On the CANSA Couch Podcast
On the CANSA Couch - In a significant step towards community education, the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) introduces a podcast series sharing helpful insights into lowering the cancer risk as well as caring for those affected by cancer. CANSA’s podcast series contributes to the global generosity movement by giving back to the community through knowledge. This initiative aims to empower individuals with information that can positively affect their lives.
Episodes

Tuesday Sep 16, 2025
Tuesday Sep 16, 2025
Mireille chats to Dorothy du Plooy, CANSA Service Specialist about our stoma services

Tuesday Sep 16, 2025
Tuesday Sep 16, 2025
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

Friday Aug 15, 2025
Friday Aug 15, 2025
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/

Friday Aug 15, 2025
Friday Aug 15, 2025
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/

Thursday Jul 03, 2025
Thursday Jul 03, 2025
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.

Thursday Jun 12, 2025
Thursday Jun 12, 2025
New Episode Alert: On the CANSA Couch
🌱 Topic: A Healthy Balanced Lifestyle & Plant-Based Nutrition✨ Featuring Our Fresh New Look & Sound!
We’re excited to unveil the latest episode of On the CANSA Couch.
This week, we dive into the power of plant-based nutrition and how it supports a healthier, balanced lifestyle – especially when it comes to reducing cancer risk. 🌿💪
Who’s on the couch?Host Megan Pentz-Kluyts, CANSA Consulting Dietitian, is joined by special guest Bianca Jonischkeit, Nutrition Scientist at PepsiCo South Africa, and Kudzai Nyaruve, CANSA Seal of Recognition Manager, for a conversation that’s both informative and inspiring.
🎧 In this episode, we unpack:✅ What is plant-based nutrition and how can it reduce the risk of cancer?✅ Why legumes and pulses deserve a place on your plate every day✅ Easy ways to shift toward a more plant-forward lifestyle
🌟 Whether you're starting your wellness journey or looking to make more informed food choices, this episode offers science-backed tips and expert advice.
Our thanks to Liberty who are in it with us and making this podcast possible.
#OnTheCANSACouch #PlantBasedLiving #NutritionMatters #EatSmart #CANSAPodcast #LegumesAndPulses #HealthyLifestyle

Friday Feb 21, 2025
Friday Feb 21, 2025
In the first episode of our Tobacco Control Series with On The CANSA Couch, we uncover the hidden dangers of new and emerging tobacco products. Researcher and lecturer Pakhani Mhazo, funded by a CANSA research grant, shares key insights from his study on young adults’ perceptions of electronic cigarettes. Minenhle Dlamini, CANSA’s Project Coordinator for Tobacco Control, joins the conversation to stress the need for strong tobacco control laws to curb smoking rates and reduce the burden of tobacco-related diseases like cancer. Tune in to separate fact from fiction and protect your health!
Find out more: https://cansa.org.za/avoid-tobacco/

Friday Oct 04, 2024
Friday Oct 04, 2024
Listen in to our next episode of On the CANSA Couch podcast which focuses on lowering cancer risk in children. We feature our trusted CANSA Seal of Recognition partners: ReboundSA, Moosel Hats, and Flatdog Sunscreen.
Our guests discuss how their products contribute to reducing cancer risk, and we’ll also be sharing key nutritional tips to help keep our little ones healthy, happy and hydrated.
Find out more:
https://cansa.org.za/cansa-on-the-move-for-the-youth/

Thursday Sep 26, 2024
Thursday Sep 26, 2024
CANSA Tough Living With Cancer (TLC) staff help children, teens and young adults with cancer, and their loved ones, cope with their cancer diagnosis and treatment at our CANSA TLC Facilities, various oncology wards, online and through the CANSA Free2Bme Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) site.
Join our guests in this podcast as they discuss important topics regarding childhood cancer:
Vera van Dalen - CANSA TLC Nicus Lodge at Steve Biko Academic Hospital: Children are often late diagnosed with cancer; we discuss the warning signs and referral pathways.
Anthea Lewis - CANSA TLC Lodge Tygerberg: What is palliative care for children?
Bobby Were - CANSA TLC at Pietersburg/Polokwane Hospital: How CANSA TLC provide nutritional support for children.
Anina Meiring - Manager CANSA TLC: General resources available for children diagnosed with cancer.
Youth and young adults whose parents have been diagnosed and siblings of youth and young adults that have been diagnosed are also supported through our TLC services.
CANSA TLC also aims to educate communities about the symptoms of childhood cancer, and the symptoms of teen and young adult cancers to enable early detection and timeous treatment.
CANSA and CANSA TLC staff believe no child, teen, young adult or family should have to face cancer on their own. Find out more:
https://cansa.org.za/tlc-for-youth-and-families-affected-by-cancer/

Friday Aug 16, 2024
Friday Aug 16, 2024
In this episode of On the CANSA Couch, we’re diving into the vital role that physical activity plays in lowering cancer risk and supporting those affected by cancer. We’re excited to talk about CANSA’s Smart Choice Physical Activity Category, to help you get started on your journey to better health.
Joining us are Justine and Keith McFarlane from Rebound SA, proud CANSA Seal of Recognition partners, who will share their expertise on how rebounding can boost your fitness in a fun and accessible way. We’re also thrilled to have Warren Lucas, an Accredited Sports Scientist and Research Coordinator at the Sports Science Institute of South Africa (SSISA).
Whether you’re a fitness novice or looking to take your routine to the next level, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration to help you make physical activity a priority in your life.
Find out more how living an active balanced lifestyle can lower cancer risk...

The newly launched podcast series, ‘On the CANSA Couch’ is a hub of information, focusing on practical ways to reduce the cancer risk while spotlighting consumer goods awarded with the CANSA Smart Choice Seal of Recognition. This Smart Choice Seal is a valuable tool for the public, cancer patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers, aiding them in making informed shopping decisions. It’s also about education and information to reduce exposure to cancer-causing compounds (carcinogens) and other risk factors associated with cancer development. With a monthly release schedule, each episode delves into specific aspects of cancer risk reduction and patient care, featuring expert guests who share their knowledge and experiences. Your hosts are Kudzai Nyaruve, CANSA’s Seal of Recognition Coordinator, and Megan Pentz-Kluyts RD(SA), our Nutrition and Dietetics Consultant. ‘On the CANSA Couch’ is made possible by partner, Liberty who together with CANSA, aims to help raise awareness and screening. The partnership sees Liberty sponsoring screening clinics, as well as getting involved in efforts to educate people about early detection, testing and sharing knowledge to educate.


