their experiences living with kidney cancer. We hope you will help…
Read morePublished: 5 November 2024
Updated: 21 November 2024
Categories: A Loved One has Cancer, Advocacy, Caregiving and Cancer, I have Cancer
October Webinars – Join the SeriAAAS Resilience Project by Conn Bertish Brain Cancer Survivor – Improve #MentalHealth
This is a toolkit we all need. Join the SeriAAAS Resilience Project by Conn Bertish Brain Cancer Survivor – Improve #MentalHealth by joining live-streamed webinars, Monday to Friday, from 13 00 to 14 00, throughout October…
Read morePublished: 21 October 2024
Updated: 5 November 2024
Categories: A Loved One has Cancer, Beyond Diagnosis & Treatment, CANSA on the Move for the Youth, CANSA Talks and Webinars, Caregiving and Cancer, I have Cancer, Men's Health, Women's Health
Cancer Webinar Series – October is Pink Month: Breast Cancer (22 October 2024)
Join us on Tuesday, 22 October from 09:00 to 11:30 for an informative session about breast cancer.
Read morePublished: 17 October 2024
Updated: 17 October 2024
Categories: A Loved One has Cancer, CANSA Talks and Webinars, Caregiving and Cancer, I have Cancer, Reduce Cancer Risk, Women's Health
Coping with Breast Cancer Surgery
CANSA shares some helpful tips to support breast cancer patients who undergo surgery as part of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer affecting women of all races in South Africa…
Read morePublished: 5 October 2024
Updated: 17 September 2025
Categories: A Loved One has Cancer, Caregiving and Cancer, I have Cancer, Media Releases & News, Women's Health
Tips to Prepare Women to Cope Holistically with Breast Cancer Surgery
CANSA shares some helpful tips to support breast cancer patients who undergo surgery. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer affecting women of all races in South Africa, with a lifetime risk of 1 in 26 according to the National Cancer Registry of 2022. It affects women of all ages, although the risk increases as […]
Read morePublished: 25 September 2024
Updated: 26 September 2024
Categories: A Loved One has Cancer, Caregiving and Cancer, I have Cancer, Women's Health
Tips to Help You Cope Psychologically with Breast Cancer Surgery
Coping with the loss of a breast or part of a breast due to cancer is a deeply personal and challenging experience. Whether you’ve lost a part or your entire breast(s), it’s normal to mourn that loss. It’s important to remember that there is no right or wrong way to feel and that individuals have […]
Read morePublished: 25 September 2024
Updated: 3 March 2026
Categories: A Loved One has Cancer, Caregiving and Cancer, I have Cancer, Women's Health
CANSA Tips to Help You Cope Before Breast Cancer Surgery
CANSA knows that many women are affected by breast cancer in South Africa and that it affects women of all ages, though the risk increases as a woman gets older. Breast conserving surgery (a lumpectomy), or surgery to remove the entire breast(s), known as a mastectomy, or to investigate if the cancer has spread to […]
Read morePublished: 25 September 2024
Updated: 3 March 2026
Categories: A Loved One has Cancer, Caregiving and Cancer, I have Cancer, Women's Health
CANSA Tips to Help You Cope After Breast Cancer Surgery
Each person heals at their own pace after breast cancer surgery – CANSA has prepared a few helpful tips to aid recovery: 1. Prescribed Medication If antibiotics were prescribed, take them after meals, as directed. Do not stop taking them because you feel better. Do not take aspirin or anti-inflammatory medication for 2 – 3 […]
Read morePublished: 25 September 2024
Updated: 3 March 2026
Categories: A Loved One has Cancer, Caregiving and Cancer, I have Cancer, Women's Health
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
Focus on Cervical Cancer in Women’s Month
Knowledge gaps surrounding women’s health and cancer can prevent women from seeking appropriate healthcare services or discussing their symptoms openly. This delays the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, leading to worse outcomes. CANSA consistently promotes cancer awareness and early detection through education and screening.
Read morePublished: 23 September 2024
Updated: 2 December 2024
Categories: A Loved One has Cancer, About Cancer, Advocacy, I have Cancer, Media Releases & News, Reduce Cancer Risk, Screening & Cancer Control, Types of cancer, Women's Health
World Lymphoma Awareness Day Webinar
For World Lymphoma Awareness Day, on 11 September, CANSA along with members of Lymphoma Coalition is encouraging Honest Talk about how we’re feeling.
Read morePublished: 10 September 2024
Updated: 3 October 2024
Categories: A Loved One has Cancer, Beyond Diagnosis & Treatment, CANSA Talks and Webinars, CANSA's Holistic Cancer Care & Support, Caregiving and Cancer, Cope with Cancer, Counselling & Support Groups, I have Cancer, Men's Health, Support Groups, Women's Health
Cancer Webinar Series – Uterine, Ovarian and Cervical Cancer – 17 September 2024
Join us on Tuesday, 17 September from 09 00 to 11 30 for an informative session on three cancers affecting women, namely, uterine, ovarian and cervical cancer…
Read morePublished: 9 September 2024
Updated: 17 September 2024
Categories: A Loved One has Cancer, CANSA Talks and Webinars, Caregiving and Cancer, I have Cancer, Women's Health
It’s Time for Honest Talk about Lymphoma
This year’s theme for World Lymphoma Awareness Day, held on 15 September annually, is ‘It’s Time for Honest Talk’. CANSA and other similar patient organisations across the world are encouraging people affected by lymphoma, to start having open and frank discussions about this cancer to help them navigate the challenging treatment journey from diagnosis… CANSA is going one step further by hosting a lymphoma webinar on 11 September 2024 that aims to encourage honest talk about the disease among those affected by it. A panel of social workers and patients will be sharing their experience and tips on how to get the lymphoma conversation started. Find out more and register online….
Read morePublished: 6 September 2024
Updated: 15 October 2024
Categories: A Loved One has Cancer, CANSA on the Move for the Youth, Caregiving and Cancer, I have Cancer, Media Releases & News, Men's Health, Women's Health
