Cervical Cancer Cervical cancer – frequently asked questions
December 1, 2023 Word for Word Media
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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 your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies

What causes cervical cancer? Almost all cervical cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that can be passed from one person to another during sex. There are many types of HPV; some types…

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Frequently Asked Questions Lung cancer – Frequently Asked Questions
July 31, 2023 Word for Word Media
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 The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) shares the most common questions that are asked regarding lung cancer.

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

What is lung cancer? Cancer that starts in the lungs; it may spread to lymph nodes or other organs in the body, such as the brain. Cancer from other organs also may spread to the lungs. Lung cancers usually are grouped into two main types: small cell and non-small cell (including adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma). These two types grow differently and are treated differently. Non-small…

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Frequently Asked Questions Gastrointestinal stromal tumours – FAQ
May 31, 2023 Word for Word Media
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GIST Support International share the most frequently asked questions regarding gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs).

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

What is GIST? GISTs are rare cancers affecting the digestive tract or nearby structures within the abdomen. A GIST is a sarcoma (cancer that grows from cells of the body’s connective or supportive tissues such as bone, cartilage, tendons, nerves, fat, muscle, tissue around joints, or blood vessels). Where do GISTS occur? The most frequent site is the stomach (about 55%), followed by the duodenum and small intestine…

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Frequently Asked Questions Ovarian cancer – Frequently Asked Questions
March 31, 2023 Word for Word Media
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In observation of World Ovarian Cancer Day (8th May), the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition answers the most frequently asked questions regarding ovarian cancer.

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

What are the ovaries? The ovaries are two small organs, each around the size of an almond or your fingertip. They are located low in the tummy area called the pelvis. They are a part of a woman’s reproductive organs, storing her supply of eggs. Each month an egg is released from one of the ovaries and travels through…

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Colorectal Cancer Colorectal cancer: frequently asked questions
February 8, 2023 Word for Word Media
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You can listen to this articles below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies

The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) shares the most frequently asked questions about colorectal cancer symptoms and screening. What is colorectal cancer? Colorectal cancer is a malignant (cancerous) disease in which cells in the colon or rectum grow and multiply out of control. Because the rectum is part of the colon (the large intestine/bowel), cancer of either the colon or rectum (passageway that connects the colon to the anus) is referred to as colorectal cancer. It’s sometimes referred as colon cancer. Does…

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Frequently Asked Questions Pancreatic cancer: frequently asked questions
November 29, 2022 Word for Word Media
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The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) shares the most frequently asked questions by newly diagnosed pancreatic cancer patients. What are the symptoms of pancreatic cancer? Most people with pancreatic cancer (and nearly all people with ampullary cancer) will have jaundice (yellow skin and whites of the eyes) as their first symptom. Jaundice is caused by the build-up of bilirubin, a dark yellow-brown substance made in the liver. Other symptoms include light-coloured stools, dark urine, pain in the upper or middle abdomen and/or back, unexplained weight loss, feeling tired, and poor appetite. What is the cause of pancreatic cancer?…

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Childhood Cancer Childhood leukaemia – Frequently Asked Questions
July 29, 2022 Word for Word Media
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Rainbows and Smiles, an NGO that is dedicated to supporting children with cancer, shares the frequently asked questions when a child is diagnosed with leukaemia. What is childhood leukaemia? Leukaemia or blood cancer occurs when there is an overgrowth of abnormal white cells. These leukaemia cells grow to the point that they eventually consume and destroy the normal bone marrow. Eventually these cells spill out into the blood where they are detected. Leukaemia is the most common form of childhood cancer, accounting for almost one out of three cancers. The most common type of leukaemia is acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.  Why do children get leukaemia? The exact cause of…

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Frequently Asked Questions Sarcoma cancer – Frequently Asked Questions
June 1, 2022 Word for Word Media
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Living with Cancer, an NGO, launched the first patient led cancer registry in SA and offers support to anyone diagnosed with cancer. It was started by Belinda Wagner, an angiosarcoma survivor. She shares the most frequently asked questions when people are diagnosed with sarcoma cancer.  What is sarcoma cancer?  A rare cancer that grows in connective tissue and cells that connect or support other tissues in our bodies. The cancerous tumours are normally found in bones, muscles, tendons, cartilage, nerves, fat or blood vessels throughout the body. There are more than 80 types of sarcomas that are grouped into soft…

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Frequently Asked Questions Head and neck cancer – Frequently asked questions
March 24, 2022 Word for Word Media
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Cancer Heroes, a support group for head and neck cancer (HNC) patients and their families, inform us of the common questions that are asked by patients. What is HNC? HNC is a grouping of regional cancer incidents collectively known as head and neck cancer. They most commonly start with abnormal and uncontrolled growth of the squamous cells that line the mucosal surfaces of the head and neck area, like your mouth, throat, and voice box. They can also start in the salivary or parotid glands, sinus cavities, muscles, nerves and jaws in the head and neck region. It’s interesting that brain cancer isn’t regarded…

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Frequently Asked Questions The flu vaccine – frequently asked questions
April 2, 2020 Word for Word Media
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We get all your frequently asked questions regarding the flu vaccine answered by Abbott Laboratories. Flu vaccine Seasonal changes are upon us, and so is flu season. Now, more than ever we should protect ourselves and our families against flu. What is flu? Flu is easily confused with a cold. Flu is a viral infection that causes serious respiratory tract infections. The symptoms are like cold symptoms, except that the onset is very sudden. One morning you may be well, and that afternoon you’re running a high fever and feel really ill3. How is it spread? Via droplets when…

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