The Southern Cape/Karoo Region of the Cancer Association of SA (CANSA) is a non-profit organisation engaged for a number of years in activities to fight cancer mostly through prevention, early detection and care.
Their preventative strategies focus mainly on nutrition, physical activity, regular screening and behaviour change to prevent the following cancers which have the highest incidence amongst the South African population: diet-related cancers, breast cancer, cervical cancer, prostrate cancer, tobacco-related cancers and skin cancer. These strategies include awareness programs, school health programs, media campaigns, educational programs presented by trained staff and volunteers as well as partnerships with other organisations.
CANSA also provide care and support for cancer patients and their families and provide assistance with the formation and facilitation of support groups as required by the communities they serve.
Volunteers form the backbone of CANSA Southern Cape/Karoo and they currently have more than 1000 volunteers who assist CANSA with home based care for cancer patients, cancer education, fundraising and general administrative tasks. There are Volunteer Liaison Committees in twenty eight towns in the region which in turn co-ordinate the activities of the volunteers in each specific town and facilitated by permanent CANSA staff members from George, Oudtshoorn or Beaufort West. The role of volunteers can be seen as an essential extension of CANSA's services to the various communities in the region where they are placed. It is therefore of vital importance that the organisation have volunteers in all the towns we service. If you are interested in becoming a CANSA volunteer, please contact one of the offices listed below, Their toll-free information service on 0800 22 66 22 or visit www.cansa.org.za.
What Drives the Organisation?
Mission
We will substantially reduce the impact of cancer by promoting health in all communities within South Africa through advocacy and the sustainable facilitation of research, prevention, early detection and care.
Our values
We are committed to the following values:
- Team Work
- Innovation
- Integrity
- Passion
- Accountability
- Excellence
CANSA is a self sustainable organisation (Section 21 Company) which receives very little funding from the State (less than 4% of its income). We are therefore dependant on the generosity of the public and business to fund our mission. Funds are collected through a number of fundraising initiatives and campaigns such as:
- The Toktokkie Campaign from January to May ;
- The Sanlam Cancer Golf Challenges (From March to July at the Golf Clubs in the Region)
- The Cuppa for Cancer campaign (From May to July);
- The Breast Health Walks (October);
- Other special events throughout the year.
