I N  T H I S  I S S U E

Gamma Knife South Africa hosted an exclusive two-day radiosurgery training with Mr Ian Paddick. Gamma Knife South Africa (SA) recently hosted an exclusive two-day radiosurgery training programme in South Africa, attracting neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, and medical physicists from across the country. The event was led by world-renowned medical physicist, Mr Ian Paddick, recognised internationally as [...]

We learn the factual reasons behind why you need more than everyday nutrition when facing a cancer diagnosis and treatment. You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies This is why day-to-day management of your emotional and physical well-being is of utmost importance.2 Focusing on nutritional support [...]

Dr Andrew Robson unpacks how smart science and smarter tech are changing the game as cancer fighters. You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies The body’s inherent ability to recognise and destroy cancer cells is a fascinating topic albeit exceptionally complicated. We have touched on this before [...]

Fiona Hardie highlights the science behind reflexology and the benefits of it as a complementary therapy for oncology patients.  You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies The quote, “If we go all-out for the cure, we could be disappointed, but if we go all-out for peace, there is always healing”, [...]

Dr Jasmine Ramiah discusses how chemo-immunotherapy complements each other in haematological malignancies and the promising prospects for the future. You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies The evolution of chemotherapy over the last few years has been striking, now involving immunotherapy, which harnesses the immune system.  Marrying chemo-immunotherapy holds [...]

We chat to Prof Vernon Louw, President of the South African Clinical Haematology Society, about the recent 17th Annual Haematology Oncology Conference. You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies What was the goal for HaemOnc 2025? The theme for HaemOnc 2025, Bridging the Gap, captured the central [...]

The Council for Medical Schemes offers guidance when choosing a medical scheme or benefit option. You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies It’s open season for medical scheme members. Most schemes have now announced their 2026 contribution and benefit updates, which take effect from 1 January. Whether you’re [...]

Bonita Suckling (mom to Jed) talks about grieving deceased loved ones on special days, like Christmas. You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies For nearly a decade, I didn’t do Christmas. No fairy lights on the balcony. No laughter spilling from the kitchen. Phone off. Silence. Dinner [...]

Caroline Rich gives a brief outline of how to understand published clinical trials. You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies You have been diagnosed with cancer, so what does this mean for you? The doctors will give you information but it’s normal to want to learn more [...]

Kusha Kalideen highlights the importance of cervical cancer screening and discusses the two options: Pap smear and HPV PCR test. You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies Cervical cancer, the second most common cancer in South African females, is primarily caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV [...]

Louise Abrahams shares her cervical cancer journey and how she reignited her mind-body connection. You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies Louise Abrahams lives in Killarney, Gauteng, with her husband and their three children, aged 14, 9, and 7. Louise’s health challenges began in 2016, when [...]

Meagan Atcheson educates us on how to prepare the body for healing after surgery through nourishment. You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies A strong foundation for recovery For many people living with cancer, surgery is an important part of treatment. Whether it’s to remove a tumour, take a biopsy, [...]

Dr Sarita Retief, an oncologist, explains the effect chemotherapy has on the skin and offers guidance to manage these side effects.  You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies We are so used to regarding our skin only as an object of beauty, going through great efforts in the [...]

Rex Parsons tells us how thanks to his wife’s determination and research, he got further treatment for metastatic melanoma after being told there was nothing more to be done. You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies Rex Parsons (76) lives in KwaZulu-Natal with his wife, Jean. They [...]

Caroline Rich defines the term caregiver and offers ways to support your loved one as best as you can. You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies Your loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, and you want to know what you can do to be supportive and [...]

René Botha gives sound advice on the warning signs of medical scams and overpromises. You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies A cancer diagnosis leaves patients extremely vulnerable, fearful, and sometimes desperate. These emotions may make patients easy targets for exploitation. There are many legitimate advances [...]

Dr Lizanne Langenhoven touches on an important topic: why your words matter when speaking to someone who has cancer. You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies It may surprise you to hear that even as an oncologist, someone who talks to people with cancer every day, I [...]