Colon Cancer Archives

Cancer Care The South African Society of Stomates

May 26, 2022 Word for Word Media

We learn more about The South African Society of Stomates (SASS) and how they are building the community of ostomates (people who’ve had an ostomy, a surgical operation to create an opening in the body for the discharge of body wastes). Who is SASS? The South African Society of Stomates (SASS) is a non-profit organisation formed by ostomates across Southern Africa to facilitate a holistic approach to ostomy patient care by bridging the gap between the private and public sectors whilst advocating for the rights of fellow ostomates throughout the country. SASS aims to advocate and align the standard of…

Colon Cancer Hip Hop artist, Oxijin, talks colon cancer

Feb 25, 2021 Word for Word Media

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South African Hip Hop artist, Oxijin aka Rumacques Gelderbloem, tells us how his colon cancer diagnosis challenged his confidence as a 29-year-old male. Oxijin aka Rumacques Gelderbloem (35) lives in Worcester, Western Cape. As a healthy 29-year-old male that enjoyed playing rugby for a community team, Rumacques’ cancer diagnosis came as a surprise. He says, “It completely challenged my attitude towards life, at first I thought it was negative, but the journey had its own lessons.” However, it was a long progression to see the diagnosis in the upbeat manner he does now. Diagnosis In 2015, Rumacques experienced severe stomach…

Colon Cancer Lerato Monyatsi – Summiting the mountain called colon cancer

Feb 8, 2021 Word for Word Media

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Vibrant Lerato Monyatsi shares how she is climbing her way to victory over colon cancer. Lerato Monyatsi (39) lives in Kagiso, Krugersdorp, Gauteng with her 11-year-old son, Aobakwe. Misdiagnosis Being an extremely active, nature loving, backpacking hiker and supermom, never did Lerato, a single mother, think she would be faced with the big C. “It was around December 2019 when I first encountered discomfort in my abdomen. I was bloated and constipated so I went to see a doctor. I was prescribed medication to flush all the waste out and the doctor concluded that I had haemorrhoids and medicated as such,” she says. …

Colon Cancer Colostomy surgery

May 29, 2020 Word for Word Media

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We learn the ins and outs of the colostomy surgery procedure. What is a colostomy? A colostomy is an operation that creates an opening for the large bowel to exit through the abdominal wall. The end of the large bowel is stitched to the skin to form an opening, called a stoma. Why do I need a colostomy? A colostomy may be needed if, as the result of an illness, injury or problem with your digestive system, or you can’t pass stools through your anus. You may have a colostomy to treat: Colon/rectal cancer Crohn’s disease Diverticulitis Anal cancer Vaginal…

Colon Cancer Seven tips to eat right

Mar 20, 2019 Word for Word Media

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Berna Harmse, a dietitian, shares seven tips to eat right. International guidelines1 apply for those who want to reduce their cancer risk and for cancer survivors. So, eating well may help you reduce your risk of cancer and beat cancer in a variety of ways. If you have cancer, eating well can positively support treatment. This may help you live well for years to come after treatment. 1. Keep a healthy weight One in five people who die from cancer have an overweight or obese body mass index. But, exactly how weight affects cancer risk is unclear. Excess weight increases your risk by 50% for oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Weight in the belly area…

Colon Cancer With brave wings she flies and laughs

Mar 28, 2017 Word for Word Media 1Comment

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Photos by Chantal Drummond Photography | info@chantaldphoto.co.za | www.chantaldphoto.co.za

Paula Robertson is loud, busy, constantly cracking jokes, and an excellent problem-solver; your typical Portuguese woman. After she was diagnosed with colon cancer, she vowed to never change her personality. In fact, her unique characteristics were only enhanced. She even saw the funny side of having a stoma bag, calling it Winnie the Pooh. The proud grandmother shares her story with us.

Paula Robertson (59) lives in Glenvista, JHB with her husband. She has two adult…

Colon Cancer Questions to ask your doctor about your colon cancer diagnosis

Sep 1, 2015 Word for Word Media

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Being diagnosed with colon cancer, as with any cancer, is scary. It also might be a little embarrassing, since it involves a part of the body that’s distinctly hidden from view. But cancer of the colon is the fourth most common type of cancer. The disease often begins as a benign (noncancerous), abnormal growth or tumor in the lining of the colon. These growths, which are called intestinal polyps, colorectal polyps, or adenomas, can become precancerous and then cancerous. Common signs and symptoms of colon cancer include blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits, and anemia (low red blood…

Colon Cancer Colon cancer

Dec 10, 2013 Laurelle Williams

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Colon cancer is most commonly a disease in older patients with the vast majority of cases occurring after the age of 50, although there is an increasing number of younger patients who are being diagnosed. Due to the age specific incidence of bowel cancer, it is associated with numerous challenges. Globally, colorectal (bowel) cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer in males and the second in females, with over 1.2 million new cases and 608 700 deaths estimated to have occurred in 2008. The highest incidence rates are in Australia and New Zealand, Europe and North America, and the lowest…