Oncology Buddies

Reframing sexuality for men on ADT

The management of sexual dysfunction caused by androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer is a critical aspect of survivorship, Dr Jireh Serfontein expands on this. This episode is brought to you by Boston Scientific. Statements of fact and opinions expressed in this episode belong to the contributor and do…

31 May 2024 9 min

Encouraging men to open up about prostate cancer: a guide for families

Robert Teunissen explores strategies to help men be open about their prostate cancer and offers families simple approaches to support their loved ones through this challenging journey. Robert Teunissen is a retired clinical psychologist and a prostate cancer survivor.

31 May 2024 8 min

Is cancer a matter of life and debt?

René Botha gives sound advice to help you understand what your medical aid or insurance will cover, and how to avoid unwanted financial burden. This episode is brought to you by Boston Scientific. Statements of fact and opinions expressed in this episode belong to the contributor and do not necessarily…

31 May 2024 8 min

Unveiling the invisible scalpel - gamma knife surgery

Dr Sylvia Rodrigues explores the power of Gamma Knife stereotactic radio surgery (SRS) and why it’s becoming an increasingly preferred choice for patients with various brain conditions. This episode is brought to you by Boston Scientific. Statements of fact and opinions expressed in this episode belong to the contributor and…

31 May 2024 6 min

How does the SANBS STS Department help cancer patients?

We all know that blood donations saves lives, but how does the Specialised Therapeutic Services (STS) Department at The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) help cancer patients? We learn more. This episode is brought to you by Boston Scientific. Statements of fact and opinions expressed in this episode belong…

31 May 2024 5 min

Dylan-Jay Vankeirsbilck - my first ever operation

In honour of International Cancer Survivors Day, Dylan-Jay Vankeirsbilck shares his experience of his first-ever operation, a full neck dissection, that eventually led to an oesophageal cancer diagnosis. This episode is brought to you by Boston Scientific. Statements of fact and opinions expressed in this episode belong to the contributor…

31 May 2024 5 min

Innovation as a life process

Sandra Bollen-Hughes unpacks the term 'innovation' and depicts how it can be used in your cancer journey. This episode is brought to you by Boston Scientific. Statements of fact and opinions expressed in this episode belong to the contributor and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of Boston…

31 May 2024 4 min

Radiotherapy - the powerful and versatile ally

Radiotherapy is one of the pillars of cancer treatment. We take an in-depth look at what this treatment modality can achieve.

31 May 2024 5 min

We need you

The Cancer Alliance updates us on their latest endeavour, Moonshot, in closing the care gap in South Africa, and they are calling on cancer patients to help them. The Cancer Alliance is a collective group of cancer control non-profit organisations and cancer advocates brought together under a common mandate, to…

2 Apr 2024 5 min

Melanoma and pregnancy: all the facts

Dr Sumayya Ebrahim states all the current findings and facts regarding melanoma and pregnancy. Dr Sumayya Ebrahim is a gynaecologist in private practice in Johannesburg. She is also a blogger. Check out her blog Vaginations by Dr E. This episode is brought to you by Aspen Pharmacare in the interest…

2 Apr 2024 5 min

Hope found in testicular prostheses

Dr Kent Pluke, a urologist, gives us a brief rundown of testicular cancer and shares the hope that testicular prostheses give men regarding positive body image and confidence. Dr Kent Pluke is a urologist in private practice at the Melomed Group in Cape Town and also works part-time at New…

2 Apr 2024 4 min

The changing landscape of childhood ALL

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) remains a challenging and life-threatening disease. However, with new treatments and insights into the disease, more children are being cured than ever before. Dr Kate Bennett is a paediatric oncologist; she qualified as a paediatrician in 2009 and then as a paediatric oncologist in 2011. She…

2 Apr 2024 7 min

How to be present while your child is going through treatment

Bonni Suckling, founding member of Rainbows and Smiles Foundation, advises on managing fatigue, stress, and concern so you can still be present as a parent while your child is undergoing treatment. Bonni Suckling is the founder of Rainbows and Smiles Foundation. In 2022, she completed her Paediatric Post Grad Diploma,…

2 Apr 2024 7 min

Ovarian cancer patient journey

Ovarian cancer is difficult to detect at an early stage. Women are more likely to exhibit signs or symptoms only once it has spread beyond the ovaries. Most (~90%) ovarian cancers are epithelial ovarian cancers. Here is a patient journey to help show you what your treatment may look like…

2 Apr 2024 4 min

Building a larynx cancer survivor community

Wasifah Noorbhai, speech-language therapist and audiologist at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH), tells the story of how a larynx cancer survivor community was built. Wasifah Noorbhai is a speech-language therapist and audiologist at CHBAH. She is currently the clinical co-ordinator for head and neck cancer services in the speech…

2 Apr 2024 5 min

Oral hygienists: the essential allies

Melanie Wright unpacks the invaluable role that oral hygienists play in the care of head and neck cancer patients undergoing treatment. Melanie Wright is an oral hygienist and is currently working at a specialised prosthodontic practice alongside Dr Michael and Dr van der Linde; they all function as an integral…

2 Apr 2024 4 min

Treatment for tongue cancer

Dr Mark Torres-Holmes details the treatment decision-making process and the likely phases of treatment. Dr Mark Torres-Holmes is a head and neck surgeon and ENT. He is concerned about the global rise in cancers of the throat or oropharynx. This episode is brought to you by Aspen Pharmacare in the…

2 Apr 2024 4 min

How is tongue cancer diagnosed?

Dr Mark Torres-Holmes, a head and neck surgeon and ENT, details how tongue cancer develops, and the method of diagnosis. Dr Mark Torres-Holmes is a head and neck surgeon and ENT. He is concerned about the global rise in cancers of the throat or oropharynx. This episode is brought to…

2 Apr 2024 4 min

My hope came from my wife

George Eliades shares how the taste of his favourite treat led to a diagnosis of tongue cancer, and how his wife’s support gave him hope throughout treatment. This episode is brought to you by Aspen Pharmacare in the interest of education, awareness, and support. Statements of fact and opinions expressed…

2 Apr 2024 7 min

Bladder cancer 101

Dr Thobile Goba-Mjwara educates us on bladder cancer and when catheters and adult diapers would be needed. Dr Thobile Goba-Mjwara is a clinical oncologist at Oncocare Specialist Oncologists in Durban and Hillcrest, KwaZulu-Natal. She completed her specialist training in Radiation Oncology (FC Rad Onc) and Master of Medicine in Radiation…

2 Apr 2024 6 min