Oncology Buddies

Dirk Human - open and upfront

Once Dirk Human was diagnosed with prostate cancer, he learnt quickly how imperative it was to share what he was feeling with his family for them to better understand his experience.

30 May 2023 4 min

Men in crisis

Dr Chris van den Berg expands on the mental health of South African men. Dr Chris van den Berg is a Stellenbosch-based psychiatrist in private practice.

30 May 2023 5 min

Get the best possible treatment

As an oncology patient, you have loads of questions, especially when dealing with your medical aid to ensure the best possible treatment is covered. Campaigning for Cancer helps navigate this tricky terrain by explaining terminology and the meaning behind it and offers services to help attain the best possible treatment…

30 May 2023 4 min

Taking control and easing the burden

Louw-Mari Nell speaks openly about losing her youngest sister, Liezl, to lung cancer and how this has driven her to help grieving families with estate administration without prolonging or deepening their sense of loss. Louw-Mari has been practising as an attorney for close to 20 years and she is also…

30 May 2023 6 min

Graft versus host disease

Dr Sharlene Parasnath explains what graft-versus-host disease is in regard to allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Dr Sharlene Parasnath is Head of Clinical Haematology and Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal. She is passionate about teaching haematology and making haematology services available to all…

30 May 2023 5 min

The experience of fertility preservation

Charlene Purdy shares the outcome of her master's thesis: exploring the subjective experiences of fertility preservation among cancer survivors in South Africa. Charlene Purdy completed her Masters of Arts Psychology degree at Stellenbosch University in 2021. She spent three years exploring the subjective experience of fertility preservation among female cancer…

30 May 2023 5 min

Delirium in cancer care

Dr Kerry-Ann Louw expands on why a cancer patient may experience delirium, the causes, treatment and prevention thereof. Dr Kerry-Ann Louw is a consultation-liaison psychiatrist and senior lecturer at Stellenbosch University. She is the Head of the Clinical Unit of Adult Psychiatry Services and runs consultation-liaison psychiatry services at Tygerberg…

3 Apr 2023 5 min

Second-generation antiandrogens

We learn about new treatment options for advanced prostate cancer: second-generation antiandrogens Prof Shingai Mutambirwa is the Head of Urology at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University as well as the Chairman of the Academic Committee of the South African Urological Association and Head of the Medical and Scientific Advisory Board…

3 Apr 2023 5 min

The long tunnel

Prostate cancer survivor, Allen Rizzi, has written a book to help newly diagnosed men prepare for treatment. This episode is brought to you by Accord Healthcare in the interest of education, awareness, and support. The content and opinions expressed are entirely those of the survivor and not influenced by Accord…

3 Apr 2023 5 min

The role of radiotherapy in skin cancer

René Botha explains when radiotherapy is appropriate to be used as a treatment for skin cancer and the types of skin cancer it can be used for. René Botha is a radiotherapist with a special interest in treatment planning. She works in private practice and is based at the Wits…

3 Apr 2023 6 min

Bothersome bladders

Dr Mia Hugo gives us a brief overview of how bothersome bladders may become bladder cancer. Dr Mia Hugo works in private practice as a radiation oncologist. She participates in weekly multi-disciplinary oncology team meetings for breast, urology, gastrointestinal/gynaecological, and head and neck cancers. She provides radiation to patients at…

3 Apr 2023 7 min

Primary brain tumours

Dr Daleen Geldenhuys educates us on how primary brain tumours are diagnosed and treated. 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 member…

3 Apr 2023 5 min

Salivary gland cancer

ENT surgeon, Dr Mark Torres-Holmes, expands on salivary gland cancer and why a skilled surgeon is imperative to avoid nerve damage. Dr Mark Torres-Holmes is a head and neck surgeon and is part of the Mediclinic Morningside head and neck multi-disciplinary team that meet weekly to discuss benign and malignant…

3 Apr 2023 5 min

My miracle surgery

Jocelyn Moodley tells us about her miracle surgery after being diagnosed with salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma and how living was far more important than her facial appearance. This episode is brought to you by Accord Healthcare in the interest of education, awareness, and support. The content and opinions expressed…

3 Apr 2023 6 min

Know your hereditary risk for developing ovarian cancer

Genetic counsellor, Monica Araujo, helps us understand the hereditary risk and factors for developing ovarian cancer. Monica Araujo is a genetic counsellor and lecturer at the Division of Human Genetics at the National Health Laboratory Service and the University of the Witwatersrand. She consults with patients and families in state…

3 Apr 2023 5 min

Telling your child's teacher that you have cancer

Avril de Beer explains the support advantages for your children when you inform their teachers about your cancer diagnosis. 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 learn more about their unique needs…

3 Apr 2023 4 min

In her words

Magda Rall was diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer last year. She shares some profound writings of her experience and how she currently sees life. This episode is brought to you by Accord Healthcare in the interest of education, awareness, and support. The content and opinions expressed are entirely those of…

3 Apr 2023 6 min

Ovarian cancer - frequently asked questions

In observation of World Ovarian Cancer Day (8th May), the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition answers the most frequently asked questions regarding ovarian cancer. The World Ovarian Cancer Coalition is the only not-for-profit organization working globally towards a world where every woman with ovarian cancer has the best chance of survival,…

3 Apr 2023 6 min

Body stress release

Complementary therapy with Kathy Heapy. Kathy Heapy explains what Body Stress Release is and the benefits of this non-invasive complementary therapy. This episode is brought to you by Accord Healthcare in the interest of education, awareness, and support. The content and opinions expressed are entirely those of the healthcare professional…

7 Feb 2023 4 min

Unusual places you get melanoma

Let's talk about skin cancer with Dr Mia Hugo. Dr Mia Hugo enlightens us on the unusual places you can get melanoma. This episode is brought to you by Accord Healthcare in the interest of education, awareness, and support. The content and opinions expressed are entirely those of the healthcare…

7 Feb 2023 5 min