Oncology Buddies

Light at the end of the tunnel

A patient’s perspective on prostate cancer, ED & penile prosthesis. The story of Johann, 70 year 70-year-old prostate cancer survivor & penile implant patient. Johann shares his personal story and answers various questions that men commonly ask about penile prostheses in this interview video series. Visit nuangle.co.za to access the…

4 Dec 2023 3 min

Cancer in the workplace

Cancer can affect workplace productivity, morale, and finances of both the individual and company, so knowing how to navigate this journey is important for both parties.

4 Dec 2023 5 min

Disability or incapacity?

Ian Veary, a social worker, details why advocacy within a multi-disciplinary team for employed cancer patients is imperative. Ian Veary is a social worker based in Cape Town and is a committee member of the South African Oncology Social Work Forum. He has a practice that includes working with oncology…

4 Dec 2023 4 min

Who do you consult when you have cancer?

Dr Cassandra Mbanje expands on the different types of oncologists and ultimately who you would consult with if you suspect you have cancer. Dr Cassandra (Tatenda) Mbanje completed her MBBCh degree in 2021. She is a researcher who is passionate about improving access to quality medical care in underresourced communities…

4 Dec 2023 5 min

Two diagnoses just months apart

Eight years ago, sisters Alrita Groenewald (47) and Tessa Supra (52) were both diagnosed with cervical cancer, just months apart. Alrita was given a less than 30% chance of survival. Today, both sisters are healthy and well, and they encourage women to go for regular cervical cancer screening.

4 Dec 2023 8 min

The role of vaginal dilators in cervical cancer treatment

Dr Elna Rudolph underscores the profound importance of vaginal dilators for sexual health in cervical cancer treatment. Dr Elna Rudolph is a medical doctor and the clinical head of My Sexual Health. She serves as the president of the World Association for Sexual Health, being the second woman and first…

4 Dec 2023 4 min

How is cervical cancer diagnosed?

Dr Sumayya Ebrahim explains how cervical cancer is diagnosed and what the staging means. Dr Sumayya Ebrahim is a gynaecologist in private practice in Johannesburg, Gauteng. She is also a blogger. Check out her blog Vaginations by Dr E on vaginations.co.za

4 Dec 2023 6 min

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