Cancer treatment centres in the public sector are mainly centred around the tertiary hospitals. Patients need to pay for transport to reach the treatment centres, which they cannot afford. Some travel more than six hours to get to a treatment centre, without any subsistence support. This is one of the key reasons why many cancers are being diagnosed too late for health providers to save patients' lives. If patients do get to the treatment centres, they may need accommodation which can be costly and many cancer patients can't afford this.

What CANSA is Doing:

• We offer a wide range of support and care services to cancer patients and their families, to address some of these barriers to care. CANSA Care Homes provide a place to stay for cancer patients living far away from treatment centres.

• Some patients are employed and need to take time off to travel to treatment centres and undergo treatment. The loss of income can be crippling for many families, particularly where the cancer patient is the sole breadwinner. If you’re a patient receiving support from CANSA, we can help with writing letters to your employer to facilitate time-off.
• Patients, caregivers and loved ones are offered counselling, support groups and practical support through medical equipment hire, information to help cope with treatment and home-based care. Read more
• Many patients have ongoing medical supply needs. Dressings or prostheses are not always supplied by the treatment centre, local secondary hospital or clinic. We stock stoma brands and accessories that are very affordable and offer a delivery service to your doorstep. CANSA claims the cost of the stoma bags with your medical aid. Contact
• the nearest CANSA Care Centre to find out about stoma care and how CANSA can help you.
• CANSA, together with Cancer Alliance, plays an active part in the process of influencing and amending the Patent Laws, so that more affordable medications are available to cancer patients. Read more