Latest news with #CancerAssociationofSouthAfrica
IOL News
3 days ago
- Health
- IOL News
The next step after beating cancer? Reclaiming identity through hair restoration
For many survivors, the next chapter is about restoration: rebuilding confidence, reclaiming identity, and, sometimes, rediscovering joy in the mirror. Image: Thirdman/pexels For anyone who's walked the long road through cancer, survival is a word that means everything. But making it through treatment, chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery is only part of the story. For many survivors, the next chapter is about restoration: rebuilding confidence, reclaiming identity, and, sometimes, rediscovering joy in the mirror. In South Africa, cancer touches thousands of families every year. According to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), cancers like breast, prostate, colorectal, and skin cancer are among the most common, with over 100 000 new cases reported annually. While medical advances save more lives than ever before, the emotional and physical scars can linger. One of the most visible and emotionally charged reminders of cancer is hair loss. Why hair loss hurts so much Losing your hair during cancer treatment isn't just about looks. It can feel like losing a part of yourself, your identity, your femininity or masculinity, your privacy, your sense of normalcy. As Dr Kashmal Kalan, medical director at Alvi Armani South Africa, puts it: 'This isn't about vanity. It's about healing the whole person. Even after treatment ends, survivors often see someone in the mirror who still looks like a patient. That can make it hard to reconnect with the person they were before cancer.' Why does hair fall out during cancer treatment? The answer is both simple and scientific. Chemotherapy and radiation attack rapidly dividing cells. While this helps kill cancer, it also harms healthy cells that grow quickly, like those in our hair follicles. The result? Hair may thin, recede, or fall out entirely, sometimes never regrowing the same way. A study published in "Psycho-Oncology" found that hair loss ranked as one of the most distressing side effects, especially for women. Losing your hair during cancer treatment isn't just about looks. It can feel like losing a part of yourself, your identity, your femininity or masculinity, your privacy, your sense of normalcy Image: Michelle Leman /pexels Restoration is more than cosmetic For survivors like Cindy Pretorius, a basal cell carcinoma survivor, hair restoration was the last step in her healing journey. After surgery left her with visible scarring along her hairline, she received a minimally invasive hair transplant at Alvi Armani South Africa. And she's not alone. For many, regaining hair is about reclaiming self-worth, dignity, and a sense of hope not just for themselves, but for loved ones who've walked the journey beside them. A game-changing initiative for South African survivors In August, CANSA and Alvi Armani are launching a powerful new initiative: free, personalised hair restoration consultations for cancer survivors. Whether you've just finished treatment or are years into remission, this program offers scalp assessments, checks for lingering treatment effects, and, where needed, advice on restorative treatments or even hair transplants. The goal is to make world-class care accessible to South Africans, regardless of background or income. Alvi Armani's advanced techniques, like the Vitruvian and Maximus follicular unit extraction (FUE), are used in their clinics from Beverly Hills to Johannesburg, ensuring survivors here receive the same expert care as patients abroad. 'People who've overcome cancer deserve more than just a life saved. They deserve the chance to live it fully, with confidence and joy,' explains Kalan. There's real evidence that restoring hair can help restore lives. Research from the Journal of Clinical Oncology shows that persistent hair loss after treatment can fuel anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal. For some, hair regrowth is slow or incomplete, making it hard to move forward. He adds, 'Hair is a part of how we express identity. By restoring it, we help people feel like themselves again, more confident to re-enter public life, apply for jobs, or socialise without feeling marked by illness.' How to get involved If you or someone you love is a cancer survivor in South Africa, you can contact Alvi Armani South Africa directly and mention your CANSA affiliation for a complimentary consultation. The program also features information sessions at CANSA events, like Relay For Life and the CANSA High Tea, bringing expert advice and support to survivors nationwide. Makoma Raolane, CANSA's Sustainability Manager, sums it up perfectly: 'Healing also means restoring dignity, self-confidence, and quality of life. Our partnership with Alvi Armani reflects our commitment to holistic survivorship care.' Survival is about more than beating cancer. It's about living again, fully and freely, no longer defined by scars, but by strength.
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!
