The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) has a new online platform that provides an additional avenue for people to connect with caring cancer communities.
In May, CANSA launched a virtual support group that is held monthly on Zoom to extend the reach it has already achieved through its face-to-face support groups, Facebook and WhatsApp groups, which operate across South Africa.
The virtual support group is managed by trained counsellors. The topics vary and the format is relaxed and supportive, encouraging engagement and input from survivors.
Services Manager for Psychosocial Support at CANSA, Gretchen Minnaar, said that often, people need someone to talk to about their cancer experience.
“Many cancer survivors report feeling isolated from the moment they are diagnosed. They find that friends, colleagues and even some family members avoid them, rather than showing up and providing comfort or even just companionship,” said Minnaar.
She said this as the global community commemorates International Cancer Survivors’ Month in June, which honours cancer survivors, their caregivers, loved ones, families and others within the survivor’s circle.
According to the South African National Cancer Registry, more than 115,000 South Africans are diagnosed with cancer every year, with many more cases remaining unreported or unregistered.
CANSA provides extensive support to survivors and those affected by the disease.
“Interacting with people who understand your life experience is an invaluable form of support. It’s incredibly beneficial to hear about the coping strategies of someone who has been, or is currently, in the same situation as you,” she added.
The association runs 
WhatsApp support groups on both a national and regional basis, with regional groups limited to patients in specific geographical areas.
Nationally, there are groups that offer bereavement, caregiver, and newly diagnosed patient support.
There are also groups dedicated to women survivors and men survivors, as well as an ostomy support group and one for teenagers aged 13 to 17.
On Facebook, CANSA has established three support groups: Cancer Survivors – Champions of Hope for cancer survivors (patients and those in remission), Caring for the Caregivers for caregivers of cancer survivors, and TLC – Childhood Cancer Support for children and parents or guardians affected by cancer.
To date, CANSA offers support in English, Afrikaans, isiXhosa, Setswana, Sesotho, Sepedi and isiZulu.
How to join a support group
Cancer patients and survivors, as well as their caregivers, family members and anyone else affected by cancer, can join one of these groups by completing a form on CANSA’s website: www.cansa.org.za
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