It’s with great pleasure that we present the 2024 Big C Survivor’s Guide: Preparing for treatment. We decided to focus on this; as we are well aware of the anxiety and overwhelming emotions that come part and parcel with a cancer diagnosis and facing treatment. But as Miguel de Cervantes said, “To be prepared is half the victory.” And we want you to be victorious in this journey; we want you know that you are not alone and that we are here to guide you along the way, so you can know what to expect. Being prepared, even in the slightest way, can alleviate a huge amount of worry. It still may be a bit scary and that is perfectly normal. But, our hopes are that this booklet gives you some comfort and confidence within your cancer journey.

Thank you to the great group of healthcare experts who have shared their knowledge from their respected medical fields and much gratitude to the advertisers who have come onboard to support our 2024 Big C Survivor’s Guide booklet.

Laurelle Williams
WFWM

MEET OUR EDITOR – Laurelle Williams


Laurelle is the Editor at Word for Word Media and graduated from AFDA with a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Live Performance. She have a love for storytelling and sharing emotions through the power of words. Her aim is to educate, encourage and most of all show there is always hope.

Write me: [email protected]


Click on a contributor to read their article and full bio.

Dr Mia Hugo
Dr Mia Hugo
Prof Carol Ann Benn
Prof Carol-Ann Benn
Dr Daniel Surridge
Dr Daniel Surridge
Dr Shauli Minkowitz
Dr Shauli Minkowitz
Dr Lebo Mokotjo
Dr Lebo Mokotjo
Dr Trudy Smith
Dr Trudy Smith
Dr Ronwyn van Eeden
Dr Ronwyn van Eeden
Sister Claudette Barker
Sister Claudette Barker
Nompumeleo Jwili
Nompumeleo Jwili
Dr Lucille Sarah Singh
Dr Lucille Sarah Singh
Dr Maríza Tunmer
Dr Maríza Tunmer
Dr Daleen Geldenhuys
Dr Daleen Geldenhuys
contents 2024 BIG C

Workup

Workup
Listen podcast ob

Systemic treatment

Systemic treatment
Listen podcast ob

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy
Listen podcast ob

Surgery

Surgery
Listen podcast ob

Stem cell transplant

Stem Cell Transplant
Listen podcast ob

Recovery and follow up care

follow-up
Listen podcast ob