On the CANSA Couch Podcast

Protect Your Skin at Every Age - Be Sunsmart - CANSA on the Couch Podcast

On the CANSA Couch: Be SunSmart – Protect Your Skin at Every Age
In this episode of On the CANSA Couch, hosts Megan and Kudzai shine a spotlight on the importance of being SunSmart – a simple but powerful way to reduce the risk of skin cancer.
They’re joined by Dr Donny Fick, a Johannesburg-based general practitioner, avid runner, and passionate advocate for skin cancer awareness. Drawing on his experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery, media medicine, and everyday general practice, Dr Fick unpacks why skin cancer remains one of the most preventable cancers – yet continues to affect thousands of South Africans, particularly older adults.
The conversation also focuses on protecting children and youth, with practical advice for parents on how to keep young skins safe from harmful UV exposure.
Listeners will also learn about the CANSA Smart Choice Seal of Recognition, specifically the Protection Category, which helps South Africans identify products such as sunscreens, UV-protective clothing, sunglasses and shade solutions that support cancer risk reduction.
Tune in for practical tips, myth-busting insights and clear guidance on how to protect yourself and your loved ones – because it’s never too early, or too late, to be SunSmart.
https://cansa.org.za/be-sunsmart/

Talking Men’s Health with CANSA – Radio Laeveld – CANSA On the Couch Podcast

In this episode of On the CANSA Couch with Radio Laeveld, we focus on men’s health.CANSA is committed to empowering people facing cancer with information, guidance, and emotional support where they live.
November is Men’s Health Awareness Month. CANSA's Prof. Michael Herbst speaks to Radio Laeveld about prostate and testicular issues.
https://cansa.org.za/mens-health/

Talking Women’s Health with CANSA – Radio Laeveld – CANSA On the Couch Podcast

In this episode of On the CANSA Couch with Radio Laeveld, we focus on women’s health — with a spotlight on breast and cervical cancer. October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and CANSA’s Sharon Venter joins Radio Laeveld to unpack the importance of early detection, regular screening, and emotional support for women facing these cancers. Discover how CANSA empowers communities through education, care, and accessible screening services, helping women take charge of their health and well-being.
Find out more:
https://cansa.org.za/womens-health/

CANSA TLC Support Services - Empowering Through Support – Radio Laeveld – CANSA On the Couch Podcast

Podcast broadcasted on Radio Laeveld on 30 September 2025 with Anina Meiring,
Service Manager of CANSA's TLC Program, highlighting the CANSA TLC Support Services. 
CANSA is committed to empowering people facing cancer with information, advice, and emotional support wherever they live.
Children diagnosed with cancer have special needs that differ from those of adults. Anina Meiring elaborates on the specific support they provide.
Find out more: https://cansa.org.za/cansas-care-support/

Groundbreaking Genetic Discovery in Breast Cancer - CANSA On the Couch Podcast

In our latest On the CANSA Couch podcast, hosts Megan and Kudzai sit down with Mahtaab Hayat, lecturer and researcher in the School of Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of the Witwatersrand. Mahtaab is the lead author of a remarkable new study, published in Nature, which uncovered two new genetic variants linked to breast cancer in Black South African women.
Why does this matter? Until now, most genetic research on breast cancer has been done in Europe and the USA. This means many of the tools used to predict breast cancer risk don’t work as well for African women. By investing in research here at home, we’re taking a crucial step towards better prevention, earlier detection, and more effective treatments that reflect our population’s unique genetic diversity.
This conversation is also released in support of World Cancer Research Day (24 September), which this year highlights the theme: “Innovation in Cancer Research Drives Progress Toward Health Equity.”
Listen and watch in as Mahtaab explains what this breakthrough means for survivors, their families, and the future of cancer care in Africa.
#OnTheCANSACouch #WorldCancerResearchDay #BreastCancerAwareness #CANSACares

Stoma Services at CANSA on 100.5FM - CANSA on the Couch Podcast

Mireille chats to Dorothy du Plooy, CANSA Service Specialist about our stoma services

Spotlight on Cervical, Breast and Uterine cancer - CANSA on the Couch Podcast

Megan Pentz-Kluyts, CANSA Consulting Dietitian, is joined by co-host Kudzai Nyaruve, CANSA Seal of Recognition Manager, for a conversation that’s both informative and inspiring.
This Women’s Month, we put the spotlight on women’s health. Join us as we unpack important conversations around cervical, breast and uterine cancer – from prevention and early detection to busting myths and finding support.
https://cansa.org.za/womens-health/
In this special episode, we’re joined by registered nurse Mpho Nkosi, who shares practical insights every woman needs to know, and Dr Kashmal Kalan - medical director of Alvi Armani South Africa.  
CANSA is partnering with internationally renowned hair restoration clinic Alvi Armani South Africa, with head offices in Beverly Hills Los Angeles, to launch an initiative offering complimentary consultations and assessments to those recovering or recovered from cancer. (https://cansa.org.za/cansa-alvi-armani-partnership-offers-hair-restoration-support-for-cancer-survivors/)
Tune in now and share this episode with the women in your life – because knowledge is power in the fight against cancer.
#WomensHealth #CANSACares #OnTheCANSACouch

Clinical Cancer Care – Radio Laeveld – CANSA On the Couch Podcast

Podcast broadcast on Radio Laeveld on 29 July 2025 - Join Sister Vlooi Venter, National Trainer & Clinical Nursing Specialist at the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), as she shares valuable insights into CANSA’s clinical support services. From helping patients understand what cancer is and unpacking their diagnosis, to exploring treatment options, managing symptoms and side-effects, and offering guidance on pain management and palliative care – Sister Vlooi highlights how CANSA walks alongside patients and their loved ones every step of the way. 
Find out more: https://cansa.org.za/cancers-touched-my-life/

CANSA Services & Support – Radio Laeveld – CANSA On the Couch Podcast

Podcast broadcasted on Radio Laeveld on 24 June 2025 with Gretchen Minnaar, CANSA Services Manager, Psychosocial Support - We explore the wide range of care and support services offered by CANSA (Cancer Association of South Africa).
From early detection and screening, to counselling, home-based care, and patient support – CANSA is committed to being there for cancer Survivors, their loved ones, and caregivers throughout the cancer journey.
We also share how patients and families can easily reach out to CANSA to access these services, and how the organisation works to ensure that no one has to face cancer alone.
Find out more: https://cansa.org.za/cansas-care-support/

Workplace wellness and support for employees affected by cancer - CANSA on the Couch

Tune in to our latest episode of CANSA on the Couch – just in time for Corporate Wellness Week (1 – 5 July). In this powerful conversation, we unpack the importance of workplace wellness and support for employees affected by cancer.
Hosted by Megan and Kudzai, the episode features:🔹 Lorraine Govender, CANSA’s National Manager: Health Programmes, who shares how CANSA’s Employee Wellness Programme can benefit organisations.🔹 Marcel D’ Allende, a lung cancer survivor and transformation / change manager in corporate, Life and Consciousness Coach, who opens up about her personal journey and the critical role of mental health and support in the workplace.
This episode is a must-watch for HR teams, managers, employees — and anyone who cares about creating healthier, more supportive work environments.
Our thanks to Liberty who are in it with us and making this podcast possible.