Cancer support group affected by Covid-19

The CanSurvive Support Group has been negatively affected by the pandemic as it hasn’t been able to host its monthly meetings, awareness campaigns or even fund-raisers.

The group was established to provide support for cancer patients, caregivers and friends at various levels, no matter what type of cancer they are affected by and where they receive their treatment.

CanSurvive director and cancer survivor Ronnie Nkabinde said they are hoping to have their first meeting in April, depending on the number of cases and deaths recorded.

“My main concern is that during the higher levels of the lockdown many of our members who receive cancer treatment missed out on their scheduled appointments because of transport restrictions,” said Nkabinde.

“Our members are always encouraged to stick to their prescribed medication for cancer and other chronic conditions.”

The Crystal Park resident said having a support structure is very important; hence he saw the need of creating support groups where patients can share their experiences and concerns and obtain support and useful information from others who have been through similar experiences.

However, since March 2020 they haven’t had any meetings.

They have support groups in Daveyton, Kwa-Thema, Tsakani, and at the Far East Rand Hospital.

Nkabinde said during this pandemic five of their members died and the death of two members were Covid-19-related complications.

“This is a good record considering that most of our members are still receiving cancer treatment,” he said.

He added that they keep in touch with their members through WhatsApp and they make use of the community radio station, EK FM.

He encourages members to continue following the regulations to ensure that they keep themselves and their families safe, and to remember that their health comes first.

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