“Don’t wait until it’s too late”

Sister Corrie Botes of the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) in Roodepoort has encouraged cancer patients to approach them for help as soon as they can after being diagnosed with the illness.

Corrie, who offers special support to cancer patients on the West Rand and sometimes outside its borders, felt patients only take the illness seriously when it’s too late.

“We want cancer patients to call CANSA early, because most people don’t understand the illness, which is why we are here to support them,” said Corrie, who was speaking at a cancer survivor day event during the monthly Chatroom gathering at the NG Kerk Constantiakruin in Constantia on Saturday, 8 June.

She also explained why it is vital to contact them after being diagnosed with cancer. “Normally, doctors do not have the luxury of time to explain what is going to happen to a patient after he/ she has been diagnosed with cancer, because they get busy with other patients, and that’s why I am here – to offer counselling to the patients and inform them about the way forward and be with them from the beginning until the end,” Corrie explained.

Some of Corrie’s sessions are done monthly at Life Robinson Private Hospital in Randfontein. She also added that she does home visits as well, for terminal patients who can’t make it to their offices. “I do home visits and see what the needs are for the patient and discuss and decide with the family on the best possible solution. We hire medical equipment for them and also do pain control, and I avail myself for advice over the phone anytime,” she further explained.

She lamented that she also deals with destitute patients who require help from the public. “We would appreciate the public donating food and clothes for some of our struggling cancer patients,” she encouraged.

For more information, or drop-offs, visit the CANSA office at 165 Ontdekkers Road in Horison Park or contact the office on 011 768 4342.