What a year it has been! So, when hearing the theme Root and reboot, many will be planning to do exactly that over the December break. Don’t worry if you are in treatment, Cecile Booth, a social worker, guides you in A holiday could be just what the doctor ordered.
We have an in-depth cervical cancer feature with survivor, Winnie Ndlovu, breaking the silence about the use of vaginal dilators during cervical cancer treatment in order to have a painless and healthy sexual life afterwards. Read her story in Making the most of life.
Cervical cancer has been put centre stage as it’s the second most common cancer among women in SA.
However, it’s one of the most preventable forms of cancer. Women need to know that it can be prevented with HPV vaccines, and caught early with regular screenings.
Dr Shauli Minkowitz takes on another taboo topic Managing urinary incontinence in cancer patients; even though it’s a common issue among cancer patients, the good news is that it can be managed effectively.
Another vital topic is Disability or incapacity? Ian Veary, a social worker, details why advocacy within a multi-disciplinary team for employed cancer patients is imperative.
Please take time out to rest, be safe and always spread the hope.
Laurelle Williams
[email protected]
IN THIS ISSUE
2023 Haematology Oncology Symposium – Keeping it real
Dr Michael Cass gives us a brief rundown of the successful 2023 Haematology Oncology Symposium. You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies The fields of haematology and oncology converged for an enlightening and inspiring conference that left attendees with a profound sense of purpose and an [...]
Exercise – the great reboot
Sandra Bollen-Hughes explains that exercise is the secret to the great reboot and will ultimately help with fatigue. You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies It has always mystified me that when a technological item gives trouble, that sometimes the simple act of turning it off [...]
Managing urinary incontinence in cancer patients
Dr Shauli Minkowitz explores the causes, types, and management strategies for urinary incontinence in cancer patients. You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies Urinary incontinence is a distressing condition that affects many cancer patients undergoing treatment. While battling cancer is challenging in itself, dealing with urinary [...]
Nu Angle Medical – Light at the end of the tunnel
A PATIENT’S PERSPECTIVE ON PROSTATE CANCER, ED AND PENILE PROSTHESIS The story of Johann, 70-year-old prostate cancer survivor and penile implant patient. You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies Johann is a 70-year-old prostate cancer survivor from the Northwest Province, who has agreed to share his [...]
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. You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies A recent Lancet Medical Journal finding, that SA can expect to see a [...]
Disability or incapacity?
Ian Veary, a social worker, details why advocacy within a multi-disciplinary team for employed cancer patients is imperative. You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies Cancer is a medical condition that affects all of human kind and doesn’t consider race, religion or socio-economic position. The effect [...]
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. You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies Medical terminology has a long, varied history with predominantly Greek and Latin roots. In fact, most [...]
A holiday could be just what the doctor ordered
Cecile Booth shares a valuable check-list for planning your holiday during treatment. You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies When you are on the cancer journey so much of your daily life and mental energy revolve around doctors' appointments and your treatment schedule. Sometimes you need [...]
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
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 less than 30% chance of survival. Today, both sisters are healthy and well, and they encourage women to go for regular cervical cancer screening. You can listen to this article below, or [...]
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. You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies Navigating through cervical cancer treatment is a tumultuous journey filled with challenges that extend beyond medical procedures and hospital visits. One such [...]
How is cervical cancer diagnosed?
Dr Sumayya Ebrahim explains how cervical cancer is diagnosed and what the staging means. You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies What happens when a doctor is consulted? A careful history is taken. After this, an examination is performed. On examination, if the cancer is advanced, [...]
Winnie Ndlovu – Making the most of life
Winnie Ndlovu has been in remission for five years. She shares her cervical cancer journey. You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies Winnie Ndlovu (53) lives in Vosloorus, Gauteng. She is a widow and has four children aged 33, 30, 25 and 12. Stage 2 cervical [...]
The basics of cervical cancer
Dr Cattleya Gaspar highlights the basics of cervical cancer with importance on HPV vaccines and regular Pap smears. You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally and the second most common cancer among women in South [...]
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. You can listen to this article below, or by using [...]
RESOURCES
Our Super Survivor’s story is such a gratifying piece to close off 2023 and welcome in 2024. Read how Shaunize Lundell, a breast cancer survivor, is learning how to Swim in her sixties, and all to ensure she can assist her grandchildren if she ever has to.
It’s with great pleasure that Word for Word Media present the 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.
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.
We still have The Big C Online Directory to help you find any A-Z listing of all things cancer related.