The Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) is celebrating its 85th year of working towards a world without cancer.
The association changed its name to Cansa in the 1990s when the non-profit organisation was firmly established as the country’s leading player in cancer research, education and support.
David Booth, Community Mobiliser and Fundraiser (CMFD) at Cansa Polokwane said the association has been involved in influencing health policy since its inception. He cited as example the significant contribution Cansa made towards the anti-tobacco legislation of 1999 that banned tobacco product advertising and sponsorship activities.
He said that decade after decade, since its humble beginnings in the 1930s, Cansa steadily developed a comprehensive service to the public, making a positive difference to thousands of South Africans affected by cancer. He stressed that Cansa relies heavily on corporate donors, cash donations and volunteers to fund its health, care and support programmes, advocacy and research initiatives and that their relationship with the public and businesses are of the utmost importance.
His fellow CMFD, René Robberts said cancer survivors, caregivers, medical and research professionals, sponsors and the general public never cease to surprise with their generosity and participation in national and regional events to raise funds.
Booth said that some of the main events include the Cansa Shavathon, Cansa Relay for Life, Cuppa for Cansa and various sporting events that are supported by extensive marketing and promotion, all aimed at creating awareness and influencing behaviour.
Cansa offers a unique integrated service to the public and to all people affected by cancer. As a leading role-player in cancer research (more than R12 million spent annually), the scientific findings and knowledge gained from research are used to improve cancer treatment and risk reduction of cancer. Cansa’s health programmes comprise health and education campaigns whereby it informs and educates the public on how to reduce the risk of cancer.
Bobby Were, Facilitator at Cansa’s TLC Paediatric Oncology Ward in Polokwane said the organisation supplies patient care and support in the form of 11 Cansa Care Homes in the main metropolitan areas to accommodate out-of-town cancer patients when they receive their cancer treatment. They also run the Theunis Fichardt Hospitium based in Polokwa-ne and offer Cansa-TLC lodging for parents and guardians of children undergoing cancer treatment.
Story: Alet-Elize van Jaarsveld
>>alet-elize@observer.co.za
Featured Photo: Cansa’s Shavathon 2016 brings together families and friends. Regular Shavathon supporters Marianna Swart and her son Peet Swart have their heads shaved in memory of loved ones who succumbed to cancer. Shavathon volunteers Estévan Dorfling and Maryna van der Merwe have supported the initiative for more than a decade.
