The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) offers a unique integrated service to the public and to all people affected by cancer. As a leading role-player in cancer research (more than R12 million spent annually), the scientific findings and knowledge gained from our research are used to address reduction of cancer, realign our health programmes as well as strengthen our watchdog role to the greater benefit of the public.
Our health programmes comprise health and education campaigns whereby we inform and educate our public regarding how to reduce their risk for cancer, CANSA Care Centres that offer a wide range of care and support services to those patients and family affected by cancer, offer among other things stoma and other clinical support, medical equipment hire as well as a toll-free line to offer information and support. We also supply patient care and support in the form of 11 CANSA Care Homes in the main metropolitan areas to accommodate out-of-town cancer patients when they receive their cancer treatment plus one hospitium based in Polokwane, as well as CANSA-TLC lodging for parents and guardians of children undergoing cancer treatment.
As mentioned, CANSA provides home-from-home accommodation to patients undergoing cancer treatment at oncology clinics far from their homes.
Patients at our CANSA Care Homes stay for an average of six weeks and receive meals and transport to and from treatment centres.
We are there to help and support not only the person who has been diagnosed with cancer but also the friends, loved ones and care givers of those affected by cancer.
To arrange to stay at a Care Home please contact the CANSA Care Home nearest to you and book your stay. For more info, visit www.cansa.org.za or join on social media for more information. CANSA The Cancer Association of South Africa on Facebook, @CANSA on Twitter and @CancerAssociationOfSouthAfrica on Instagram
Cancer survivor, Magda stayed at Mkhuhla Care Home in Durban, Monday to Friday for the six weeks while she was undergoing radiotherapy. She had a room overlooking the garden and made friends with two other ladies who were also staying over and receiving treatment. Every day they were taken to the treatment centre in a minibus.
She shared, “It’s wonderful here….and the meals are just right when you’re not feeling so well. I don’t feel self-conscious. We’re all in the same boat.”
Henk Hills, a recent guest, shared his experience via Twitter, “As a cancer survivor, I would like to thank CANSA and especially the staff at the Tipuana Care Home (Pretoria) for all their support, I really owe you guys my deepest thanx”.
Offering a place to stay is just one of many ways CANSA helps cancer patients cope with this awful disease. In 2015, CANSA with the help of donors and volunteers, brought comfort and care, served meals and provided transport to almost 3 847 individual patients who came to them for help. Find out more on http://www.cansa.org.za/cansas-care-support/cansa-care-homes/
Online Support Groups & Programmes for Survivors
CANSA also has various online support platforms offering support, receiving and providing encouragement from fellow members and sharing stories:
- Facebook Group: Champions of Hope – CANSA Survivors for cancer Survivors https://www.facebook.com/groups/ChampionsofHope/
- Facebook Group: CANSA Caring for the Carers – for caregivers helping cancer Survivors (patients) https://www.facebook.com/groups/CANSACaregivers/
- Facebook Group: CANSA – TLC specifically for children and families affected by cancer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/CANSATLC/
- iSurvivor Online Support Programme – a 20 week email guide to assist cancer Survivors along their journey and help them cope better – http://www.isurvivor.co.za/
- KickButt Online Support Programme – a series of weekly e-mails to help quit smoking http://www.ekickbutt.org.za/
- CANSA’s CancerCare Coping Kit Audioprogramme and booklet – providing information, practical tools and tips to promote physical, emotional and mental well-being before and during treatment. In short, it helps the newly diagnosed cancer patient and their loved ones to cope with cancer. http://www.cansa.org.za/cancercare-coping-kit/
Compiled by
Dr Melissa Wallace, Head of Research
Lorraine Govender, National Advocacy Co – ordinator
ABC - Advocates For Breast Cancer: South Africa 