MEMBERS OF THE CANCER ALLIANCE

APCC was founded in 1987 in response to requests from individual hospices for a national organisation. APCC currently has over 90 member organisations in all nine provinces which provide palliative care services to patients and their families – most of whom receive support through care provided in the patient’s own home. Our vision is “To promote quality in life, dignity in death and support in bereavement for all living with a life-threatening illness by supporting member hospices and partner organisations.

Breast Cancer Support Pretoria bases its support on three pillars: training volunteers to educate their communities, raising awareness, and providing care packages and support for recently diagnosed patients. The need for breast Cancer education is the driving force behind all our activities. We want to change the perception and fear associated with breast cancer and promote jobs as volunteers in our NPO for community education outreaches. We want to break the cultural and socio-economic barrier associated with breast cancer and promote engagement of youth through our breast education drives.

The Breast Health Foundation (BHF) was established in 2002, dedicated to educating the public on breast cancer and breast health, raising awareness, and empowering women. Since its inception, BHF has evolved into a transparent and impactful organisation, reaching women nationwide. The funds raised are directed towards educating women about the importance of self-examination and regular medical check-ups. Our team of breast cancer survivors provides crucial informative and psycho-social support, creating a safe space where women and their support network feel comfortable discussing their concerns.

A leader in the fight against cancer since 1931, the vision of the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) is to lead South Africa towards a cancer free society. Its mission is to enable research, educate the public and advocate for and support all people affected by cancer. Our advocacy team strives to ensure that South African policy makers are aware of important cancer control issues, and that patients’ right to healthcare is protected. CANSA aims to ensure that no-one faces cancer alone, receiving support throughout their cancer journey.

Cancervive is a South African Non-profit Organisation committed to creating impactful cancer awareness and educating communities about cancer as a disease. We focus on rural and underserved areas of South Africa, where information about cancer is not readily available or accessible. The organisation has a survivor-driven approach, aimed at dispelling myths, breaking social stigmas and providing information. We encourage early cancer detection and prevention and sharing available support resources.

Through dynamic campaigns and compelling survivor stories, we aim to celebrate life, inspire hope, and empower communities to pro-actively
engage in the fight against cancer.

Care for Cancer Foundation is dedicated to bridging the gap between patients and medical attention. We assist patients who can’t afford medical procedures like mammograms, endoscopies, colonoscopies, biopsies, MRI scans, CT scans. We also assist by providing stoma bags, adult nappies, Ensure and other consumables recommended to patients by their doctors. We aid with food vouchers and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

The DKMS Group is one of the most significant non-profit organisations in the world dedicated to fighting blood cancer and blood disorders. With twelve entities, a global presence in seven countries on five continents and a strong commitment to saving lives, we work tirelessly to connect patients with matching blood stem cell donors. Our mission is to increase the number of potential donors worldwide, enhance the ethnic diversity of our database, provide life-saving transplants to patients in need, and improve patient outcomes.

The Global Colon Cancer Association (GCCA) advocates for equitable access to quality colorectal cancer screenings, testing, treatments, and care, because where you live should not determine whether you can prevent or survive colorectal cancer. As both a membership-based umbrella organization and a patient advocacy organization, GCCA works toward this goal by amplifying and supporting the efforts of our member organizations, by developing adaptable advocacy and educational materials for our members, and by conducting our own advocacy, education, and initiatives that ensure patients are at the heart of all policy discussions.

Living With Cancer (LWC) is a non-profit organisation that provides a platform where South Africans can capture, track and share their cancer journey. LWC’s mission is to serve as a dynamic repository dedicated to recording the cases of cancer diagnoses among South Africans. Our objective is to contribute to the ongoing efforts to combat the cancer crisis in SA. The data will offer invaluable insights, enabling more informed and streamlined decision-making in the management of cancer. We unite patients and oncology teams, emphasising collaboration and patient advocacy.

Look Good Feel Better is the only international cancer support charity, covering all cancers that helps women and men manage the visible side effects of cancer treatment. Our aim is to greatly increase people’s confidence and self-esteem at a very difficult time in their lives by hosting skin care and make-up workshops in public and private hospitals throughout SA. The program is valued by oncology teams as an integral part of a holistic treatment of cancer patients.

LAOSA, the lymphoedema association of South Africa, aims to promote quality lymphoedema management and education in South Africa. We encourage and support research in the area of lymphology, lymphoedema and other oedemas particularly as they relate to the South African context. We consistently work to increase awareness of the diagnosis and treatment in the health care sector and general public. Contact us to become a member, to find a qualified lymphoedema therapist in your area or to learn more about our organisation.

Our purpose is to create awareness about cancer, signs and symptoms and to promote early detection. We are proud to be supported by a multi-disciplinary team of medical professionals and institutions and can offer various services to cancer patients and their families. Our Filotimo Cancer Navigation and Cancer Champion programmes are available to those in need of emotional support, guidance and advice. We provide individualised assistance to patients to help overcome the challenges of the very daunting cancer journey, from diagnosis through treatment and into survivorship.

The National Council Against Smoking (NCAS) was founded in 1976 and has played a leading role in advocating for evidence-based policies to control the use of tobacco, nicotine and related products. NCAS also provides cessation services through the National Quitline, supporting those looking to break free from the grip of nicotine addiction. In addition to this NCAS continues to play an active role in tobacco control advocacy and policy development in the SADC region, African region and globally.

The society aims to build a special interest group for nurses practicing in cancer and palliative care, creating a platform where nurses can communicate and exchange ideas, share evidence-based best practices and research in cancer and/or palliative care. We represent the voice of the oncology and palliative care nurse, providing access to resources and opportunities for networking within the profession, thus enabling our specialist nurses to practice within international standards of best and safest care.

Our website is designed to help the patient locate a practitioner or therapist to aid them in their cancer journey and to ease the difficulties they may face. We believe knowledge is power and here we hope to give you the information you need to empower yourself on your cancer journey.

The aim of Pink Trees for Pauline is to raise funds to assist people and their families affected by cancer. The project was developed so that sustainability in as many towns and communities as possible is guaranteed. The organisation focuses solely on fundraising. Funds raised in a town must be allocated to the cancer community within that town, so the impact is immediately felt, with the town committee organising access to treatment; food parcels; prosthesis; toys for children affected by cancer; transport etc.

Offer curative treatment to men with prostate cancer who could not otherwise afford it. Promote services which improves prevention, detection, treatment, and research of prostate cancer in the Western Cape.

The Prostate Cancer Foundation is led by the medical specialists who diagnose, treat and research prostate cancer. They coordinate the compilation of the South African Prostate Cancer Guidelines. Our Patient Affairs Board is run by prostate cancer survivors. They support prostate cancer patients and their families. They also help to educate men about prostate cancer and raise awareness about the disease and the benefits of early detection. The Foundation is supported by donations, educational grants, and corporate memberships. An awareness and fund-raising campaign called Suit Up September is run annually in prostate cancer awareness month.

The Southern African Animal Cancer Association (SAACA) is the first organisation in Africa, and only the fourth in the world, to focus on cancer in animals. Veterinary oncology is a subspecialty of veterinary medicine that deals with cancer diagnosis and treatment in animals. Cancer is a major cause of death in pets, with as many as 45% of all the dogs 10 years or older dying of cancer, according to a study. SAACA supports cancer research at the Faculty of Veterinary Science at the University of Pretoria.

The South African Oncology Social Worker Forum (SAOSWF) seeks to encourage excellence in the psychosocial care of people with cancer as well as their families and caregivers by promoting advocacy, ongoing education, professional networking and resource development for oncology and palliative social workers in South Africa. The SAOSWF facilitates monthly virtual information meetings and facilitates the psycho-social program at oncology conferences.

South Africa United Against Cancer is a non-profit organisation based in the South of Johannesburg. It endeavours to bring about a paradigm change in the approach toward prevention of cancer by developing new communication and advocacy methods, and generating new knowledge on cancer through appropriate fundraising awareness campaigns. It facilitates the meeting of diverse cultures in sharing and learning from each other, educating and empowering individuals about cancer as a whole, promoting early detection, prevention and sustainability. It inspires action to reduce the stigma of cancer in communities.

The Soweto Cancer Society seeks to address the rising incidence of late presentation to hospital by, inter alia, capacitating healthcare workers at local clinics in and around this township. The aim is to enhance skills in the early detection of cancer, linking the community with treatment facilities, thereby leading to early treatment and compliance. By leveraging and partnering with other stakeholders and advocacy groups, the SCS further aims to scale up awareness programmes, screening and preventative services including support groups within the community.

Independent
Cancer Advocate

Linda is a masters-level social worker and an ovarian cancer survivor who has dedicated her life to the development of psycho-oncology in South Africa. She co-founded the South African Oncology Social Work Forum, fostering collaboration among professionals. As a co-founder of “People Living with Cancer” (or “Cancer Buddies”), she has played a vital role in cancer support and advocacy. For 13 years, Linda served on the Cancer Alliance’s Executive Committee, advocating for equitable cancer services in South Africa. She is co-author of several research articles shedding light on local cancer challenges.

Independent
Cancer Advocate

After receiving treatment for melanoma in 2006, Peter became involved in a patient support group which eventually became the CanSurvive Cancer Support Group and served as chairman until 2014. In 2016 he joined the Cancer Alliance Exco and served until the end of 2019. Over the years he has provided support to melanoma patients, both in person and via telephone or internet communication. Now retired, he continues to have an interest in cancer matters and provide one-on-one support where required.

Independent
Cancer Advocate

Colleen Marco is a social and health activist and advocate for equitable, accessible, cost-effective cancer services, for the eradication of socio-political and economic determinants that contribute to cancer morbidity and mortality world-wide. With more than two decades in the cancer field, her experience spans cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, palliative care, research and capacity building. She represents the CA on the Technical Working Group and is the lead advocate in the advocacy task team to facilitate the development of advocacy, monitoring and evaluation strategies specifically related to the elimination of cervical cancer in South Africa.

Independent
Cancer Advocate

An active Cancer Buddy since 2012 after the losing his wife to cervical cancer Samuel wanted to influence the manner in which caregivers and families are affected with a cancer diagnosis and the management of grief. His passion remains the elimination of cervical cancer through education, testing, and early detection. Navigating migrant worker access to cancer care is another field of interest.

The mission of ARI’S CANCER FOUNDATION is to create cancer awareness amongst the the Adolescence and Young Adults (AYA) Group. To provide assistance and support to the AYA group and families. To provide innovative and youth friendly spaces for treatment. To collaborate with likeminded organisations.

The mission of Rainbows and Smiles is to provide emotional, social and financial support to families and caregivers in need when a child (or children) of that family is diagnosed with cancer. Rainbows and Smiles encourage childhood cancer advocacy and GOLD RIBBON AWARENESS to educate people, in the hope of promoting early detection.