The Cancer Association of South Africa

It’s mission as a non-profit fighting cancer, is to enable research, educate the public and advocate for and support all people affected by cancer. CANSA is a leading role-player in cancer research and the scientific findings and knowledge gained from our research are used to realign our Health Programme, as well as strengthen our Watchdog Role to the greater benefit of the public. CANSA’s Advocacy team performs an important role, striving to influence South African policy makers with regards to important cancer control issues, to create public awareness of known cancer-causing factors, and also to give those affected by cancer a voice, protecting their right to healthcare. Our CANSA Seal of Recognition (CSOR) is underpinned by research and is awarded to products that promote a balanced lifestyle and further contribute to cancer risk reduction, by not containing any cancer-causing substances. Our Health Programme is comprised of health education campaigns around awareness of cancer symptoms, the importance of screening and lowering cancer risk. Our Mobile Health Clinics take this message to men and women in rural areas, who would otherwise not have access. Our CANSA Care Centres offer a wide range of care and support services to those affected by cancer:  employee wellness, stoma support, wigs, prostheses, assistive devices and medical equipment hire, clinical support, including counselling (face-to-face and Tele Counselling), support groups and home-based care. We supply patient care and support in the form of 8 CANSA Care Homes in the main metropolitan areas for out-of-town cancer patients undergoing treatment and CANSA-TLC lodging for parents and guardians of children undergoing cancer treatment. Our national toll-free Help Desk line 0800 22 66 22, or email: info@cansa.org.za is there to offer information, support and refer to local CANSA Care Centres. We also offer multi-lingual support on WhatsApp: 0721979305 for English and Afrikaans, and 0718673530 for isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sesotho and Siswati. Furthermore online support groups and platforms are available to help patients and loved ones cope with a cancer diagnosis, or to connect with others walking a similar path as they fight cancer.