Brief
Cansa urges South African women to look beyond breast‑cancer diagnosis
Cansa stresses early screening for younger women and offers free counselling and support groups.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) is warning that breast cancer, traditionally diagnosed in women over 50, is now increasingly affecting women in their 20s and 30s, according to a 2 Oct 2026 release.
What happened
Cansa cites the National Cancer Registry 2024, which records a lifetime risk of 1 in 28 for South African women. The association says early‑stage breast cancer often shows no symptoms, making regular screening essential.
What the reports add
The article details Cansa’s emotional‑support initiatives: a free tele‑counselling service staffed by trained social‑worker counsellors offering support in most South African languages, and peer‑support groups on WhatsApp and Facebook. It also lists practical advice for survivors, such as allowing oneself to feel emotions, engaging in joyful activities, and setting non‑cancer‑related goals.
What was said
Gretchen Minnaar, Cansa service manager for psychosocial support, told Bizcommunity, “Diagnosis and treatment can overshadow a patient's sense of who they are, leading to them feeling defined by their illness, rather than by their unique strengths, relationships and role in life.” She added, “Healing is not only treating the disease or physical body, it’s important for women to learn how to reconnect with themselves after the trauma of a cancer diagnosis and treatment.”
Survivor Ragini Naranjee shared, “Life has a way of rewriting our stories without asking for our permission… My diagnosis changed my life. The surgery left scars I could trace with my fingers and others no one else can see.”
How it came about
Cansa’s campaign follows its broader patient‑navigation work highlighted on 15 Sept 2026 for World Lymphoma Awareness Day, where the organisation promoted free tele‑counselling and transport assistance. The current focus on breast‑cancer awareness aligns with similar efforts worldwide, such as the breast‑cancer awareness month launched by Shaukat Khanum Hospital on 2 Oct 2026.
Key facts
- Breast cancer now affects more South African women in their 20s and 30s, up from a typical age over 50. (bizcommunity.com)
- Cansa reports a lifetime risk of 1 in 28 for South African women (National Cancer Registry 2024). (bizcommunity.com)
- Cansa offers free tele‑counselling in most SA languages and peer‑support groups on WhatsApp and Facebook. (bizcommunity.com)
Sources
- [1] bizcommunity.com — originally reported as “You are more than your cancer diagnosis - CANSA”
