Covid-19: what cancer patients need to know

NATIONAL NEWS - In the interests of cancer patients and Survivors, amid the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), is releasing information to help keep patients and survivors safe, and providing online support through the CANSA website, social media platforms and staff on call.

View information www.cansa.org.za/covid-19-what-cancer-patients-should-know and infographic www.cansa.org.za/infographic-covid-19.

Elize Joubert, CANSA Chief Executive Officer says, “Cancer patients and survivors are among those at higher risk of serious illness from an infection because their immune systems are often weakened.

"It’s important that we educate on what can be done to lower their risk for the virus, and on what to do if they should contract it. We also want them to know that they are not alone, despite the 21-day lockdown (27 March to 16 April 2020) announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 23 March.”

Cancer patients will continue to stay at some of the CANSA Care Homes (Bloemfontein, Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, Richards Bay and one in Cape Town at Tyberberg hospital) with protective measures and strict infection procedures and while the public hospitals are open and receiving patients.

CANSA Care Homes cater for patients receiving cancer treatment with accommodation, transport and meals. In the other provinces, plans have been made for critical patients to be admitted full time at specific hospitals or treatment centres. (www.cansa.org.za/cansas-care-support/cansa-care-homes).

CANSA’s TLC Lodges for children and families affected by cancer in Pretoria and Polokwane will also remain operating with protective measures and support via phone and online platforms. #CANSACareHomes

"CANSA staff and volunteers will also continue to support patients online through our website, social media support groups and platforms during the lockdown period.

"We appeal to those who are in a position to enable our continued support of cancer survivors and patients through online donations, to do so at https://www.cansa.org.za/personal-donation-options/," appealed Joubert. (#CANSACares)

CANSA will continue assisting stoma and ostomy patients with orders and deliveries that will be processed once a week on Thursdays. Patients and survivors can email thavenga@cansa.org.za or stomapta@cansa.org.za or WhatsApp 078 942 9290. (#CANSAstoma)

"Thank you to all our dedicated caregivers, nurses and medical staff who have, selflessly, continued to put our patients’ needs first regardless of personal risk at this time.

"We would not be able to carry out our unique service delivery offering if it were not for them – we are exceptionally grateful to have such a wonderful care team," concludes Joubert.

CANSA’s Online Support
CANSA will continue supporting patients virtually via the website, www.cansa.org.za, online support groups and platforms (info@cansa.org.za,) https://www.cansa.org.za/cansas-care-support/cansas-online-support-resources/), Toll Free Call Centre (0800 22 66 22) and WhatsApp lines, which are 072 197 9305 for English and Afrikaans and 071 867 3530 for Xhosa, Zulu, Sotho and Siswati.

A list of staff on call will be posted on the CANSA website so that patients can stay in touch with staff during the lockdown.

Furthermore, CANSA may be contacted via our social media platforms: