With World AIDS Day observed on 1st December, Dr Sarah Rayne talks about the connection between HIV/AIDS and cancers.
Dr Cathy Agnew explains the importance of a good doctor-patient relationship.
Throat cancer, in particular oropharynx cancer, is such a concerning cancer now, because it is one of the few head and neck cancers with a rising incidence, unlike others which are decreasing due to the general decrease in smoking worldwide. Currently more than half of oropharynx cancers are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
What is the oropharynx? It is the middle part of the throat behind the mouth. Most cancers start in the palate tonsils (or where they used to be) and the base of the tongue.
Many cancer patients and their families receive the advice, from their healthcare team, that there is no response to treatment, and that cure or long-term remission is no longer possible. Once this ‘advanced stage’ has been reached, the treatment plan changes from curative to palliative, and the first priority of families is to ensure their loved ones receive the best medical and supportive care, for improved quality of life, for the remaining time they have. The Advanced Illness Benefit, which is offered by Discovery Health Medical Scheme, does just that – offering substantial support and assistance to its members and…
Professional rower, Lawrence Brittain, not only beat his way to a silver medal at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, in the Men’s Coxless Pair with Shaun Keeling, but most importantly, he also beat cancer. He shares his twofold victory with us. Lawrence Brittian (25) stays in Pretoria and is currently studying BCom Marketing at the University of Pretoria. Lawrence couldn’t wait to start high school at Parktown Boys’ High School for one reason only – to start rowing. “My dad had been in the national team and my older brother was rowing, so I couldn’t wait to get started,” Lawrence…
September is International Childhood Cancer Awareness Month September is the gold ribbon month – marked as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month; this is a time where globally, countries honour and remember children and families affected by this rare disease, and help rally awareness on the early warning signs of childhood cancer. CHOC Childhood Cancer foundation SA is encouraging all South Africans to “Go for Gold” by purchasing the gold ribbon from the online CHOC Store or nearest CHOC offices. The ribbon is to be worn throughout the month of September. This will go a long way in highlighting the disease and showing…
