Help Bedfordview Cansa save lives
For the past year, Cansa has conducted 5 010 screenings and provided emotional support to 4 030 patients via volunteers and 548 patients at Cansa Care Centres and in the community.
The Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) held a telethon on November 30 in a bid to raise funds to continue the fight against cancer.
They encouraged individuals, businesses and various organisations to call a Cansa care centre to donate, targeting to raise R1m.
They are pleading with more stakeholders and individuals to lend a helping hand.
The organisation has been operating for more than 90 years intending to offer a unique, integrated service to the public and all people affected by cancer.
It remains Cansa’s mission 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.
Lucy Balona, head of marketing and communications for Cansa, said they are committed to connecting people facing cancer with information, day-to-day help as well as emotional support they need in the communities where they live.
“We aim to ensure that cancer survivors and their loved ones don’t have to face cancer alone. We’re here to support them through every step of their cancer journey.
“Our advocacy goes as far as making decision-makers aware of challenges faced by cancer patients in accessing cancer screening and treatment.”
With the support of the National Department of Health, they have trained 540 traditional health practitioners on the top five cancers nationally.
They have also helped 446 people with diagnostic queries and treatment delays.
The organisation offers online and telephonic care and support.
Their tele-counselling line is available for free in seven languages to cancer patients, caregivers and guardians.
“We have Cansa Care Homes and TLC Lodges that provide home from home accommodation, nutritious meals for cancer patients and transport to and from cancer treatment centres,” said Balona.
Ways to help
• Make an online donation via cansa.org.za
• Join as a volunteer to help patients, health awareness or fundraising activities.
• Take part in their national income-generating projects and events such as Cansa Relay for Life, Cansa Shavathon, Cuppa for Cansa or Cansa Active.
• Donate medical equipment or renting out equipment.
Cansa collects hair to make wigs to generate income (from 25cm or longer). Residents can drop it off at the Bedfordview Cansa branch or can call them for collection in the area.
Cansa also offers pre and post-operative counselling, stoma clinical support and organisational management at their Bedfordview head office.
They host clinics once a month for clinical breast examinations, pap smears, prostate-specific antigen tests and photo-finder examinations.
“Your support helps us to continue the fight against cancer in South Africa and brings us closer to the challenge of a cancer-free society within our generation. Let this become our legacy to our children and generations to come,” added Balona.
The past year saw them assisting 5 260 patients through 32 support groups facilitated by over 430 trained care and support volunteers.
For contributions or consultations, they are available at 0800 226 622 or email counselling@cansa.org.za or lcarter@cansa.org.za
