CANSA A leader in the fight against cancer in SA
Tamara Wittstock said that CANSA is the leading role player in cancer research where more than R12 million is spent on it annually.
The purpose of the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) is to offer a unique, integrated service to the public and to all people affected by cancer.
“It’s a mission to be the preferred non-profit leader that enables research with regards to lowering cancer risk, educating the public regarding symptoms and risk reduction, and providing care and support to all people affected by cancer,” said Tamara Wittstock, community mobiliser fund-raising developer, Cansa East Rand.
She said that Cansa is the leading role player in cancer research where more than R12-million is spent on it annually.
She further said that the scientific findings and knowledge from the research are used to realign the Cansa Health Programme and strengthens the watchdog role to benefit the public.
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“Cancer does not discriminate and every person should be aware of their bodies and check for symptoms but a family history, as well as lifestyle choices, can increase the chances of developing cancer,” said Wittstock.
Wittstock said that the Cansa East Rand provides screenings and emotional support at the care centre called Keurboom Care Home, ensuring a warm and welcome home for patients.
She said that the patients have access to comfortable beds, a garden setting and a relaxing lounging area.
“The dedicated staff members provide meals and transport to and from treatment centres, as well as emotional support through individual and group counselling, recreational activities and fellowship with other patients,” said Wittstock.
She said that the Keurboom Care Home has the capacity to host 30 patients at a time.
Patients stay at the care centres on average six weeks.
“We provide three meals a day that are specially adapted to the needs of the patients undergoing treatment.
We also provide counselling from our onsite social workers as well as support groups that help patients to open up while in a safe and clean environment,” said Wittstock.
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Wittstock said that time spent at the care centres depend on the type of treatment, but it normally is between six to eight weeks.
She said that patients go home on the weekend as the care centres are open Monday to Friday.
Patients are encouraged to contact their local office who will then be able to get the right staff connected to them and their needs.
“We encourage potential volunteers to contact your nearest Cansa office where you will be in touch with a community mobiliser within the field of interest.
“We are open to volunteers for our patient care department as well as our fund-raising department.
“Volunteers are the backbone of Cansa and we would not be able to provide the services needed without them,” said Wittstock.
Cansa East Rand is a regional office that falls under the Northern Business Unit run by the Cansa Bedfordview head office.
For more information contact Cansa East Rand on 011 869 5644.
