Cansa launches WhatsApp channel for support
This modern platform offers a convenient, quick, and informative way for all to stay updated and engaged with Cansa's work.
The public can follow the Cansa channel on WhatsApp.
ALSO READ: Cansa launches virtual cancer support group to combat isolation
'There's nothing old-fashioned about Cansa when it comes to communication,' said spokesperson Lucy Balona.
'With most South Africans using WhatsApp daily, this channel is an easy and familiar way for people to access vital cancer-related information, updates, and support.'
Launched internally in March to employees and volunteers, the WhatsApp Channel is now open to the public and steadily gaining traction.
It's designed as a trusted space for anyone affected by cancer to stay informed, feel supported, and get involved.
'We've created a space where everyone, from the general public, survivors and their loved ones to medical professionals and advocates, can easily access updates and information', added Balona.
ALSO READ: Give back on #GivingTuesday with Cansa's eShop
'The channel helps us raise awareness of our services, upcoming events, and health campaigns while also celebrating stories of hope.
'To combat the current flood of misinformation, the Cansa WhatsApp Channel shares only credible, researched content, and when channel messages are forwarded, they will carry the Cansa name, so recipients can trust that the information comes directly from us.'
The channel features:
• Expert insights with video and voice notes
• Real-time updates on Cansa events and services
• Patient support messages and donor thank-you
• Volunteer co-ordination and calls to action
• Short reports and information bursts on key topics
Why join?
Cansa provides a wide range of services, from health awareness and lowering of cancer risk information to early detection through cancer screening and stoma support to home-based care, medical equipment hire and psycho-social support.
ALSO READ: Football teams come together in support of Cansa
The organisation also runs seven Cansa care homes and Cansa-TLC accommodation for families during treatment, along with a free tele-counselling service in nine languages and a national toll-free help desk.
'With this WhatsApp Channel, we're bringing our support, knowledge and care right into your hands – literally. We aim for all to stay informed or supported,' said Balona.
Here is the link https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAWtQv2P59ipVaysk2Q
Subscribers' privacy is respected, with phone numbers hidden and no direct replies possible.
Readers can react to posts and share them widely.
Profile information and interactions with channel content, like emoji reactions or poll votes, aren't visible to them.
They can't see your name, phone number or profile picture.
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Maverick
2 hours ago
- Daily Maverick
More than 70 million people in Africa are living with chronic viral hepatitis
Two to three million South Africans have chronic viral hepatitis, with most remaining undiagnosed and untreated. Hepatitis occurs when different viruses cause inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis A (HAV) and hepatitis E (HEV) viruses are mainly spread through contaminated food or water and typically cause self-limiting infections. This means that following a short period of illness — ranging from mild to severe and occasionally life-threatening — the affected person usually recovers fully. In contrast, three other types of hepatitis viruses — hepatitis B (HBV), C (HCV) and D (HDV) — are transmitted mainly through contact with infected bodily fluids such as blood, saliva and semen. This may lead to chronic infection of the liver, meaning the infection persists for at least six months. Chronic infection may last for life, and carriers, as people with chronic infection are called, remain infectious and can pass the infection to their close contacts without ever knowing they are infected. The younger someone is when becoming infected, the higher the risk of developing a chronic infection. Mother-to-child transmission A mother can also pass HBV to her child during childbirth, especially when she has a high concentration of the virus in her blood. More than 90% of babies infected by their mothers will become carriers. Mother-to-child transmission of HBV is a major contributor to the global burden of chronic HBV infection. Fortunately, HBV infection can be prevented with a safe and effective vaccine. While there is no vaccine for HCV, it can be treated and cured using effective antiviral medications. Chronic HBV and HCV infections, unless recognised and treated on time, may eventually lead to serious, often fatal conditions such as liver cirrhosis or primary liver cancer. Of the more than 300 million people worldwide estimated to be living with chronic HBV or HCV infection, more than 70 million are in Africa. Two to three million South Africans have chronic viral hepatitis, with most remaining undiagnosed and untreated. Studies from our group and others have shown that chronic HBV infection is responsible for more than 60% of primary liver cancer cases in South Africa. Primary liver cancer is more common in males and tends to develop relatively early in adulthood, cutting lives short. Alarmingly, chronic infection often goes unnoticed until it causes serious complications, by which time treatment options are very limited and usually too late. Public awareness It is therefore fitting that 28 July is commemorated annually as World Hepatitis Day to raise public awareness of viral hepatitis. The theme for 2025, Hepatitis: Let's Break It Down, is aimed at dismantling various obstacles — including financial, social and systemic barriers — that stand in the way of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. South Africa has been making commendable progress towards eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat. The country introduced the vaccine against HBV in the Expanded Programme on Immunisation in 1995. This has led to a significant decline in the number of infections among children under the age of five. Nevertheless, some children continue to be infected because their mothers are not tested for HBV. This can be done using a simple rapid test, and if pregnant women are found to be infected with HBV, antiviral therapy will reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to their children. Pregnant women Diagnosing pregnant women with chronic hepatitis is an entry point to medical care — not only for their own health, but also that of their sexual partners and other family members who should also be screened for HBV. In 2024, South Africa started screening pregnant women for HBV and rolling out a birth dose HBV vaccine for babies born to infected mothers. This is a long-overdue move. It is still too early to evaluate its success, which depends on full commitment from all relevant stakeholders in all provinces. A simpler alternative that is less prone to implementation issues would be to administer the birth dose HBV vaccine to every baby instead of waiting until they are six weeks old, regardless of the mother's status. While eliminating new HBV infections among children is crucial, it is equally important to diagnose those who are already infected. Diagnosis is the gateway to care. This includes antiviral treatment and regular monitoring to enable early detection of liver cancer should it develop. The latest World Health Organization guidelines for management of chronic HBV infection have been simplified by abandoning previously complicated algorithms that excluded many people who could benefit from antiviral therapy. It is estimated that currently, fewer than 10% of those who should be getting treatment for chronic viral hepatitis are receiving it. Economic benefit Diagnosing and treating more chronically infected individuals requires financial resources. It is highly likely to be cost-effective from an economic standpoint, as severe illness and death affect adults in their productive years. In addition, it will kill two birds with one stone: to prevent serious illness in the infected person and to prevent new infections. The same applies to HIV: someone who is on treatment and has a low or undetectable viral load is essentially no longer infectious to others. However, there is an urgent need to identify funding mechanisms, particularly considering the current US administration's withdrawal of donor aid. It will be wise for African countries to come together and speak with one voice when entering into any negotiations with pharmaceutical companies that manufacture antivirals for chronic viral hepatitis. Societal barriers and misinformation While providing the necessary preventative and treatment methods, we also must break down societal barriers that hinder access to clinical care. We must also address misinformation. We have heard sad stories from individuals with chronic viral hepatitis during our community engagement initiatives of being ostracised within the community because of miseducation on how the infection is transmitted and its complications. Some patients with viral hepatitis have been accused of promiscuity, while in certain cases, the development of liver cancer has been blamed on witchcraft. Health educators will need to do more to educate the general public. It will also be beneficial to have functional support groups of people living with viral hepatitis, while the involvement of prominent individuals can also help to raise awareness about viral hepatitis. We can learn from public health responses to other viral infections and borrow some of the strategies to address viral hepatitis. Together we can 'break it down.' DM
The South African
8 hours ago
- The South African
King Charles III shares health update amid cancer fight
King Charles III has offered a rare and uplifting update on his health as he continues to battle cancer. Since publicly revealing his diagnosis in February 2024, the British monarch has kept his spirits high while juggling a busy schedule of royal duties. During a recent visit to the Jockey Club Rooms in Newmarket, King Charles spoke candidly with a royal fan, Lee Harman, according to E News. Harman shared with the PA News agency how the monarch described his condition. 'He said he was feeling a lot better now and that it was 'just one of those things,'' Harman recounted. This simple but honest statement reflects how the King is managing his illness with remarkable composure. Buckingham Palace later confirmed Charles' condition is under control, describing it as a 'managed condition.' A source told NBC News in December 2024 that his treatment cycle would continue into next year. Despite this, Charles remains committed to fulfilling his royal responsibilities alongside Queen Camilla. In April 2025, Charles shared insights from his cancer journey at a reception honouring cancer researchers at Buckingham Palace. He emphasised the human experience behind the statistics. 'Each diagnosis, each new case, will be a daunting and at times frightening experience for those individuals and their loved ones,' he said in a statement distributed at the event. 'Being one among those statistics myself, I can vouch for the fact that it can also be an experience that brings into sharp focus the very best of humanity. The darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion.' Interestingly, King Charles' announcement came just a month before his son, Prince William, and daughter-in-law, Kate Middleton, revealed Kate's cancer diagnosis. The Princess of Wales completed chemotherapy in September 2024 and recently opened up about her ongoing recovery. Kate acknowledged the challenge of the post-treatment phase. 'You put on a sort of brave face, stoicism through treatment,' she said during a visit to Colchester Hospital in early July. 'Treatment's done, then it's like, 'I can crack on, get back to normal,' but actually, the phase afterwards is difficult.' She stressed the importance of support from loved ones. 'Someone to help talk you through that, show you and guide you through that sort of phase that comes after treatment, I think is valuable.' At 76 years old, King Charles continues to inspire many. His ongoing treatment and busy schedule show determination. As the monarch puts it, sometimes facing cancer is 'just one of those things.' This attitude, combined with his courage and grace, encourages countless people battling illness across the Commonwealth and beyond. With his health managed and his spirit strong, King Charles remains a symbol of hope. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
14 hours ago
- The Citizen
Where to get free mental health care in Durban
Where to get free mental health care in Durban ROUGHLY 16.5% of adults in South Africa experience common mental disorders annually. Anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders are particularly prevalent, with some studies indicating that one in six adults may be affected, according to The State of Mental Health in South Africa report. A recent white paper by the Wits/Medical Research Council, Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit (DPHRU), reveals that 25.7% of South Africans are most likely depressed, with more than a quarter of respondents reporting moderate to severe symptoms of depression. The SA government says: 'Mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse and job stress are common, affecting individuals, their families and co-workers, and the broader community. In addition, they have a direct impact on workplaces through increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, and increased costs. Very few South Africans seek treatment for their mental disorders. Mental illness can be treated at your nearest clinic, hospital or healthcare provider.' ALSO read: Mental health matters: Dealing with generalised anxiety disorder There is increasing evidence that a person can combat mental health illnesses. One can prioritise physical health, engage in enjoyable activities, steer clear of harmful substances, and seek professional help when needed. If you are looking for local facilities that provide free mental health services to people, you can consider these options. Here are the five Durban-based institutions that assist mental health victims for free: Durban and Coastal Mental Health: It is an NPO in Sherwood which provides free mental health containment, assessment and counselling. Contact details: Call: 031 207 3433/3078, email: [email protected]. South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG): It is a mental health NGO dedicated to providing free basic counselling support, including a dedicated WhatsApp chat line, and also offers various helplines of different mental health needs. Contact details: Call: 0800 456 789, SMS 31393. WhatsApp: 076 882 2775. Email: [email protected]. LifeLine Durban: It is a service organisation that provides free support to people who have difficulties and also offers free mental and emotional health services. Contact details: Call: 031 303 1344. Email: [email protected]. Folweni Clinic/Mariannridge Clinic: These clinics are located in Durban south and west, and offer free mental health services for both children and adults. Contact details: Folweni Clinic Call: 031 900 0501. Mariannridge Clinic Call: 031 703 1625. Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital: It is a public hospital in Umlazi which provides free inpatient and outpatient mental health services. Contact details: Call: 031 907 8111. For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook , X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here
