CANSA West Rand reminds the public that prevention is better than cure
Public urged to take advantage of regular screening days at new Wilro Park premises
The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) is determined to make 2022 a landmark year for cancer detection.
Running on a small but dedicated and exceptionally knowledgeable team, CANSA West Rand is squeezing every possible ounce out of their pursuit of helping others. Stats from the West Rand office show the impact the team has had on those dealing with a cancer diagnosis, focusing on emotional support, home-based care and material support.
Emotional support includes meeting with patients to guide them on what to expect on their journey. The team has open and honest discussions with patients, and rendered 125 services of this nature to 103 patients during the 2020/ 2021 financial year. Material support relates to the physical equipment given to patients, and the West Rand office provided 119 hospital beds, 65 wheelchairs and 12 walkers among a host of other items in the same time period.
Screenings and home-based care are at the core of the CANSA mission, with the former helping to prevent the latter. In the previous financial year, CANSA West Rand performed 435 screenings which featured clinical breast examinations, Pap smears, prostate-specific antigen tests, and mole screenings using the FotoFinder device. “Prevention is better than cure. It is vital to do these tests at least once a year,” said Olivia Curlewis, CANSA’s Gauteng Unit Manager.
Increasing the number of people helped is he ultimate goal for 2022 and to do that, CANSA’s Isabel Gomes is calling on corporates and schools to invest in the team’s services. “Education is key. We have special corporate clinic days where we can test all staff and explain the necessity of testing. We can even come to schools to educate children or test teachers and parents,” said Isabel.
Screening days and mobile clinics operate across the West Rand, including Fochville and Hekpoort with additional information and appointment booking done through Isabel on 066 475 0149. CANSA West Rand headquarters are now at the Wilro Park home of their contracted nurse, and the team is welcoming any sponsorship, office supplies and signage donations for their new base of operations.
