Cancer Charities

The purpose of the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) is to enable research with regards to lowering cancer risk, educating the public regarding symptoms and risk reduction, and providing care and support to all people affected by cancer. CANSA is a leading role-player in cancer research and performs an important Watchdog Role, striving to influence South African policy makers together with our CANSA Seal of Recognition (CSOR) awarded to products that promote a balanced lifestyle and further contribute to cancer risk reduction, by not containing any cancer-causing substances.

Our CANSA Care Centres offer a wide range of care and support services to those affected by cancer: employee wellness, stoma support, wigs, prostheses, assistive devices and medical equipment hire, clinical support, including counselling (face-to-face and Tele Counselling), support groups and home-based care. Our Mobile Health Clinics service men and women in rural areas.

National toll-free Help Desk line 0800 22 66 22
Multi-lingual support on WhatsApp:
0721979305 for English and Afrikaans
0718673530 for isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sesotho and Siswati.

• East London 083 321 3445 (screening / care / support services) | 082 359 1071  (fundraising)
• Gqeberha (PE) : 041-373 5157 or 082 553 9676 | 060 360 9894
• Bloemfontein 051-444 2580
• Bedfordview, Gauteng 011-616 7662
• Pretoria,  Gauteng 012-329 3036
• Roodepoort, Gauteng 011-768 4342 or 066 4750 149
• Vaal Triangle, Gauteng 083 672 7360
• Durban, KZN 031-205 9525
• Pietermaritzburg, KZN 031-205 9525
• Richards Bay KZN 082 553 9676
• Waterberg, Limpopo 073 129 6833 (screening / care / support services) |  083 633 5798 (fundraising)
•  Highveld, Mpumalanga 013-741 5441
• Lowveld, Mpumalanga 013-741 5441
• Rustenburg, North West 014-533 0694
• Kimberley Northern Cape 084 701 4822 (screening / care / support services) | 083 633 5798 (fundraising)
• Springbok, Northern Cape 079 174 2855
• Cape Metro, Western Cape 021 689 5347
• George, Western Cape 044-874 4824
• Oudtshoorn, Western Cape 071-373 8750
• Paarl, Western Cape  021-873 6358

The Cancer Alliance is a collective group of cancer control non-profit organisations and cancer advocates brought together under a common mandate, to provide a platform of collaboration for cancer civil society to speak with one voice and be a powerful tool to affect change for all South African adults and children affected by cancer.

The Cancer Foundation’s focus is on educating the public about healthy lifestyle choices, cancer prevention tools, initiatives and awareness campaigns.

Pink Trees for Pauline is a non-profit organisation that strives to promote quality of life during and after cancer. We challenge towns nationwide to take ownership of this first-of-its-kind fundraising project and to make a difference in their cancer communities, ensuring quality of life and building a future.

Committees in each of the partaking towns in South Africa and Namibia find sponsors for the signature pink material we use to wrap tree trunks. The sponsored fabric is then sold to the public and businesses, and whole towns are literally wrapped in pink. Funds raised are utilized in the relevant towns to change cancer-affected lives for the better.

Look Good Feel Better is a global non-profit organisation that cater for women and men facing all cancers. For 3 decades Look Good Feel Better has been helping people with cancer cope with the appearance side effects of their treatment providing free beauty make-over workshops to enable active cancer patients to reclaim their sense of control, confidence and self-esteem. The program is product neutral (no brands or products are promoted) and non-medical (does not interfere with medical treatment or give medical advise).

Exists to expressly increase national access to cancer treatment care and support irrespective of race, colour or creed.

As a first step, we create pathways for patients to access much needed medical diagnostics regarding Oncology. We form partnerships with physicians and industry along with the patients themselves to enable speedy access to medical diagnosis and treatment whilst providing dignity and hope to people facing cancer.

Campaigning for Cancer lobbies for the promotion and protection of the rights of patients and those affected by cancer with regard to policy, healthcare costs and healthcare delivery.

Campaigning for Cancer hopes to empower all South Africans through this program by lobbying for reform and increasing community awareness of cancer-related issues such as its burden on society, the state of health/cancer care in South Africa and informing South Africans on challenging institutional and social barriers that impede the cancer patient.

We offer information, support and advocacy to cancer patients. Denied cancer treatment? Get in touch with us.

The Johnson Rose Cancer Foundation is a non-profit organization addressing the limited access to cancer treatment and care in South Africa which is disproportionately associated with socio-economic status, access to health insurance, and geographic location. With high costs, and unaffordable treatments, South Africa is in a cancer crisis. The situation is made worse by long waiting lists, inadequate human resources and infrastructure weaknesses.

The Johnson Rose Cancer Foundation is the first of its kind in Southern Africa, providing funding and assistance to uninsured patients and families afflicted by cancer.

Celebrate Life Foundation is a registered Non-Profit Company that seeks to raise awareness of cancer in the rural Eastern Cape, borne out of a need to do cancer awareness programmes in the rural areas due to the high prevalence and late diagnosis in these areas.

We host various fundraising events as well as facilitating cancer awareness functions and donate funds to CANSA.

The Hospice Palliative Care Association (HPCA) is a registered NPO in South Africa. Founded in 1987, the HPCA is a member organisation for South African hospices. As a national charity, the association champions and supports around 89 member organisations that provide hospice services to approximately 100,000 patients and their families per year. HPCA’s member hospices across South Africa care for patients with a variety of life threatening diseases, predominantly in the comfort of their own homes. Our Mission Statement: to promote quality in life, dignity in death and support in bereavement for all living with a life-threatening illness by supporting member hospices and partner organisations.

Ross Helping Hands Foundation is a Non-profit company with an aim to assist, where possible, cancer patients and their families in East London at a time when hope is lost. Financial aid is given to help with transport costs and accommodation to treatments, wheelchairs, walkers, adult nappies and covering the cost of caregivers for the patients.

Rare Diseases is an NPO advocating for a better tomorrow for the #1in15 South Africans impacted by rare diseases and congenital disorders, including greater recognition, support, improved health service and overall better quality of life.

The Prostate Cancer Foundation is a Non-Profit-Company with a vision to empower South Africans through information and education, to act appropriately and minimise the impact of prostate cancer.

The Men’s Foundation is a movement for men’s health: a South African charity raising funds and awareness relating to prostate and testicular cancer, and mental health.

The goal of Love Your Nuts is to raise awareness of testicular cancer by educating communities about the “rarely spoken about” cancer that often remains undetected in young adults due to our diverse society in South Africa, where cultural taboos, stigmas and a lack of knowledge about the subject is plentiful.

The Skin Cancer Foundation of South Africa (SCFSA) is a Non Profit Organisation dedicated to preventing skin cancer and implementing a National Skin Cancer Screening Day, where South Africans can be screened for skin cancer, free-of-charge. This program will focus on skin cancer awareness, education, prevention, and treatment.

In 2020 a German based NGO and The South African Sunflower Fund joined forces to change the history of stem cell transplants and blood cancers in South Africa and globally. With a collective 51 years saving lives, in 7 countries on 5 continents, we pride ourselves on being the premier organisation to create awareness around blood stem cell donation and to maintain a global registry of donors representing the world’s diversity and ethnic backgrounds. The fate of patients suffering from leukaemia started a movement, a community of people committed to one cause: fighting blood cancer and blood disorders.

The South African Society of Stomates (SASS) is a Non-profit organization formed by Ostomates across Southern Africa with the aim to support all ostomates and their families with their transition into the new normal. Ostomates of all kinds are welcome to become members of the organization whether you have a urostomy, colostomy, ileostomy & whether it is permanent or temporary. Register as a member to have access to all ostomy related information and events posted as well as form part of a collective family of fellow ostomates who can provide and share with each other ostomy experiences, support and advice. SASS offers access to a Whatsapp support group, or one-on-one direct support, where you can get answers to questions.

The Machi Filotimo Cancer Project’s goal is to create awareness about cancer, its symptoms and treatment, with the aim to hold the hand of the cancer patient and their family, and navigate them through their cancer journey. The charity offers multiple areas of aid in different projects, including the Filotimo Kids, Filotimo Cancer Champions, Filotimo Cancer Patient Navigation, Filotimo Fitness and the Filotimo Arts & Culture Creative.

Every year, thousands of people with leukaemia, other blood diseases, and immune disorders reach a point where the only possible cure–and their only chance for survival–is a bone marrow transplant. Some patients will have a compatible donor in their family, but for most, they’ll need a stranger’s help—a stranger with their exact type of bone marrow tissue. But with thousands of tissue types, finding that match is just a 1 in 100 000 chance.For 30 years, we’ve been connecting patients with their lifesaving donors, providing support to patients and their loved ones throughout their transplant journey, and tirelessly expanding the donor pool to ensure that every patient needing a transplant has hope to find a match.

Wings of Hope provides emotional support to women and men who have been affected by cancer at point of diagnosis, during treatment and thereafter. Run by volunteers who are all passionate about giving back to others, the “Wings” create a warm and compassionate environment in which they support not only the breast cancer patients but also their spouses, partners, parents, children, siblings and friends.

What do we do: * telephonic support, Whatsapp group & Facebook group * social gatherings for patients & survivors * workshops for volunteers and patients  * health and cancer awareness functions * chemo support – in hospital and at home

Mesothelioma, a highly destructive cancer primarily caused by asbestos exposure, targets the linings of the lungs, heart, or abdomen, leading to distressing symptoms and an extremely grim prognosis. At the Mesothelioma Center, we offer an array of comprehensive resources at absolutely no cost to individuals navigating the challenging journey of cancer. Whether it’s providing guidance during the diagnosis or aiding in coping with the loss of a loved one, our unwavering dedication is to empower and support those affected by this disease, ensuring they find comfort, solidarity, and access to optimal care.”

What do we do: * telephonic support, Whatsapp group & Facebook group * social gatherings for patients & survivors * workshops for volunteers and patients  * health and cancer awareness functions * chemo support – in hospital and at home

The Buzz Cancer Foundation offers holistic support to those living in King Williams Town who are impacted directly, or indirectly, by cancer.

The foundation provides councelling services, cancer education and awareness, nutritional support and home-based care.

At CHOC we aim to provide the best possible support for children with cancer and life-threatening blood disorders and their families. We offer essential care programmes through their cancer journey to keep more than hope alive.

Reach For A Dream fulfils the dreams of children between the ages of 3 and 18 who have been diagnosed as having a life-threatening illness by a medical practitioner. We do not discriminate based on race, culture, financial status or any other factor. Each child living with a life-threatening illness is given a chance to dream. Reach For A Dream believes that no child should live without hope.

Cupcakes Of Hope raises funds through community driven initiatives, which drive community interaction and grassroots cancer awareness, including ‘baking a difference’ for National Cupcake Day and the #Bake4Cancer fundraisers.

Cupcake of HOPE assist more than 230 patients every month by paying for their medical and other day-to-day needs. This year more than 2500 Educational Activity Care Packs have been delivered to all 20 pediatric oncology wards across South Africa. During the past ten years Cupcakes of HOPE has donated several wheelchairs and prosthetic limbs to children who lost their limbs due to cancer. Cupcakes of HOPE has also supplied hospitals with much need medical equipment, PPE equipment, educational toys as well as doing hospital room makeovers

At Wings and Wishes, we are dedicated to transporting critically and chronically ill children to receive the lifesaving specialist medical care that they require.

Our objective is to provide transport for children, who are deemed financially less fortunate – anywhere in Africa.

In addition, we provide compassionate and professional assistance to these children and their families.

Arms of Mercy is a registered NPO founded by a small group of individuals united by the call to service others. It is our vision to help children, with cancer, rare diseases, cerebral palsy and special needs, who are in need of necessary medical care. We make it our mission to provide financial aid to as many individuals as possible.

Browse our online store and spoil yourself or someone close to your heart while supporting a worthy Cause. Supporting Arms of Mercy is an opportunity to help give a child a better quality life, and a brighter future

The LFCT was originally founded by caring citizens in Paarl, in the Western Cape, to assist childhood cancer-affected families in this area. They now help more than 2000 children with cancer, and their families, around South Africa, with a focus on three vital services: hospital ward support, family support, and promoting childhood cancer awareness.

The vision of Patch SA is to ensure the right of every child to access quality palliative care in South Africa with a mission to mobilise and support a sustainable network of individuals, organisations, professionals and caregivers to provide palliative care to children and their families from diagnosis to bereavement.

Rainbows and Smiles is a community-based charitable foundation dedicated to providing emotional, social and financial support to children diagnosed with cancer or a life-threatening illness, and their families and caregivers. The organisation was inspired by the life of Jed Brady Suckling, son of founder Bonita. Jed bravely battled brain cancer for more than 3 years and his love of giving gifts was one of his greatest joys, which in turn became the starting point of Rainbows and Smiles.

Kids Kicking Cancer is a Non profit devoted to helping children overcome the pain of cancer and illness through martial arts.

Kids Kicking Cancer teach the mind-body techniques of Martial Arts instruction, breath work and meditation to empower children beyond the pain and discomfort of disease.Witnessing the transformation that children undergo through the program is extraordinary. Often due to their illness they arrive feeling scared and fragile, but leave empowered and strengthened.

We offer programmes and services for children as young as three to twenty three years old.
To ensure the programme incorporates family members, siblings are also welcome to join. All services provided by our organisation as well as the KarateGi (uniforms) distributed to children on the programme are free of charge.

The Cows are a herd of fundraisers who raise money for CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation with the slogan “Love Living Life”

The first rule you learn about The Cows is that there are no rules … that is other than having FUN for a good cause! You can swim, cycle, run, canoe, climb or whatever floats your boat as a Cow.

Ari’s Cancer Foundation is inspired by the life of a vibrant young lady, Ariana, who lived by these three words – LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE – and lost her battle to cancer at the age of 24.

We are the first charity in Africa to primarily focus on adolescents and young adults (AYAs) who are fighting cancer. This group of young individuals are often misdiagnosed and usually suffer from unique biological, clinical, psychosocial and survivorship issues.

Our foundation develops and installs Youth Booths in hospitals. These booths are specifically designed for AYAs in mind, creating a comfortable recreational area and workspace while they are receiving chemotherapy treatment.

The Breast Health Foundation, NPC was established in April 2002 to educate the public on breast cancer and breast health, increase awareness and empower women.

We aim to redefine the face of breast cancer as perceived by South Africans in general by promoting a positive mindset of survival, recovery and quality of life.

Reach for Recovery is an international breast cancer support group affiliated to the International Union Against Cancer (UICC). Built on a simple yet universal principle: that of one woman who has experienced breast cancer herself giving freely of her time and experience to assist and support another woman with breast cancer. Well-selected and trained volunteers, who each have experienced the breast cancer journey, render an emotional care and practical support programme to newly diagnosed breast cancer patients and their families.

In some of the regions a prosthesis service is also provided and the focus is also on indigent women that cannot afford this service.

Raising funds and awareness to achieve timeous surgery for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients in the South African public health sector. The tremendous strain on South Africa’s public health sector, and especially theatre time and staff constraints means patients can wait up to 14 weeks for cancer surgeries. We fill the gap with Catch-up Surgery lists. We also provide Chemotherapy patient food parcels & patient pamper packs.

Our primary mission at ILoveBoobies is to provide free breast examinations to South African women who are unable to access such medical services due to financial, locational or social challenges. At the same time, we create awareness and support. Run, Swim, Walk, Bike. Golf, Row, Crossfit – just move your body. Get Active and help us create awareness and educate others that a healthy and active lifestyle will greatly reduce your risk of cancer and other illnesses.

What have socks got to do with it? Every woman who is screened receives a pair of socks, this serves as her reminder to self-examine each time she wears them. Early detection can save lives. It’s her best chance against Cancer

PinkDrive is the indispensable, tangible breast cancer Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) powering South Africa´s first mobile PinkDrive Mammography Unit and PinkDrive Educational Unit through our country, driving home the fact that `Early Detection Will Help Prolong A Life´.

PinkDrive’s cardinal purpose is to contribute meaningfully towards preventing as many people as it can, from succumbing to breast, cervical, prostate and testicular cancer. It’s primary focus is on citizens without access to reasonable care for these conditions.

Dragon boat racing for breast cancer survivors promoting healthy exercise, improving fitness with the aim of showing that there can be life after cancer.

BCS Dragon Boating is an international movement inspired by the research of Canadian Sports Medicine specialist Don McKenzie. Survivors of breast cancer join together to paddle dragon boats for the benefit of their physical health and social well-being.

The Cancer Connection’s very own support group, and the seed that started it all. The group started in October 2021 and serves to be a safe space for women affected by any type of cancer.

Operated as a Whatsapp group, with a once-a-month meet up in person in the form of a ‘tea & chat’. These get togethers are informal, light-hearted and free! Each monthly meeting features a guest speaker – these are either health professionals talking about a specific subject, or survivors talking about their own journey.

Fearless & Flawless CANCER support group for males and females was born out of compassion for the fight against cancer. This group gives the choice of weekly/monthly workshops covering some of the following topics: * loneliness * dealing with change * makeup & hair loss solutions * exercise program for post mastectomy

Support, information and guidance to deal with and heal through your cancer journey. Cancer Buddies was founded by cancer survivors who saw the crucial need for recently-diagnosed patients to receive peer-to-peer psychosocial support, from someone who has also walked the journey

Bosom Buddies provides emotional and informative support to women and men affected by Breast Cancer at the time of diagnosis, during treatment and beyond.

Hotline: People diagnosed with Breast Cancer, and their loved ones, are linked to a Buddie who provides support telephonically.

Public Meetings: Every six weeks or so a public meeting is held where people with Breast Cancer and their supporters connect with Breast Cancer survivors and listen to talks on issues related to Breast Cancer.

Other: We provide a number of ways for Breast Cancer patients and survivors to get involved and raise awareness of Breast Cancer. These include Walkathons, Spinathons, Golf Days and many other Breast Cancer related events.

Gone are the days when a person diagnosed with Breast Cancer felt the need to keep their disease hidden from society. What better way to cope with the experience than with the comfort of a Buddie?

Wings of Hope provides emotional support to women and men who have been affected by cancer at point of diagnosis, during treatment and thereafter. Run by volunteers who are all passionate about giving back to others, the “Wings” create a warm and compassionate environment in which they support not only the breast cancer patients but also their spouses, partners, parents, children, siblings and friends.

What do we do: * telephonic support, Whatsapp group & Facebook group * social gatherings for patients & survivors * workshops for volunteers and patients  * health and cancer awareness functions * chemo support – in hospital and at home

Reach for Recovery is an international breast cancer support group affiliated to the International Union Against Cancer (UICC). Built on a simple yet universal principle: that of one woman who has experienced breast cancer herself giving freely of her time and experience to assist and support another woman with breast cancer. Well-selected and trained volunteers, who each have experienced the breast cancer journey, render an emotional care and practical support programme to newly diagnosed breast cancer patients and their families.

In some of the regions a prosthesis service is also provided and the focus is also on indigent women that cannot afford this service.

Mobile mammography and breast screening sonars. Our world-class mobile breast cancer screening unit is fitted with state-of-the-art equipment and travels throughout South Africa, making screening accessible to more women in South Africa. The #ScreenHerSaveHer movement centres around the importance of early detection and awareness on the importance of breast cancer screenings by means of breast self-examination, mammography and breast ultrasound. Early detection provides more treatment options, better quality of life and less-invasive surgical procedures.Early detection of breast cancer provides more treatments options, better quality of life, and less-invasive surgical procedures. We believe that if we all take hands and work together in fighting this disease, we can truly make a direct impact in South Africa and save lives.

The Cancer Companion’s goal is to assist individuals in discovering God amidst their battle with cancer.  This group is currently using Seeing God in Your Cancer Journey bible study.  Cancer comes uninvited into a life, often bringing frustration, exhaustion and fear.  What if, in the midst of the chaos, God was up to something with your life? This organisation believes that every cancer patient  deserves a holistic experience, including a tangible way to engage the hope of Christ in the darkness of their cancer journey.