Cancer is not a walk in the park. It’s not even a marathon. It’s a long-distance slog, a challenge of illnesses. And when the run gets tough, runners support and encourage each other. In the same way, cancer survivors also need practical help and sometimes, a shoulder to lean on as they struggle to the finishing post.
The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) was established in 1931 to offer a unique, integrated service to the public and people affected by cancer. Its mission is to be the preferred non-profit leader that enables research with regards to lowering cancer risk, educating the public regarding symptoms, screening and risk reduction, and providing care and support to all people affected by cancer.
CANSA is a leading role-player in cancer research and the scientific findings and knowledge gained from its research are used to realign its health programmes, as well as strengthen its watchdog role to the greater benefit of the public. CANSA believes that a balanced lifestyle is key to lowering cancer risk, and raises awareness on how to reduce cancer risk through monthly health campaigns as well as educating about the importance of knowing the symptoms of cancer, as well as going for regular screening and health checks.
CANSA Care Centres offer a wide range of care and support services to those affected by cancer – stoma support, wigs, prostheses, assistive devices and medical equipment hire, wound care, lymphoedema management and other clinical support, including counselling, support groups and home-based care.
CANSA also supplies patient care and support in the form of 11 CANSA Care Homes in the main metropolitan areas for out-of-town cancer patients undergoing treatment; a Wellness Centre based in Polokwane; and CANSA-TLC lodging for parents and guardians of children undergoing cancer treatment.
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.
CANSA’s national toll-free line – 0800 22 66 22 – offers information, support and referrals to local CANSA Care Centres, and multi-lingual support is available on WhatsApp: 0721979305 (in English and Afrikaans), and 0718673530 (in Xhosa, Zulu, Sotho and SiSwati).
Click here to make a donation to CANSA.
Contact details:
Tel: 0800 22 66 22
E-mail: info@cansa.org.za
WWW: http://www.cansa.org.za
Twitter: @CANSA
Facebook: @CancerAssociationOfSouthAfrica
Instagram: cancerassociationofsouthafrica
LinkedIn: CANSA The Cancer Association of South Africa
This is the fifth NGO profile of my #NGOs4Africa Campaign.
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