In the Spotlight Archives | Oncology Buddies

In the Spotlight Hyperthermia as a cancer treatment

Feb 3, 2020 Word for Word Media

Dr Carrie Minnaar informs us about hyperthermia, a new treatment in South Africa, and its benefits when used alongside chemotherapy and radiation. Hyperthermia explained Hyperthermia describes an increase in the tumour temperature above the normal physiological temperature range. A complex set of reactions of the tumour cells and environment in response to the heat results in improved tumour destruction. How does it help? Possibly the most important response is the change in blood flow to the tumour. In an attempt to lower the temperature at the tumour site, the body responds by increasing the blood flow and oxygen to the heated area. While this may…

In the Spotlight (Sex) Life after radiotherapy treatment for cervical cancer

Feb 3, 2020 Word for Word Media

Dr Mariza Tunmer, a radiation oncologist, tells us more about how radiation may cause side effects that can affect sexual health. Then Hester van Aswegen, a physiotherapist, advices what can be done to overcome these side effects. THE RADIATION ONCOLOGIST Radiotherapy is an important treatment modality used to treat many, if not most, patients with cervical cancer. When aiming to cure a patient diagnosed with cervical cancer, the treatment course will usually entail daily treatments, Monday – Friday, over six to seven weeks. Where possible, a low weekly dose of chemotherapy should be combined with radiotherapy as this improves cure rates….

In the Spotlight Emthunzini hats – Not any hat will do

Feb 3, 2020 Word for Word Media

We take a deeper look at sun protection and why you and your family should wear a certified UPF50+ sun hat not only in summer, but all year round to help prevent sun-damaged skin. Wearing a sun hat is the best way to provide instant shade coverage for your face and neck. However, not all hats offer the same amount of UV protection for your skin. How do you choose the right hat that not only looks good, but also protects you from the sun? Emthunzini UPF50+ sun hats Emthunzini UPF50+ sun hats were the first hats to have been awarded the…

In the Spotlight Reliable medicine supply keeps oncology treatments on track

Nov 27, 2019 Word for Word Media

The careful handling and transport of chemotherapy drugs is fundamental to the treatment patients receive. We hear more about how Medipost Pharmacy gets this right. From the time an oncology practice places an order with the dispensing pharmacy until the moment it reaches the practice where it will be mixed and administered to patients, the highest level of care is required to ensure that the right medicine reaches its destination safely, reliably, and in optimal condition. Supplier of choice Martie Duminy, a pharmacist at Hermanus Oncology, says that she has had an association of some six years’ standing with Medipost Pharmacy….

In the Spotlight Nobody makes better tea than you and Five Roses

Sep 30, 2019 Word for Word Media

Trusted since 1909, Five Roses consistently delivers superior quality, expertly blended teas. Its teas are sourced from around the world by skilled Tea Master, Dinesh Wijeyawardana. With over 30 years’ experience, Dinesh is trusted with the Five Roses recipe and the responsibility of ensuring unsurpassed flavour, strength and aroma in every cup of Five Roses Tea. The Five Roses range caters for all occasions and tastes, with its wide range of blends and flavours that deliver the perfect cup of tea every time. This year (from June to October), Five Roses is the proud tea sponsor of the Cuppa For CANSA…

In the Spotlight Radiotherapy-related skin reactions

Sep 30, 2019 Word for Word Media

Specialist radiation oncologist, Dr Maríza Tunmer, educates us on radiotherapy-related skin reactions and how to prevent and manage them. Radiation dermatitis Radiation dermatitis is the medical term for skin reactions related to radiotherapy and is a common side effect experienced by patients receiving radiotherapy as part of their cancer treatment. It’s the result of inflammatory effects in both the superficial layer of the skin (epidermis) as well as the layers just beneath this (dermis). These effects may impact a patient’s quality of life and may cause discomfort and pain. It may even result in interruptions in treatment and this may negatively affect control of the…

In the Spotlight The legalities of fertility preservation

Sep 30, 2019 Word for Word Media

Andrew Martin answers some questions so we have a clear understanding of the legalities of fertility preservation. What does fertility preservation encompass? It’s the process of saving or protecting gametes (eggs and sperm), embryos and reproductive tissue so that a person, or a nominated recipient or partner, can use them to have biological children in the future. What is the law surrounding posthumous (born after the death of a father/mother) reproduction and the posthumous use of gametes/tissue? In short, there is no specific law in South Africa which regulates posthumous reproduction and the posthumous use of gametes/tissue. In the absence of a legally binding…

In the Spotlight Using a donor to have a child

Jul 29, 2019 Word for Word Media

Tanya Rubin explores the options of cancer survivors using a donor or surrogate to start or add to their family. Most people grow up believing that having children is a simple, easy part of life. But then enters a cancer diagnosis and infertility. Both are traumas and both raise questions that go to the very core of who we are: identity, roles, choices and life. Sadness, loss, anger, regret, fear, guilt, anxiety and uncertainty are just some of the feelings you will face when dealing with cancer and infertility simultaneously. Not all infertility journeys are the same. Each journey is a unique personal story,…

In the Spotlight Sexuality – a ‘new me’ and a ‘new we’

Mar 20, 2019 Word for Word Media

Satisfying sexual activity doesn’t rely on full physical perfection, and often after a diagnosis of cancer, a couple can connect and find levels of intimacy greater than what they had previously. Dr Anthony Smith explains. The diagnosis and management of cancer causes a radical disruption to normal life and can be devastating to the sexual lives of men. Over the last decade advancing therapies have allowed more people to survive cancer, resulting in longer periods of time over which disturbances in sexual function can occur. How cancer affects a man’s sexual health can broadly be divided into three areas: …