Cervical Cancer Archives

Cervical Cancer Louise Abrahams – My journey inwards

December 1, 2025 Word for Word Media

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 a headache was followed by neurological fallout that disrupted her gait, speech, and vision. Investigations found no physical damage to her nervous system. The symptoms were attributed to stress. Louise accepted this as something she needed to push through. Life’s stressors felt unavoidable and…

Cervical Cancer Cervical cancer screening

December 1, 2025 Word for Word Media

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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 is a common viral infection that infects certain cells during skin-to-skin contact, often through sexual activity. There are several types of HPV, which can be classified into high-risk types (which are associated with the development of cervical cancer), and low-risk types (not typically associated with cancer). …

Cervical Cancer Managing menopause in cervical cancer survivors

August 4, 2025 Word for Word Media

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Dr Trudy Smith addresses the needs of younger cervical cancer survivors when managing menopause.

Menopause is a natural phase of life for most women, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. However, for women treated for cervical cancer, particularly those who receive radiation, chemotherapy, or surgical removal of the ovaries, menopause can occur much earlier and more abruptly. One such patient, in her early 40s, found herself facing premature menopause after undergoing treatment. Her experience highlights a growing concern among younger cancer survivors: the lack of adequate support and tailored guidance for women navigating early treatment-induced menopause. Premature menopause after cervical…

Cervical Cancer Cervical cancer in Botswana

February 10, 2025 Word for Word Media

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Dr Memory Bvochora-Nsingo, a clinical oncologist, gives a rundown of how Botswana is tackling cervical cancer.

You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies

Cervical cancer has long been a silent killer in Botswana, often eluding detection until it’s in the advanced stages. However, recent innovations in oncology treatment are turning the tide, offering new hope to those affected. The country’s approach encompasses early detection, advanced treatment options, and widespread community awareness, contributing to a brighter outlook for those at risk. The First Lady of Botswana is…

Cervical Cancer Circumcision lowers risk of cervical cancer

December 1, 2024 Word for Word Media

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Dr Khumbulani Moyo advocates why men should undergo circumcision to lower the risk of their female partners developing cervical cancer.

You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women in SA with sixteen South African women dying from cervical cancer every day. The most common cause is the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is transmitted by skin-to-skin contact, and the most common way is through sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal, or oral sex) with someone who has HPV. HPV infection with high-risk…

Cervical Cancer Hope for patients with locally advanced cervical cancer

December 1, 2024 Word for Word Media

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Dr Shivona Moodley explains the standard treatment options for cervical cancer and highlights new research findings in treating advanced cervical cancer.

You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer affecting South African women after breast cancer but is the leading cause of cancer-related death. However, this notorious disease is treatable, and can be cured if diagnosed early. Majority of cervical cancers are caused by an infection with human papilloma virus (HPV), a sexually transmitted virus that is usually self-limiting (resolve without treatment). Vaccinations against…

Cervical Cancer Success of hyperthermia in cervical cancer

September 30, 2024 Word for Word Media

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Dr Carrie Minnaar explains why hyperthermia is heating up the field of oncology as it gains more attention with recent cervical cancer studies.

You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies

Cancer treatment is a tough journey, with treatments often having side effects that can be very challenging to deal with, but there are new treatment methods that bring hope. One of these is heat treatment, also known as hyperthermia. Using heat to treat cancer has been around since Hippocrates’ times and this ancient tool has recently been reinvented…

Cervical Cancer Two diagnoses just months apart

December 1, 2023 Word for Word Media

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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 by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies

In January 2015, Alrita, then six months pregnant, complained to her gynaecologist of excruciating back pain. Four days after her daughter Mila’s birth, on 17 April 2015, she collapsed in agony. After being rushed to…

Cervical Cancer The role of vaginal dilators in cervical cancer treatment

December 1, 2023 Word for Word Media

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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 challenge, which often receives less attention, is maintaining and caring for your sexual health during treatment. Radiation therapy, commonly utilised in cervical cancer treatment, often leads to vaginal stenosis. This is the narrowing and loss of flexibility of the vagina due to scar…

Cervical Cancer How is cervical cancer diagnosed?

December 1, 2023 Word for Word Media

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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, the doctor may feel a lump or growth on the cervix. Sometimes this growth can extend into the vagina and the tissues around the vagina, creating thickening and hardening of the tissues. With early cancers, sometimes these aren’t visible to the naked eye…

Cervical Cancer Winnie Ndlovu – Making the most of life

December 1, 2023 Word for Word Media

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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 cancer Winnie started going for Pap smears at the age of 45. When she went for a Pap smear in March 2018, at the age of 48, the results showed abnormal cells and she was reffered to a hospital where a biopsy was…

Cervical Cancer The basics of cervical cancer

December 1, 2023 Word for Word Media

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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 Africa.1,2 However, it’s one of the most preventable forms of cancer. As a South African female, it’s therefore pertinent to educate yourself about this disease. Empower yourself by getting to know your risk factors, which screening methods are available and how to prevent…