Applied Cancer Research Programme Projects
Our Applied Cancer Research Programme projects often support research conducted by postgraduate students under the supervision of their host institution.
Programme Note
This programme consolidates CANSA’s former Type B and Type C funding streams into a single, streamlined funding mechanism to improve clarity, accessibility, and strategic alignment. It supports emerging and early-career researchers and strengthens research capacity within the cancer research field in South Africa.
Funded Projects:
Dr Pfunzo Moshapho
Dr Pfunzo Moshapho
Dentist/Lecturer, Faculty of Dentistry (Oral Medicine and Periodontology Department), University of the Western Cape
Project Title: Validation of a Bayesian Deep Neural Network-Based Tool for Diagnosing Oral Mucosal Pathologies at an Academic Facility in the Western Cape, South Africa
Supervisors:
Prof Haly Holmes, Dr T Vedan & Prof T Faleh
Dr Rutendo Kudenga
Dr Rutendo Kudenga
Dentist/Lecturer, Department of Odontology, School of Dentistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria
Project Title: Prospective study of the predictors of tobacco and e-cigarette initiation among high-school adolescents in Tshwane, South Africa
Supervisors:
Prof Lekan Ayo-Yusuf & Dr Witness Mapanga
Dr Sarah Day
Dr Sarah Day
Senior Research Officer, Cancer Research Initiative, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town
Project Title: Lancet Commission Working Group 4 South African Case Study: Patient Journey Mapping
Co-investigator: Dr Denis Okova
Downloads:
- Navigating cancer: Insights from patient journey mapping, (Poster, AORTIC 2025)
- Navigating cancer: Insights from patient journey mapping, (PLOS One article, 25 March 2026)
Justine Govender
Justine Govender
MSc graduate in the Department of Medicine & Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University
Project Title: Assessing Non-adherence in South African Women on Tamoxifen Treatment for Breast Cancer
Supervisor: Dr Tracy Kellermann
Download:
Lay summary of project findings
Thando Kubheka
Thando Kubheka
PhD candidate in the Department of Pathology, Division of Haematology, University of Cape Town
Project Title: MicroRNA-181b as a Biomarker of Early Detection and Prognosis in HIV-associated Aggressive B-cell Lymphomas
Supervisors:
A/Prof Shaheen Mowla & Dr Leonardo Alves de Souza Rios
Download:
Lay summary of project findings
Alexandra Payne
Alexandra Payne
Master of Public Health graduate in the Division of Social Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health and Cancer Research Initiative, University of Cape Town
Project Title: A Qualitative Exploration of Primary Health Care Physicians’ Perspectives and Experiences with Colorectal Cancer Screening in the Western and Eastern Cape
Supervisors:
A/Prof Lucia Knight and Prof Jennifer Moodley
Download:
Lay summary of project findings
