27-05-2025
National Cancer Registry and partners to unveil Cancer Survivors Month plans
The National Cancer Registry (NCR), based at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), will collaborate with Living with Cancer South Africa, a non-profit organisation, and the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) to host a pre-launch event for Cancer Survivors Month on Tuesday, May 27.
Observed annually in June, Cancer Survivors Month celebrates the strength, resilience, and perseverance of individuals who have overcome cancer.
'It is a time to honour their courage, acknowledge their journey, and offer support to those still battling the disease,' the statement read.
At the pre-launch, the three organisations will pay tribute to cancer survivors and unveil a symbolic giant ribbon statue, which will be installed at the NICD.
The statue was sponsored by Johan Groenewald, who lost his beloved wife, Heidi, to cancer in October last year.
This gesture serves as a heartfelt tribute and a symbol of remembrance for all families affected by the disease.
Head of the NCR, Dr Mazvita Muchengeti, said he was looking forward to unveiling plans for Cancer Survivors Month, developed in collaboration with our partners.
'It is important to commemorate survivors and provide a space for those who have lost loved ones to reflect and remember,' Muchengeti said.
These sentiments were echoed by Belinda Wagner, founder of Living with Cancer SA, who started the organisation in 2017 after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.
Wagner said Cancer Survivors Month is more than a celebration – it is a call to recognise every life touched by cancer.
'This initiative gives voice to the silent strength of survivors, the enduring love of families, and the memories of those we have lost. Through this partnership with the National Cancer Registry, we are honouring journeys of survival and igniting awareness, advocacy, and action for a better future in cancer care,' Wagner added.
Since 1986, the NCR has conducted pathology-based cancer surveillance, where data on cancer cases diagnosed by histology, cytology, and bone marrow aspirate and trephine are collected, analysed, and reported annually.
Meanwhile, Living with Cancer SA was established by Wagner in 2017, while CANSA has been a leader in the fight against cancer in South Africa since 1931, leading the country towards a cancer-free society.
CANSA is a leading role-player in cancer research, and the scientific findings and knowledge gained from research are used to realign health programmes, as well as strengthen the watchdog role to the greater benefit of the public. –
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