Cope with Cancer

Pap smear Saves Maphuti’s Life

Maphuti, shares how she came to volunteer for CANSA. Says Maphuti, “CANSA has helped me appreciate life. The support I received was overwhelming and I feel at home. CANSA serves as a ray of hope to those who do not see life beyond the cancer – for a while I was one of those people…”

Published: 2 September 2012
Updated: 5 May 2021
Categories: Stories of Hope, Volunteers Inspire, Women's Health

Liver cancer research – Prof Michael Kew

Booklet 1 – Professor Michael Kew – The very real prospect of eradicating liver cancer in southern Africa

Published: 24 May 2012
Updated: 16 November 2021
Categories: CANSA Detectives Research Booklets, CANSA Research, Research Findings, Types of cancer

Cancer Statistics

South African Cancer Statistics The National Cancer Registry (NCR), which falls under the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) at the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), serves as South Africa’s main source of national cancer incidence data. The NCR is affiliated with the African Cancer Registry Network (ACRN) and is recognised by the International Agency […]

Published: 24 May 2012
Updated: 4 August 2026
Categories: Statistics

Types of Cancer

The Top Invasive Cancers Reported in South Africa (NCR 2024) Males:   Type of Cancer Lifetime Risk More Information 1. Prostate 1:17 Prostate cancer 2. Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) 1:26 3. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) of the skin 1:50 4. Colorectal 1:88 Colorectal cancer 5. Lung 1:145 Lung cancer 6. Melanoma (all forms) 1:177 Melanoma […]

Published: 24 May 2012
Updated: 29 September 2026
Categories: Types of cancer

Cope with Cancer

Published: 24 May 2012
Categories: Cope with Cancer

CancerCare Coping Kit

We know how scary and stressful a cancer diagnosis can be.  Our CANSA Cancercare Coping Kit offers information to empower & support you to deal with a cancer diagnosis, treatment, possible complications & changes in body image, emotions and social issues. It also provides practical advice to you, your loved ones, caregivers and friends to […]

Published: 16 January 2012
Updated: 14 June 2022
Categories: CancerCare Coping Kit

A Nurse’s Tale of Hope – Rita Naidoo

Sister Rita Naidoo is the cardiac rehabilitation unit manager at Life Westville Hospital, but she’s also an inspirational cancer survivor. She will never forget the day in December 2002 when her twins graduated from preschool; not just because it was an important milestone in their lives, but because it was also the day that she discovered […]

Published: 6 December 2011
Updated: 4 June 2024
Categories: Stories of Hope, Women's Health

Cancer Smancer – Fighting Cancer with a Smile

My cancer experience had a rather ridiculous start. My son, who was 5 at the time, complained of a sore stomach and an itchy butt. After unsuccessfully trying the normal deworming medicine, I eventually took him to our local GP. A month earlier I had found a lump in my right breast, but because it […]

Published: 6 December 2011
Updated: 4 June 2024
Categories: Stories of Hope, Women's Health

Jeremy Mansfield – Surviving, Standing Up and Doing Good

For radio and television personality, Jeremy Mansfield, his cancer journey started on a Easter weekend when he and his wife came back from a relaxing break in the Seychelles. “We had sushi and after I got out of a hot shower I said to Jacqui it’s quite cold. With a puzzled look she said it […]

Published: 22 November 2011
Updated: 22 March 2016
Categories: Stories of Hope

Magdalene Nunes Fights Cervical Cancer

“I started experiencing pain in my leg, but I was so busy with work that I didn’t pay any attention to it. My daughter urged me to go to hospital – it was cervical cancer.” Read Magdalene’s story here…

Published: 7 September 2011
Updated: 19 June 2025
Categories: Stories of Hope, Women's Health

Quick Guide: CANSA Verdict on Myths

Cancer Myth Categories: No Evidence (False): Benzene Fumes in Car Cause Cancer Cancer is Contagious Canola Oil is Poisonous Good People Don’t Get Cancer Haemorrhoids (Piles) Can Become Cancerous Insulin Potentiation Therapy Effective in Treating Cancer – find latest Position Statement here… John Hopkins Email Evaluated Lemon Kills Cancer Cells Some People Have a Cancer […]

Published: 24 August 2011
Updated: 4 June 2024
Categories: Cancer Myths

CANSA on Cancer Myths

CANSA Protects Those Affected by Cancer We are aware that facing a cancer diagnosis can be devastating – those faced with a diagnosis and their loved ones are often desperate for a cure. Unfortunately, there are many myths doing the rounds regarding possible cures and treatments which are not based on scientific evidence. This gives […]

Published: 24 August 2011
Updated: 14 June 2018
Categories: Cancer Myths

What is Cancer?

Cancer is a complex, life-threatening disease which affects millions of South Africans. CANSA is very concerned about the high incidence of cancer and is working hard to help South Africans to reduce their cancer risk, help them to detect it early and facilitate care and support to those who are diagnosed, as well as their loved ones. […]

Published: 18 July 2011
Updated: 7 April 2026
Categories: About Cancer

Moshe Battles Leukaemia and Wins

My name is Moshe Nchwe and this is a short autobiography of my life with cancer, my ups and downs, my trials and tribulations and ultimately my victory through perseverance and the will to overcome this disease. This is my story of how I survived the battle with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia and how I lived […]

Published: 22 February 2011
Updated: 4 June 2024
Categories: Stories of Hope

Wynand – a Survivor of Childhood Cancer

My name is Wynand van der Westhuizen. I was diagnosed with T-cell Lymphoma at the age of 9 on New Year’s Eve, 2000. The cancer had spread throughout my body and bone marrow and I had to receive very intensive chemotherapy. I had a few courses that made me lose my hair three times. My […]

Published: 1 February 2011
Updated: 17 June 2025
Categories: CANSA's Tough Living with Cancer (TLC) Programme, Stories of Hope

Taking care of a loved one over the holiday season

Are you alone as a caregiver anticipating the holidays? The holiday season is meant to be a time of joy and celebration, but this time of year can be stressful, too. That may be especially true if you’re caring for someone with cancer. Feelings of sadness, loss, and fearfulness may be mixed in among happier […]

Published: 11 December 2009
Updated: 11 March 2021
Categories: A Loved One has Cancer, Caregiving and Cancer

Having a Conversation About Cancer – How to inform friends and family

If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, it’s a difficult task to inform friends and family. Here are a few suggestions on how to approach the subject: Compose a list of people you want to tell yourself, and other people you want them to notify for you. Also, jot down thoughts about how you’d like to […]

Published: 30 November 2009
Updated: 11 March 2021
Categories: I have Cancer

I’m Never Alone – the Mari Michael Story

From the Heart of Jozi comes an unusual vocal talent. But it’s Mari Michael’s versatility and song writing skills that makes her new album “Droom” a force to be reckoned with. Mari’s sheer determination, hard work and a stubborn refusal to never give up, has kept her going through a long and rocky road. Young […]

Published: 29 November 2009
Updated: 17 March 2021
Categories: Stories of Hope

Share YOUR Story of HOPE and Inspire Others

Your story as a cancer survivor (anyone who has heard the words “you have cancer”) or as a loved one or caregiver of someone affected by cancer, can be of great encouragement to others. Share your story with us – the tears and laughter, the hope and pain, the friendships and solitude… Share your story […]

Published: 21 November 2009
Updated: 13 October 2015
Categories: Stories of Hope

Global Cancer Statistics

Global cancer statistics are helpful as they provide a global overview of cancer statistics which include those in low- and middle-income countries. The Global Cancer Observatory (GCO) is an interactive web-based platform that provides global cancer statistics to inform cancer control and research. The GCO focuses on the visualisation of cancer indicators using data from […]

Published: 20 October 2009
Updated: 28 January 2026
Categories: Research Findings, Statistics

Carol’s Triumph Over Breast Cancer

This is Carrol Michel’s story as published by author, Anisa Ussuph (East Coast Radio), on 8th October 2009. Anisa begins by sharing how breast cancer has touched her personally: You must know by now that Breast Cancer Awareness month has kicked in. A few years back, I lost a very dear aunt to cancer. Before that, the disease and its prevalence […]

Published: 12 October 2009
Updated: 27 August 2013
Categories: Stories of Hope