Oncology Buddies

Making the most of life

Winnie Ndlovu has been in remission for five years. She shares her cervical cancer journey. Laurelle Williams is the editor at Word for Word Media. She graduated from AFDA with a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Live Performance. She has a love for storytelling and sharing emotions through the…

4 Dec 2023 4 min

The basics of cervical cancer

Dr Cattleya Gaspar highlights the basics of cervical cancer with importance on HPV vaccines and regular Pap smears. Dr Cattleya Gaspar is a radiation oncologist and practices at the Groenkloof Radiation Oncology and Mûelmed Radiation Oncology Centres. Her special areas of interest include gynaecological-, gastro-intestinal-, genito-urinary-, and breast cancers.

4 Dec 2023 6 min

Cervical cancer - frequently asked questions

With cervical cancer being one of the most common cancers diagnosed in women in SA, even though it’s the easiest female cancer to prevent with the HPV vaccine and regular Pap smears, the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) shares the most frequently asked questions. The Cancer Association of South…

4 Dec 2023 4 min

Where are they now?

Two of our Cancer Warriors, Paula Robertson and Xolani Hlongwane, share what has happened since they shared their story. Laurelle Williams is the editor at Word for Word Media. She graduated from AFDA with a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Live Performance. She has a love for storytelling and…

2 Oct 2023 4 min

Paediatric palliative care

Paediatric oncologist, Diane Mackinnon, advocates paediatric palliative care, stating that good palliative care helps children live happily and make memories. Diane Mackinnon is a paediatric oncologist at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital. She has over 20 years of experience journeying with children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer or life-threatening blood…

2 Oct 2023 4 min

Liver transplantation in hepatoblastoma

Dr Sarah Berkenfeld, a paediatric gastroenterologist, details when and how a liver transplantation is chosen for treatment of hepatoblastoma. Dr Sarah Berkenfeld is a paediatric gastroenterologist working at Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre in the Paediatric Hepatology and Transplant Unit, and she runs a private paediatric gastroenterology practice.

2 Oct 2023 5 min

Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy

Dr Lizette Louw educates on peptide receptor radionuclide therapy, a nuclear medicine therapy, and explains why it’s an effective treatment choice for neuroendocrine tumours. Dr Lizette Louw is a Johannesburg-based nuclear physician with a passion for oncology imaging and therapy. As President of the World Federation of Nuclear Medicine and…

2 Oct 2023 5 min

What people with darker skin need to know about skin cancer

Skin cancer is a condition that affects people of all skin colours, including those with darker skin tones. Dr Rakesh Newaj, a dermatologist, elaborates further. Dr Rakesh Newaj is a specialist dermatologist with a special interest in skin surgeries. Since qualifying in 2010, he practises in Waterkloof, Benoni, Kempton Park…

2 Oct 2023 5 min

Stomach cancer

Dr Daleen Geldenhuys educates us on stomach cancer and explains why nutritional support is imperative. Dr Daleen Geldenhuys is a specialist physician and medical oncologist who works at West Rand Oncology Centre at Flora Clinic. She treats patients with all types of cancer and enjoys clinical research, and is a…

2 Oct 2023 6 min

Arlene Sanford - I've always had chutzpah

Arlene Sanford says she has always had chutzpah and now she is using that chutzpah to fight metastatic stomach cancer.

2 Oct 2023 5 min

FOURsight

Dr Jiten Mistry describes four eye problems to look out for during oncology treatments. Dr Jiten Mistry is an ophthalmologist based at the NHC Health Centres in Bryanston and Honeydew, Gauteng. He is passionate about eye care and has a special interest in managing ocular surface diseases and anterior segment…

2 Oct 2023 5 min

Finding your inner calm

How do you find your inner calm in the face of a cancer diagnosis and treatment? Avril de Beer suggests a few ideas. Avril de Beer is a social worker at Alberts Cellular Therapy in Pretoria. She is constantly looking for new ways to connect with patients and to learn…

2 Oct 2023 3 min

Choosing a haematopoietic stem cell match

Looking for a haematopoietic stem cell match? There's more to it than swiping right. Dr Lucille Sarah Singh explains why. This episode is brought to you by Astellas Oncology with the purpose of raising awareness and education on prostate cancer. Statements of fact and opinions expressed are those of the…

1 Aug 2023 5 min

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Dr Gem E. George-Tharakan educates us on chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and why targeted therapy is the optimal treatment.

1 Aug 2023 5 min

Uterine cancer: incubating the wrong cells

Dr Mia Hugo educates us on the risk of developing uterine cancer and the treatment options that are available. This episode is brought to you by Astellas Oncology with the purpose of raising awareness and education on prostate cancer. Statements of fact and opinions expressed are those of the contributor…

1 Aug 2023 7 min

Caryl Pienaar - no tears, no anger, no pity

Caryl Pienaar shares her journey of cervical cancer for which she is still undergoing active treatment. This episode is brought to you by Astellas Oncology with the purpose of raising awareness and education on prostate cancer. Statements of fact and opinions expressed are those of the contributor and are not…

1 Aug 2023 6 min

Lung cancer - frequently asked questions

The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) shares the most common questions that are asked regarding lung cancer.

1 Aug 2023 4 min

Genetic testing: blood or saliva?

Tasmyn Scriven explains the pros and cons of both saliva and blood sample testing for genetic analysis. This episode is brought to you by Astellas Oncology with the purpose of raising awareness and education on prostate cancer. Statements of fact and opinions expressed are those of the contributor and are…

1 Aug 2023 5 min

The importance of dental visits before head & neck oncology treatment

With September being Oral Health Month, Dr Michael Michael explains why it's vital to have dental visits before head and neck oncology treatment. This episode is brought to you by Astellas Oncology with the purpose of raising awareness and education on prostate cancer. Statements of fact and opinions expressed are…

1 Aug 2023 5 min

Sputnik Ratau - sharing our experiences is important

Sputnik Ratau explains why he is open to sharing his experiences in hopes of other men learning what to look out for. This episode is brought to you by Astellas Oncology with the purpose of raising awareness and education on prostate cancer. Statements of fact and opinions expressed are those…

1 Aug 2023 4 min