Covid-19: What cancer patients need to know
'Cancer patients and survivors are among those at higher risk of serious illness from an infection because their immune systems are often weakened' – CANSA Chief Executive Officer.
In the interests of cancer patients and survivors amid the rapid spread of Covid-19, the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) has given information to help keep patients and survivors safe.
According to Elize Joubert, CANSA Chief Executive Officer, cancer patients and survivors are among those at higher risk of serious illness from an infection because their immune systems are often weakened.
“It’s important that we educate patients and survivors on what can be done to lower their risk of getting infected with the virus, and on what to do if they should contract it. We also want them to know that they are not alone, despite the imminent 21-day lockdown (27 March to 16 April 2020) announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa.”
Visit the website https://www.cansa.org.za/cansas-care-support/cansa-care-homes/https://www.cansa.org.za/cansas-care-support/cansa-care-homes/] for information about CANSA Care Homes.
“CANSA staff and volunteers will continue to support patients online through our website, social media support groups and platforms during the lockdown period. We appeal to those who are in a position to enable our continued support of cancer survivors and patients through online donations, to do so on the website [https://www.cansa.org.za/personal-donation-options/],” Joubert appealed.
CANSA will continue assisting stoma and ostomy patients with orders and deliveries that will be processed once a week on Thursdays. Patients and survivors can mail thavenga@cansa.org.za or stomapta@cansa.org.za or WhatsApp 078 942 9290.
“Thank you to all our dedicated caregivers, nurses and medical staff who have, selflessly, continued to put our patients’ needs first regardless of personal risk at this time. We would not be able to carry out our unique service delivery offering if it were not for them – we are exceptionally grateful to have such a wonderful care team,” Joubert concluded.
For support:
CANSA will continue supporting patients virtually via their website https://www.cansa.org.za, online support groups and platforms info@cansa.org.za or [https://www.cansa.org.za/cansas-care-support/cansas-online-support-resources/], their toll-free Call Centre 0800 22 66 22 and WhatsApp lines which are 072 197 9305 for English and Afrikaans; and 071 867 3530 for Xhosa, Zulu, Sotho and Siswati.
