Latest news with #CancerAssociationofSouthAfrica
The Citizen
17-07-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Support Cansa this Mandela Day by making your 67 minutes count
Support Cansa this Mandela Day by making your 67 minutes count As South Africans prepare to honour the legacy of Nelson Mandela on July 18, the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) is calling on the public to make their 67 Minutes count by supporting Cansa's charity shops across the country. There are several ways to make a meaningful impact: • Donate quality items such as clothing (especially men's and children's), household goods, books, functioning appliances, or foldable tables. • Volunteer your time to help sort and organise stock in-store. • Shop at any Cansa Charity Shop and support a cause that makes a difference. ALSO READ: Workplace wellness key to early cancer detection, says Cansa 'Our Cansa Charity Shops are more than just places to buy or donate – they are lifelines,' said Makoma Raolane, Cansa's sustainability manager. 'The funds raised directly support Cansa's care and support programmes for cancer patients and their families. 'By donating or shopping, you're helping us provide transport and accommodation for patients in our care homes, as well as free counselling and emotional support for those affected by cancer.' Every donation, volunteer hour, or purchase helps build a more caring and resilient community. 'This is a simple yet powerful way for communities across South Africa to get involved,' added Raolane. Ways to get involved: • Drop off donations at your nearest Cansa Charity Shop • Organise a donation drive at your workplace, school, or community organisation • Volunteer on or around Mandela Day to assist in-store • Share the campaign on social media and encourage others to support. ALSO READ: Cansa launches WhatsApp channel for support If you cannot volunteer in person, you can still help by making an online donation to support the ongoing work of Cansa. The organisation's head office is located at 26 Concorde Road West, Bedfordview. For more information, visit or contact the Cansa Help Desk at 0800 22 66 22. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
23-06-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Cansa launches official WhatsApp channel for support
The Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) has officially launched its WhatsApp Channel, marking a new chapter in how the 94-year-old organisation connects with the broader public, cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, volunteers and donors. 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 West Rand spreads hope and kindness to cancer patients '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: Cansa West Rand spreads hope and kindness to cancer patients '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: Cansa and Silverstar joins forces 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 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! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
The Citizen
23-06-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Cansa launches WhatsApp channel for support
The Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) has officially launched its WhatsApp Channel, marking a new chapter in how the 94-year-old organisation connects with the broader public, cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, volunteers and donors. 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 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!
The Citizen
23-06-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Cansa's new WhatsApp channel delivers credible cancer info
The Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) has officially launched its WhatsApp Channel, marking a new chapter in how the 94-year-old organisation connects with the broader public, cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, volunteers and donors. 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 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!
The Citizen
10-06-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
CANSA launches online support network for cancer survivors
Each June, global attention turns to the impact of cancer on survivors, their caregivers, loved ones, families, and others within their support circle. Often, these individuals simply need someone to talk to about their cancer journey. The Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) has launched a new online platform, offering yet another way to connect people to caring cancer communities. This month, people around the world honour those facing cancer and recognise the importance of a supportive community. 'Many cancer survivors report feeling isolated from the moment they are diagnosed,' said Gretchen Minnaar, Cansa's services manager: psychosocial support. 'They often find that friends, colleagues, and even some family members avoid them, rather than offering comfort or simply being present.' Furthermore, a survivor's need for support does not end with a clean bill of health. Many face long-term challenges, including fear of recurrence, depression, pain, memory problems, changes in bodily functions, and relationship issues. Cansa provides extensive support to survivors and others affected by this devastating disease—and the need is significant. Each year, over 115 000 South Africans are diagnosed with cancer, according to the South African National Cancer Registry. Many more cases go unreported or unregistered. To help meet this growing need, Cansa has launched a virtual support group to expand the reach of its existing services, which include face-to-face support groups as well as Facebook and WhatsApp support groups across South Africa. ALSO CHECK: DEMS intensifies winter safety awareness across Ekurhuleni The new virtual support group, launched on May 24, is facilitated by Cansa and held monthly via Zoom. Managed by trained counsellors, each session covers different topics in a relaxed, supportive environment that encourages engagement and input from survivors. Cansa's WhatsApp support groups operate both nationally and regionally. Regional groups are limited to patients in specific areas, while national groups cater to bereavement, caregiver, and newly diagnosed patient support. Additional groups are available for women survivors, men survivors, ostomy patients, and teens aged 13 to 17. On Facebook, Cansa runs three support groups: * Cancer Survivors – Champions of Hope (for cancer survivors in treatment or remission) * Caring for the Caregivers (for caregivers of cancer patients) * TLC – Childhood Cancer Support (for children and their parents/guardians affected by cancer) * Survivor Wendy de Rooij noted that more treatment facilities should inform patients about Cansa's support groups. 'I would not have found my amazing group if it weren't for a desperate late-night Google search,' she said. 'These people have given me far more practical information than any other healthcare group I've encountered since my cancer journey began.' The support groups encourage members to share their stories. 'Interacting with people who understand your lived experience is an invaluable form of support. It's so beneficial to hear about the coping strategies of someone who has been—or is currently—in the same situation as you,' added Minnaar. ALSO CHECK: Germiston audience inspired by blind man's Kilimanjaro climb Ovarian cancer survivor Rina van der Merwe shared that during her treatment and recovery, Cansa's support groups always gave her a safe space to talk. 'And reading about other warriors' journeys also helped me a lot,' she said. Cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, family members, and others affected by cancer can join one of these groups by completing a form on Cansa's website at Support is currently available in English, Afrikaans, isiXhosa, and isiZulu. The organisation remains committed to connecting people facing cancer with vital information, day-to-day assistance, and emotional support—ensuring no one has to face cancer alone. Please note: • Patients, survivors, and others affected by cancer must contact Cansa directly for support. • Cansa is not informed of patient treatment by medical centres and requires patient permission to make contact. • Cansa does not provide treatment. • Cansa is not authorised to prescribe or supply medication. • Cansa's clinical specialist nurse offers free advice on managing cancer, pain, and treatment side effects. For more information or to seek support, visit At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
