On the CANSA Couch Podcast

Celebrating 95 Years of CANSA- On The CANSA Couch Podcast

Celebrating 95 Years of CANSA: A Legacy of Hope, A Future of Impact
This year marks a remarkable milestone as the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) celebrates 95 years of service, support and unwavering commitment in the fight against cancer.
Since its founding in 1931, CANSA has been at the forefront of cancer control in South Africa — funding research, providing care and support to those affected by cancer, advocating for patients’ rights, and empowering millions of South Africans with life-saving information on cancer risk-reduction and early detection.
To commemorate this milestone, On the CANSA Couch hosts Megan and Kudzai sit down with CANSA CEO, Elize Joubert, for a special episode that reflects on the organisation’s journey, celebrates its impact, and looks ahead to the future.
Under Elize’s leadership, CANSA continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of South Africans — strengthening its focus on innovation, health equity, and accessible care. In the episode, she shares inspiring insights into the organisation’s legacy, the resilience of the communities it serves, and the importance of partnerships in driving meaningful change.
A key highlight of the conversation is the CANSA Smart Choice Seal of Recognition — a uniquely South African initiative designed to help consumers make informed, healthier choices. By identifying products that support a balanced lifestyle and reduce cancer risk, the Seal empowers individuals and families to take practical steps towards better health every day.
As CANSA celebrates 95 years, the focus is not only on the past, but firmly on the future. With cancer rates rising globally, the need for awareness, prevention, early detection and support has never been greater. CANSA remains committed to leading this charge — ensuring that all South Africans have access to the knowledge, tools and care they need.
Join us for this special anniversary episode of On the CANSA Couch and be part of the journey. Read more about CANSA here: 
https://cansa.org.za/category/about-cansa/
 

CANSA celebrating its 95th anniversary – Radio Laeveld – CANSA On the Couch Podcast

On the latest interview between Radio Laeveld and the Cancer Association of South Africa, Elize Joubert, Chief Executive Officer of the organisation celebrating its 95th anniversary this year, shares insights into CANSA’s ongoing work, impact and commitment to those affected by cancer.
Find out more:
https://cansa.org.za/category/about-cansa/

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/