IN celebration of National Cancer Survivor Month, the Durban branch of CANSA invited the Northglen News to their premises to see what services they offer both patients and survivors.
Speaking to Cara Noble, the KZN services manager, it is clear that both staff and volunteers are passionate about eradicating cancer.
At the CANSA Durban Care Centre (619 Umbilo Road, Durban), the first priority is to encourage prevention. This includes a healthy lifestyle and regular check-ups for early detection, said Noble.
Sister Vanitha Naidoo, the care clinic manager, conducts Fotofinder skin cancer screenings as well as cervical and prostate screenings.
The clinic also offers a health risk assessment test, which, based on the individual’s lifestyle and genetic history, could help evaluate his or her cancer risk.
If a person has had a screening and the results come back positive for cancer, CANSA will also assist by referring the patient to the relevant physician or healthcare professional. Counselling is also offered to both the patient and his or her family. “The family also struggles. They often don’t know what to say to their loved one or how to assist them, so we offer assistance, support and counselling. It is also difficult for them to deal with the diagnoses and to watch their loved one go through the treatment,” said Noble.
In addition, the CANSA staff also provide accommodation for up to 29 cancer patients at the Mkhuhla Care Home, a home away from home facility, where staff assist with transport to the medical facilities as well as three warm meals a day. An accommodation service is also offered to families with young cancer patients.
“While the young patient is required to stay at the hospital for treatment, we provide accommodation for parents and siblings at our Tough Living with Cancer (TLC) Lodge,” she added. This is a new addition to CANSA’s services and opened on 1 June.
Once the patient has beaten the dreaded disease, the NPO staff are still there to provide further assistance in an effort to help the survivor regain as much normality in his or her life.
Noble was proud to show off the wigs and prosthetic breasts at the centre, which help restore patients and survivors’ confidence. Staff help the survivors and patients to fit and choose a wig or prosthetic that suits their needs and style. CANSA also offers a stoma service to the public. This and all of their services are at a reduced rate.
“We don’t forget about the patients once they have beaten the dreaded disease. We know that surviving is only half the battle. The best part is watching them walk out of our offices with a newfound sense of confidence,” she said.
