September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) is reminding communities of the comprehensive support it offers young patients and their families.

When a child or young adult is diagnosed with cancer, the impact ripples through the whole family, says Anina Meiring, CANSA service manager for childhood cancer.

“Our role is to practically support the patient and family, providing human connection and dignity from diagnosis through treatment.”

Comprehensive care that goes the extra mile

CANSA’s Tough Living with Cancer (TLC) programme is family-centred, combining practical assistance, emotional and nutritional support, and free accommodation near treatment centres. In the past financial year, TLC provided 56 implanted chemotherapy ports, 13 venous catheters, 352 needles, 318 dressings and nine mobility aids. A further 52 bone-needle soft lines were supplied, 166 teens and young adults received emotional support, 58 children were given specialised nutrition, 228 people received food support, and 38 children were assisted with end-of-life care.

There are three TLC lodges: Nicus Lodge in Pretoria, Tygerberg Lodge at Tygerberg Hospital in Bellville, and Durban Lodge. Also, in-hospital support is offered at Polokwane Hospital. Dedicated adolescent spaces at Tygerberg Lodge and Olea Katleho Care Home in Bloemfontein offer older youth privacy and study opportunities.

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“These practical forms of support protect dignity and help families to keep going,” says Meiring.

“An implanted chemotherapy port can reduce repeated needle trauma; a room close to the ward can keep a parent near a child; and a meal can help a family through a stressful day.”

Creative shaping of awareness prompts communities

TLC also works alongside healthcare teams, having conducted 1 852 ward-round events and visiting 468 young patients in the past year.

In addition, community education helps families and educators recognise warning signs: TLC held 25 awareness events reaching 1 428 people, while CANSA’s First Line of Defence awareness game was piloted at the Kabega Primary School in Gqeberha, reaching 250 learners and 21 educators.

“When communities understand the warning signs and know how to respond, they become part of the support system,” says Meiring.

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Wacky Wardrobe

This September, CANSA invites everyone to take part in its Wacky Wardrobe Challenge. Wear your wildest, most mismatched outfit to spark awareness, donate a minimum of R10 on quicket.co.za, share your photo on social media tagging CANSA, and challenge others to join in.

Meiring says emotional and practical support go hand in hand.

“One parent described how her family received a wheelchair after her child underwent multiple amputations, together with emotional support, food parcels and ‘so much love’. For families facing the unimaginable, being able to remain together makes an enormous difference.

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“Our responsibility is to recognise the young patient as a whole, supporting their family and community standing beside them,” she concludes.

For more information, contact Lucy Balona at lbalona@cansa.org.za or dial 011 616 7662 or 082 459 5230.