For the boys Archives

For the boys Importance of genetic testing in prostate cancer

October 1, 2025 Word for Word Media

Kusha Kalideen unpacks why genetic testing helps determine prostate cancer treatment, specifically with the use of the targeted drugs, PARPi.

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

Metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is an aggressive, advanced form of prostate cancer associated with poor prognosis. While treatment options are limited, a class of cancer drugs, known as poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi), has shown improved survival and reduced disease progression in a subset of prostate cancer patients. As a result, PARPi have been approved for use…

For the boys The benefits of support groups

August 4, 2025 Word for Word Media

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We learn about the benefits of support groups, specifically treatment specific support groups for prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is known to cause significant psychosocial distress, with 30-50% of men reporting a psychosocial burden due to their diagnosis, regardless of disease stage or progression.1 The initial diagnosis of cancer is usually highly stressful for men and their families. This is followed by the anxiety of deciding which is the best treatment option (in settings where options are available), followed by coping with side effects that are often highly embarrassing and frustrating for men. The subsequent ongoing monitoring further adds to the…

For the boys Understanding testosterone deficiency in men

June 2, 2025 Word for Word Media

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Dr Jireh Serfontein educates us on the causes of testosterone deficiency in men as well as natural and medical interventions to manage it.

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

What is testosterone deficiency? Testosterone deficiency, or hypogonadism, is a common endocrine disorder affecting a significant proportion of men, particularly as they age. It’s characterised by low testosterone levels accompanied by various physical and psychological symptoms.1 The global prevalence of testosterone deficiency is estimated to be around 10% in men, with higher rates noted in older populations..1 As more…

For the boys Richard Laskey – Open your eyes and look within

June 2, 2025 Word for Word Media

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Richard Laskey candidly talks about his struggle with addiction even during his late wife’s cancer diagnosis and how he chose to get sober and live a life he is satisfied with.

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

Richard Laskey (52) lives in Bedfordview, Gauteng with his fiancée, Isabel, and their blended family of children (aged 24, 21, 19, 17, and 13). Richard is the first to admit that he wasn’t the model husband or father while married to Melanie, his late wife. He has a history of addiction and even when…

For the boys Reframing sexuality for men on ADT

June 2, 2024 Word for Word Media

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The management of sexual dysfunction caused by androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer is a critical aspect of survivorship; Dr Jireh Serfontein expands on this.

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

Prostate cancer is a prevalent malignancy in men, and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a cornerstone in the management of advanced disease. Sexual dysfunction is a common adverse effect, with rates approaching 80 – 90% in men undergoing ADT for advanced prostate carcinoma. It’s essential to provide state-of-the-art review and management strategies for sexual…

For the boys Encouraging men to open up about prostate cancer: A guide for families

June 2, 2024 Word for Word Media

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Robert Teunissen explores strategies to help men be open about their prostate cancer and offers families simple approaches to support their loved ones through this challenging journey.

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

Prostate cancer is a significant health concern that affects many men worldwide. Despite its prevalence, men often find it challenging to discuss their prostate cancer experiences openly. This reluctance to talk about it can stem from various factors, including stigma, fear, and a lack of awareness. However, creating a supportive environment where…

For the boys Hope found in testicular prostheses

April 1, 2024 Word for Word Media

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Dr Kent Pluke, a urologist, gives us a brief rundown of testicular cancer and shares the hope that testicular prostheses give men regarding positive body image and confidence.

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

Testicular cancer unpacked Testicular cancer represents only 1% of male cancers but is the most common tumour diagnosed in young males between the ages of 15 and 39. Approximately 2% of testicular cancers are bilateral (affect both testes) at diagnosis. The good news is of course that testicular cancers show excellent cure rates, with…

For the boys Mental health – Men in crisis

May 21, 2023 Word for Word Media

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Dr Chris van den Berg expands on the mental health of South African men.

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

My own awakening about the mental health crisis in South African men happened when viewing a statistic: an average of 14-18 South African men die by suicide every day. This rate is amongst the top 10 highest in the world.2 Four out of five suicide cases are men. In males under 45 years, suicide is the second most common reason for death, while in males between 45 and 64, it’s the sixth most…

For the boys Second-generation antiandrogens

March 31, 2023 Word for Word Media

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We learn about new treatment options for advanced prostate cancer: second-generation antiandrogens.

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

What is advanced prostate cancer (APC)? APC is diagnosed when treatments for localised prostate cancer have failed or when men present with symptoms of advanced disease. Prostate cancer (PC) initially starts to grow in the prostate and in the early stages the cancer is contained there (localised PC). If the cancer continues to grow and is left untreated, it eventually breaks out of the prostate and begins to invade the…

For the boys Prostate cancer – Am I covered?

November 29, 2022 Word for Word Media

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Gillian Bruce, a senior case manager, answers imperative questions regarding prostate cancer and what medical aids will cover. A prostate cancer diagnosis is overwhelming and it’s hard to come to terms with not only for you, the patient, but for your family as well. Then there is the added stress of whether your medical aid will cover your treatment. This is why it’s vital to know what your Oncology Benefit includes as many only find out when treatment is declined. It’s also important to find out more about your type of cancer and whether it’s a prescribed minimum benefit (PMB) and the details of…

For the boys Making a brotherhood for male cancer survivors

July 29, 2022 Word for Word Media

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We chat to prostate cancer survivor, David Lucas, who was recently selected as one of South Africa’s 2022 CANSA Relay For Life Global Hero of Hope. David Lucas (64) lives in Ennerdale, Gauteng with his wife. They have three children and five grandchildren. Diagnosis David was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2011 by chance. “I went to the doctor to test if I had arthritis and the GP took blood samples. It turned out my prostate specific antigen (PSA) level was high and after further investigation, it was confirmed that I had Stage 1 prostate cancer,” David says. “I was initially ambivalent…

For the boys Prostate cancer terminology

July 29, 2022 Word for Word Media

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Dr Shivona Moodley expands on the common terminology that is used in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer (PC) is the second most common cancer in men with 1,4 million new cases being diagnosed in 2020, according to GLOBOCAN statistics. Southern Africa had the third highest worldwide mortality rates from PC. In South Africa, the National Cancer Registry 2014 report confirms that PC is the most common histologically-diagnosed malignancy in non-Caucasians, and the second most common cancer in Caucasians. Routes of spread PC starts in the cells of the prostate gland and the most common type of cancer found here is…