Celebrating the Success of CANSA Research Day 2026

CANSA Research Day 2026 brought together leading cancer researchers, clinicians, academics, healthcare professionals and advocates from across South Africa for a day of knowledge sharing, collaboration and innovation in Cape Town on 11 August 2026.

Hosted as part of CANSA's 95th anniversary celebrations, the event provided a valuable platform for showcasing current cancer research, strengthening partnerships, and exploring how research can be translated into policy, healthcare services and improved patient outcomes.

The programme featured presentations from established and emerging researchers representing some of South Africa's leading universities and research institutions. Topics ranged from breast, cervical, colorectal and pancreatic cancers to genetic testing, HPV prevention, early detection, treatment adherence and patient lived experiences.

Dr June Fabian presents key findings from her latest cancer research study during CANSA Research Day 2026.

Prof Hannah Sebitloane-Habile, CANSA Board and Research Committee (RESCOM) member, engages presenters during the discussion session.

A key highlight of the day was the panel discussion, From Innovation to Impact: Translating Cancer Research into Practice, which explored how scientific evidence can be transformed into meaningful change for patients and communities through collaboration between researchers, healthcare providers, policymakers and civil society organisations.

Another highlight was the presentation by Prof Jennifer Moodley, of the University of Cape Town (UCT), on Advancing Cancer Research Through Partnerships: Co-developing and Evaluating Cancer Awareness Toolkits for Southern Africa and officially introducing a series of new cancer awareness infographics jointly developed by CANSA and AWACAN-ED (African aWAreness of CANcer & Early Diagnosis), an NIHR-funded Global Health Research Group dedicated to advancing the early diagnosis of cancer across Southern Africa.

Professor Jennifer Moodley introduces the cancer awareness toolkits developed through the CANSA and AWACAN-ED partnership to support early detection and public education across Southern Africa.

We are immensely proud of this partnership and excited about the opportunities it creates to expand the reach of cancer awareness and education, helping more individuals and communities access the information they need to reduce cancer risk and seek timely care.

The event also showcased current CANSA-funded research projects, highlighting our continued investment in generating locally relevant evidence to advance cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care in South Africa. Student and emerging researchers were given the opportunity to present their work, engage with experts and build valuable professional networks.

One of the most rewarding outcomes of the day was the overwhelmingly positive feedback received from both delegates and speakers. Attendees described the event as a huge success and praised CANSA for the opportunity to share research, showcase current work being conducted across the country and foster meaningful connections for future collaboration.

Ms Zodwa Sithole, CANSA Head of Advocacy; Dr Richard Khanyile, CANSA Research Committee (RESCOM) member; and Prof Jane Harries, CANSA Head of Research, at CANSA Research Day 2026.

Many highlighted the value of bringing together diverse stakeholders from across the cancer research and healthcare landscape to identify shared priorities and strengthen partnerships.

Looking Ahead:
Investing in the Future of Cancer Research

As CANSA celebrates 95 years of service, CANSA Research Day reaffirmed our commitment to the continued support of high-quality cancer research and creating opportunities for collaboration that contributes to better cancer outcomes for all for the future.

Thank you to all our speakers, delegates, researchers and partners who contributed to making CANSA Research Day 2026 such a positive and impactful event.

Athi Neo Macasa, a student researcher from the University of Cape Town, presents her research poster during the poster exhibition session.

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Did You Know?
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