Report on the first AWACAN-ED South African Dissemination event
On 13th May 2026, the first AWACAN-ED dissemination event was held in Cape Town at the Protea Hotel – Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge. One of our Research team members and AWACAN-ED Scholars, Dr Sudarshan Govender, wrote a comprehensive report. Below is a overview of the report and a link to the full document.
*** Read the full report on the 13th May South African Dissemination event here ***
The AWACAN-ED team shared findings from over four years of research on improving early diagnosis of breast, cervical and colorectal cancer in Southern Africa. Following an overview of the research programme, presentations were given by key team members:
- Mapping time to and stage at diagnosis – Professor Jennifer Moodley
- Barriers and facilitators to timely diagnosis – Dr Sarah Day
- Health facility preparedness for timely diagnosis of symptomatic cancer – Associate Professor Tasleem Ras
- Public toolkits for timely diagnosis – Professor Fiona Walter
- Provider toolkits for timely diagnosis – Dr Sudarshan Govender
Following this there was a moderated panel discussion where panel members reflected on the following topics:
- Reflections on the AWACAN-ED findings
- Translating research into action
- Priorities for the Western Cape Cancer research agenda
Audience reflections and contributions followed the panel discussion and generated several practical recommendations and reflections.
Post-event momentum is strong, with interest in integrating the provider toolkit into routine primary care resources, holding further policy discussions and forming a multidisciplinary cancer task team.
*** Read the full report on the 13th May South African Dissemination event here ***