South African Cancer Researchers Unite to Turn Knowledge into Impact

14 August 2026 – Cape Town – Leading cancer researchers, clinicians, academics, healthcare professionals and advocates gathered in Cape Town this week hosted by the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA); to examine how South African cancer research can contribute to improved cancer outcomes.

CANSA Research Day 2026 brought together experts from universities and research institutions across the country to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships and explore how research can be translated into health policy, treatment and care. The occasion was officially opened by Jené Palmer, CANSA Chairperson and held at the Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge on 11 August. The event formed part of CANSA’s 95th anniversary celebrations and reflected the organisation’s long-standing commitment to supporting research that reduces the impact of cancer in South Africa.

The programme covered a wide range of research areas, including cervical and breast cancer, hereditary breast cancer and genetic testing, pancreatic and colorectal cancer, early detection and diagnostic approaches, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) prevention, treatment adherence, patient experiences and the role of research partnerships in improving cancer care.

Research rooted in South African realities

Far Left: CANSA CEO Elize Joubert; Left: Jane Harries CANSA Head Research

CANSA Chief Executive Officer Elize Joubert said locally relevant research was essential to addressing the country’s cancer burden.

“Cancer research must ultimately improve people’s lives. By supporting high-quality South African research, we can strengthen risk-reduction, encourage earlier diagnosis, improve treatment and care, and contribute to health policies and services that respond to the realities experienced by people in our communities.”

Research Day showcased work undertaken by established and emerging researchers from institutions including the University of Cape Town, the University of the Witwatersrand, Stellenbosch University and University of Pretoria. Several presentations highlighted findings from CANSA-funded research projects, demonstrating CANSA’s ongoing investment in generating locally relevant evidence to advance cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care in South Africa.

It also created opportunities for researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers and partner organisations to exchange ideas, identify shared priorities and develop collaborations across disciplines and institutions.

CANSA Head of Research Prof Jane Harries said progress in cancer control depended not only on scientific discovery, but also on ensuring that research evidence is translated into practice and care.

Harries suggested, “Research has its greatest value when knowledge is translated into action. This means bringing researchers, clinicians, communities, policymakers and civil society together so that evidence can inform prevention programmes, health services, clinical practice and patient support.”

Prof Hannah Sebitloane-Habile CANSA Board Q & A

Prof Paul Ruff Presenter Q & A

Dr Brenda Kubheka-Chauke Panel Moderator

A highlight of the event was the panel discussion, ‘From Innovation to Impact: Translating Cancer Research into Practice,’ which explored how scientific evidence can be translated into policy, healthcare services, public awareness initiatives and improved patient outcomes. Panellists emphasised the importance of collaboration between researchers, healthcare providers, policymakers, communities and civil society organisations to ensure that research delivers meaningful impact.

From research to practical benefit

A central theme of the day was the need to bridge the gap between scientific research and its practical application. Presentations and discussions explored how research can inform cancer risk reduction, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship and supportive care. The programme also considered the funding and regulation of cancer research and the partnerships required to move innovation into policy and practice.

The event highlighted the importance of understanding patient experiences and healthcare lived experiences, particularly when developing services and interventions intended to improve access to timely and appropriate cancer care.

Dr June Fabian, Donald Gordon Medical Institute, Wits University and CANSA grant recipient, said that Colorectal cancer in Africa tells a younger story – 1 in 4 cases in South Africa occurs before age 50. “Through groundbreaking local research and heightened public awareness, our goal is to translate scientific discovery into actionable tools and policy-ready solutions that directly improve patient outcomes.”

Supporting current and future researchers

Research Day also provided a platform for student and emerging researchers to present posters, connect with experienced researchers and contribute to wider scientific discussion.

CANSA believes that investing in the next generation of researchers is vital to building South Africa’s long-term cancer research capacity. The organisation supports research through funding, collaboration, mentorship and opportunities for researchers to share their work and develop partnerships.

“South Africa needs a strong and sustainable pipeline of cancer researchers. Creating opportunities for emerging researchers to present their work, build networks and learn from established experts is an important part of strengthening research capacity,” added Harries.

Ninety-five years of commitment

CANSA has supported cancer research as part of its broader mission to reduce the impact of cancer through health education, risk reduction, early detection, care and support, advocacy and research. As the organisation marks 95 years of service, it remains committed to investing in evidence that can improve cancer outcomes and contribute to a cancer-free South Africa.

“CANSA’s 95th anniversary is not only an opportunity to recognise what has been achieved, but also to look ahead. The discoveries, partnerships and researchers we support today will help shape the future of cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship in South Africa,” concluded Joubert.

(For more information, please contact Lucy Balona, Head: Marketing and Communication at CANSA at email lbalona@cansa.org.za. Call 011 616 7662 or mobile 082 459 5230).

Published: 14 August 2026 | Last Updated: 14 August 2026
Categories: Advocacy, CANSA - Who We Are, CANSA Highlights, CANSA Research, Notice Board