The responsibility rests with patients to contact CANSA for assistance. Read more...

I have Cancer

Whether you have recently been diagnosed with cancer or whether you are a veteran who has undergone the rigours of treatment, or if you are now in remission, CANSA considers you a cancer Survivor.

We want you to know that you are not alone and that we would like to support you and your loved ones. As you face your cancer diagnosis, learn to live with and through this disease and even beyond it, we would like to inspire hope and courage in you and empower you with the information you need to take control of your life.

Helping You Deal with Your Cancer Diagnosis:

What is Cancer Booklet

CANSA KZN and the KZN Department of Health collaborated to produce the “What Is Cancer Booklet” a basic guide about cancer and oncology: English | Zulu

CancerCare Coping Kit

A cancer diagnosis is very stressful. You have so many questions and it may feel as if your world has turned upside down.  Help is at hand with our CancerCare Coping Kit Audio-Programme.

We developed this audio-programme ENG Coping Kit SLIM CD PRINT.cdralong with fellow cancer Survivors to help empower you to deal with cancer, by providing knowledge and understanding.

Through this audio-programme, we hope to equip you with practical tools for use in your daily life and to provide your family members & caregivers with information and knowledge, to make this journey easier.

You will learn more about the following:

  • What is cancer, its treatment & side effects?
  • Emotional reactions to a cancer diagnosis & the importance of communication
  • Cancer & nutrition
  • Celebrating life & living positively with cancer

iSurvivor Programme

We’d like to introduce you to Aunt Sophia. She has a wealth of information & practical tips to share with you.

Sign up for our iSurvivor email-based support programme and she’ll send you weekly emails to inspire & encourage you – no charge – she’s a cancer Survivor herself, so she knows what  a rollercoaster ride this cancer journey can be!

If you are a metastatic breast cancer patient you can sign up for our iSurvivor Metastatic Breast Cancer email-based support programme, and benefit from the wisdom of other MBC patients.

CANSA at Home Pain Guide

CANSA at Home Pain Guide

Online Support Resources

You can also join our Facebook Group: CANSA Survivors – Champions of Hope where you can meet other cancer Survivors – the members of this group will help support you & you in turn may inspire them! We also have a group for Caregivers. Ask your Caregiver to join our Facebook Group: CANSA Caring for the Caregivers.

Find more online support resources / groups here…

Helping You Cope with Side Effects of Treatment:

Read more about the our care & support services that we can offer you & your loved ones at our CANSA Care Centres and CANSA Care Homes. This includes counselling; support groups; stoma, wigs; medical equipment hire; breast prostheses and specialised bras; community home based care; palliative in-patient facilities and cancer screening services for annual check-ups or if there is a concern.

CANSA Tele Counselling can be accessed via the CANSA Help Desk on 0800 22 66 22 toll free, to make an appointment with a CANSA counsellor. Or send an email to the Help Desk via counselling@cansa.org.za – 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 seven languages (English, Afrikaans, isiXhosa, isiZulu, siSwati, Sesotho and Setswana) and is free of charge.

CANSA is committed to connecting people facing cancer with information, day-to-day help as well as emotional support they need in the communities where they live. 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 journey.*

* 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…

Share Your Story of Hope

You have the power to encourage and inspire a fellow cancer patient by sharing your cancer journey – share your story of Hope…

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.

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Published: 26 November 2024
Categories: A Loved One has Cancer, CANSA Highlights, 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…

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Published: 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…

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Published: 21 October 2024
Updated: 5 November 2024
Categories: A Loved One has Cancer, Beyond Diagnosis & Treatment, CANSA on the Move for the Youth, CANSA 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. 

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Published: 17 October 2024
Updated: 17 October 2024
Categories: A Loved One has Cancer, CANSA 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…

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Published: 5 October 2024
Updated: 15 October 2024
Categories: A Loved One has Cancer, CANSA Highlights, 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 […]

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Published: 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 […]

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Published: 25 September 2024
Updated: 26 September 2024
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 […]

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Published: 25 September 2024
Updated: 26 September 2024
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 […]

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Published: 25 September 2024
Updated: 7 October 2024
Categories: A Loved One has Cancer, Caregiving and Cancer, I have Cancer, Women's Health

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.

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Published: 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.

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Published: 10 September 2024
Updated: 3 October 2024
Categories: A Loved One has Cancer, Beyond Diagnosis & Treatment, CANSA 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…

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Published: 9 September 2024
Updated: 17 September 2024
Categories: A Loved One has Cancer, CANSA 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….

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Published: 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

Book – Cancer, Navigating the Journey by Cherry Armstrong – to Benefit CANSA

This book is written with love and care by Cherry Armstrong, a palliative care nursing sister, to help ease the journey for cancer patients and loved ones. R5 per book, sold in South Africa, will be donated to CANSA…

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Published: 5 August 2024
Updated: 9 October 2024
Categories: A Loved One has Cancer, Caregiving and Cancer, Fundraising Events & Projects, I have Cancer, Men's Health, Our Cause Related Marketing Partners, Women's Health

Mental Health and Lung Cancer  

World Lung Cancer Day on 1 August is a global initiative that helps to build awareness about this cancer type’s serious emotional effects that can slow down the healing process and lower the positive effects of treatment. Locally, CANSA provides much-needed mental health support to lung cancer survivors, their care givers and their loved ones.,,

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Published: 29 July 2024
Updated: 28 August 2024
Categories: A Loved One has Cancer, Advocacy, I have Cancer, Media Releases & News, Men's Health, Women's Health

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…  

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Published: 8 July 2024
Updated: 10 July 2024
Categories: About CANSA, Advocacy, 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 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

Who Cares for Cancer Patients’ Caregivers?

International Cancer Survivors Day is celebrated during June, placing the spotlight not only on cancer survivors, but also their caregivers…

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Published: 6 June 2024
Updated: 28 August 2024
Categories: A Loved One has Cancer, Caregiving and Cancer, I have Cancer, Media Releases & News, Men's Health, Women's Health

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…

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Published: 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

Interview with Roulene Bonthuys, Mrs South Africa CANSA Ambassador

Meet Roulene Bonthuys, Mrs South Africa CANSA Ambassador and cervical cancer Survivor…

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Published: 25 April 2024
Updated: 30 May 2024
Categories: Beyond Diagnosis & Treatment, I have Cancer, Stories of Hope, Women's Health

Cancer Webinar Series – Let us talk about two “odd ball” cancers: Non-Hodgkins lymphoma and Testicular cancer (23 April 2024)

The third instalment of this webinar series addressing “odd ball” cancers: Non-Hodgkins lymphoma and Testicular cancer.

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Published: 21 April 2024
Updated: 24 April 2024
Categories: A Loved One has Cancer, About Cancer, Advocacy, CANSA Webinars, I have Cancer, Men's Health, Women's Health

Cancer Webinar Series – Diagnosed With Cancer? What Are The Treatment Modalities (20 March 2024)

The second instalment of this webinar series addressing treatment modalities for cancer patients.

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Published: 18 March 2024
Updated: 26 March 2024
Categories: A Loved One has Cancer, About Cancer, Advocacy, CANSA Webinars, I have Cancer, Men's Health, Women's Health

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