CANSA Lowveld place the focus on teenage cancer
They aim to focus on teenagers surviving cancer.
A particular focus for CANSA is that of the teenage cancer survivors (patients).
Currently, adolescents are under-represented in the National Cancer Registry and the South African Children’s Cancer Registry, so the true incidence of cancer in the country is not known.
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Dr Jennifer Geel, CANSA funded researcher, said: “A diagnosis of cancer is devastating for anyone, but teens are also coming to terms with rapidly changing life circumstances for example puberty, high school, post school education, entry into the workplace, relationships, individuating from their parents, becoming adult members of society, etc.”
“A diagnosis of cancer puts everything on hold. They struggle to manage themselves while their lives are threatened. There are high rates of depression among teen patients, but it’s often undiagnosed,” Geel says.
The CANSA Tough Living with Cancer (TLC) children/teens’ support programme embraces a holistic approach to include the emotional and social well-being of parents (guardians), children or teens and their siblings.
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For more information on how this organisation can help you phone the CANSA Lowveld office on 013-741-5441 or pay them a visit at De Villiers Street.
