Cansa marks 95 years of hope with Pretoria celebration

Healthcare professionals, partners, cancer survivors, and members of the media came together to celebrate Cansa’s 95th anniversary on April 21 with a commemorative event at its Pretoria centre.

Founded in 1931, the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to fighting cancer through research, education, screening, and patient care.

Cansa spokesperson Lucy Balona said over the decades, it has grown into a national support system offering practical and emotional assistance to thousands of South Africans affected by cancer.

The anniversary celebration was not only a reflection of the organisation’s legacy but also a platform to address ongoing needs.

Cansa also received a monetary donation from a local company.

Speaking at the event, Cansa CFO Peter Mukheli described the milestone as both a celebration and a call to action.

Mukheli highlighted the organisation’s impact over the past year, noting that more than 2 000 patients were accommodated in Cansa Care Homes, and 965 received home-based care.

“Behind every number, there is a person, a story and a family navigating and living with cancer,” he said.

Mukheli mentioned that over 2 000 home visits ensured that no one was left unsupported.

“These are not just services. They are lifelines,” he added.

The event featured a guided tour of the TLC NICUS Lodge, a facility that provides accommodation and support to parents and guardians of children undergoing cancer treatment.

Lodge manager Vera van Dalen outlined the importance of targeted support to patients and their families.

“We provide support even to families that lose their children to cancer; it is not up to us to tell them when to leave. They leave when they are ready, and some of them end up becoming volunteers,” she said.

She noted that they need the following much-needed essentials: properly equipped storage facilities, like walk-in fridges to keep vegetables fresh and appropriate care packages.

The tour offered a closer look at the realities faced by families of patients and staff.

Van Dalen said the facility accommodates children from birth to 17 years old, usually with the children being admitted and the parents staying at the lodge.

Family units are arranged to support both single patients and mothers with children, with a maximum capacity of just over 50 occupants.

She said despite its vital role, the centre faces several challenges, including infrastructure issues such as a leaking roof, maintenance backlogs, and drainage problems.

Van Dalen also raised concerns about well-meaning but impractical donations, such as ‘donating colouring books to a 16-year-old’.

“Items like soft toys, for instance, pose infection risks for vulnerable patients, while some donated goods do not meet the actual needs of patients,” she said.

Prostate cancer survivor Willie Ackerman (69) shared his journey. He said he was diagnosed at 46.

“My biggest challenge was the delayed diagnosis, as my cancer was hiding behind the prostate; the cost of medical tests exceeded R1-million,” he said.

Ackerman said his story highlights the importance of early detection and access to proper healthcare.

Looking ahead, Cansa warned that cancer cases in South Africa are expected to double by 2030, reaching an estimated 220 000 new diagnoses annually.

The organisation continues to expand its services, including new care homes and digital platforms, while advocating for improved access to treatment.

As the event concluded, the message was clear that while 95 years of service is a remarkable achievement, the fight against cancer is far from over.

Through partnerships, community support, and continued innovation, Cansa aims to ensure that no South African faces cancer alone.

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