South African cancer researchers are strengthening collaboration to turn scientific evidence into better prevention, earlier diagnosis, improved treatment and more effective patient care nationwide.
Leading researchers, clinicians, academics, healthcare professionals and advocates gathered in Cape Town for CANSA Research Day 2026, hosted by the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) on 11 August.
Held at the Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge, the event formed part of CANSA’s 95th anniversary celebrations and brought together expertise from universities and research institutions across the country.
Officially opened by CANSA Chairperson Jené Palmer, the gathering focused on a central challenge: ensuring that valuable cancer research does not remain within academic and scientific environments, but is translated into healthcare policy, clinical practice and tangible improvements for patients.
The programme covered cervical and breast cancer, hereditary breast cancer and genetic testing, pancreatic and colorectal cancer, early detection, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) prevention, treatment adherence and patient experiences.
Researchers also examined the partnerships, funding and regulatory environments needed to move discoveries into practical interventions.
CANSA Chief Executive Officer Elize Joubert said South African research must respond directly to the realities facing local communities.
“Cancer research must ultimately improve people’s lives. By supporting high-quality South African research, we can strengthen risk-reduction, encourage earlier diagnosis, improve treatment and care, and contribute to health policies and services that respond to the realities experienced by people in our communities,” said Joubert.
Research presented at the event included work from the University of Cape Town, University of the Witwatersrand, Stellenbosch University and University of Pretoria.
Several presentations showcased findings from CANSA-funded projects, highlighting the organisation’s investment in locally generated evidence capable of improving cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care.
CANSA Head of Research Professor Jane Harries emphasised that scientific discovery alone is not enough.
“Research has its greatest value when knowledge is translated into action. This means bringing researchers, clinicians, communities, policymakers and civil society together so that evidence can inform prevention programmes, health services, clinical practice and patient support,” said Harries.
That thinking was brought together during the panel discussion, “From Innovation to Impact: Translating Cancer Research into Practice.”
Panellists explored how scientific evidence can influence policy, healthcare services, public awareness and patient outcomes, while emphasising collaboration between researchers, healthcare providers, policymakers, communities and civil society.
A significant part of the discussion centred on closing the gap between scientific research and its practical application.
Research can influence multiple points along the cancer journey, from risk reduction and early detection to diagnosis, treatment, survivorship and supportive care.
Understanding patients’ lived experiences was also highlighted as important when designing services intended to improve access to timely and appropriate cancer care.
Dr June Fabian of the Donald Gordon Medical Institute at Wits University and a CANSA grant recipient highlighted the particular realities surrounding colorectal cancer in Africa.
According to Fabian, one in four colorectal cancer cases in South Africa occurs before the age of 50.
“Through groundbreaking local research and heightened public awareness, our goal is to translate scientific discovery into actionable tools and policy-ready solutions that directly improve patient outcomes,” said Fabian.
The gathering also placed emerging researchers alongside established experts, with students and early-career researchers given opportunities to present posters, participate in scientific discussions and develop professional networks.
CANSA sees developing this next generation as critical to South Africa’s long-term research capacity and supports researchers through funding, mentorship, collaboration and opportunities to present their work.
“South Africa needs a strong and sustainable pipeline of cancer researchers. Creating opportunities for emerging researchers to present their work, build networks and learn from established experts is an important part of strengthening research capacity,” Harries added.
As CANSA marks 95 years, the organisation says research remains a fundamental part of its wider work across cancer education, risk reduction, early detection, care, support and advocacy.
For Joubert, the anniversary is therefore as much about the future as CANSA’s history.
“CANSA’s 95th anniversary is not only an opportunity to recognise what has been achieved, but also to look ahead. The discoveries, partnerships and researchers we support today will help shape the future of cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship in South Africa,” she concluded.
The article shows that research has greatest value when translated into action, making the pathway from CANSA-funded findings to policy, clinical practice and patient care central to its impact.
