Cansa and Netcare join hands to establish cancer support groups
Cara Noble, national relationship manager for service delivery at Cansa, said the support groups will take place at certain Netcare hospitals on a monthly basis, starting in February.
The Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) and Netcare announced they have partnered to establish cancer support groups at nine of the private health-care group’s hospitals on February 3.
Cansa national relationship manager in Bedfordview Cara Noble said the support groups will be open to all persons impacted by cancer, from newly diagnosed individuals starting their cancer treatment journey to cancer survivors.
It is also open to those who have been in remission for years, as well as family members and caregivers.
“Cansa has support groups across South Africa situated in diverse communities, aiming to support cancer patients and their loved ones over the widest geographic range,” said Noble.
She said partnering with Netcare and more specifically with Netcare Cancer Care was a no-brainer.
“Our shared passion for prioritising patients and offering a holistic model of care and support to cancer patients on their cancer journey made entering into this partnership an easy decision,” said Noble.
Rowan Robinson, cancer care navigator lead at Netcare Cancer Care, said Netcare is privileged to be a part of this worthy initiative which resonates with Netcare’s focus on person-centred health and care, and its holistic and participatory approach to cancer care.
“We believe it is important to provide individuals with cancer and their loved ones with the knowledge, skills and confidence to make more informed decisions about their health and care, so that they can become participants in their health-care journey,” said Robinson.
Robinson added the value of support groups and the impact they have on the lives of those attending is undeniable.
“Support groups are one of the ways in which we can empower, enlighten and educate individuals when they need it the most.
They also provide a much-needed platform where people who are facing similar challenges, fears and treatment side effects can share practical advice.
They can lend a compassionate ear, and also celebrate ‘victories’ when they are told that their cancer is in remission, giving hope to others who are still on their journey,” said Noble.
The Netcare hospitals that will host the support groups in Gauteng are Netcare Clinton, Netcare Milpark and Netcare Pinehaven.
Noble said the support groups will take place on a monthly basis, starting in February.
“They will be hosted by Netcare and facilitated by Cansa’s experienced service delivery staff.
“Different topics of interest to persons affected by cancer will be covered by experts in their fields in the monthly meetings.
“There will also be opportunity for those attending to socialise, share their experiences with, and offer support to one another,” said Noble.
For more information regarding the support groups send an email to Rowan Robinson at rowan.robinson@netcare.co.za or Cara Noble at cnoble@cansa.org.za or call 083 784 5596.
