In the Spotlight Archives

In the Spotlight CANSA marks 95 years by expanding care, support, and hope

August 1, 2026 Word for Word Media

From patient-centred care and screening to counselling, advocacy, and a new Care Home, CANSA’s 95th anniversary reflects an organisation that continues to evolve to meet South Africa’s cancer burden.

Founded in 1931, the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) has grown into one of South Africa’s leading cancer organisations, with a national footprint spanning research, education, advocacy, screening, care, and support. “As CANSA celebrates its 95th anniversary, we honour the past with gratitude, we serve in the present with compassion, and we continue building for the future with hope and determination,” says CANSA CEO Elize Joubert. “This…

In the Spotlight Healing with hyperbaric oxygen therapy

August 1, 2026 Word for Word Media

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Dr Steph Osborn and Dr Nicola Bodley explain how hyperbaric oxygen therapy can promote healing and improve quality of life for people living with radiation-induced injuries.

What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy? Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) increases delivery of oxygen to the body by providing pure oxygen in an enclosed space with higher-than-normal air pressure. It offers a proven way to address radiation-induced injuries, bringing relief, and restoring quality of life for many. Radiation-induced injuries Radiation therapy saves lives in cancer treatment, yet it can leave lasting tissue damage that causes real suffering: pain, dysfunction, and emotional…

In the Spotlight What is personalised medicine?

February 3, 2026 Word for Word Media

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Kusha Kalideen explains personalised medicine, its benefits and limitations.

Short on time? Listen to the audio version of this article here, or by using your favourite podcast player

Quite simply, personalised medicine is an emerging medical approach which aims to deliver the right drug to the right patient, at the right time, at the right dose, and through the right route of administration. This approach is transforming medical care and moves from the conventional one-size-fits-all approach treatment of patients to tailoring the treatment to the patient’s specific characteristics. Often referred to as…

In the Spotlight Gamma Knife SA – Advancing precision

December 2, 2025 Word for Word Media

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Gamma Knife South Africa hosted an exclusive two-day radiosurgery training with Mr Ian Paddick.

Gamma Knife South Africa (SA) recently hosted an exclusive two-day radiosurgery training programme in South Africa, attracting neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, and medical physicists from across the country. The event was led by world-renowned medical physicist, Mr Ian Paddick, recognised internationally as a leading authority in stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and Gamma Knife treatment planning. The course, designed as an intensive, theory-focused programme, offered in-depth insights into radiobiology, SRS physics, precision treatment planning, and real-world patient case discussions. With the Leksell Gamma Knife® Icon…

Caregivers Helping a loved one with cancer during treatment

December 1, 2025 Word for Word Media

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Caroline Rich defines the term caregiver and offers ways to support your loved one as best as you can.

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

Your loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, and you want to know what you can do to be supportive and provide the best care for them. This diagnosis can be overwhelming for the loved one, and so too for you as family and friends. The question is: what is the next step? What can I do to help make sure that this person feels supported and take…

In the Spotlight Diabetes and cancer

October 1, 2025 Word for Word Media

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Dr Angela Murphy looks at the correlation between diabetes and cancer.

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

A diagnosis of either diabetes or cancer causes significant stress. There is no doubt that if both conditions are present this causes true distress. Although cancer isn’t a typical complication of diabetes, there is an increase in the occurrence of cancer in people living with diabetes (PLWD). In 2009, the American Diabetes Association and the American Cancer Society developed a consensus document to look at the following questions: Is…

In the Spotlight Boosting oxytocin naturally

June 2, 2025 Word for Word Media

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Fiona Hardie unpacks the power of oxytocin and gives easy ways to boost it naturally.

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

“That’s what falling in love really amounted to, your brain on drugs. Adrenaline and dopamine, oxytocin and serotonin. Chemical insanity, celebrated by poets.” This quote by Tess Gerritsen, American novelist and physician, aptly states that love is a hormonal response and not merely a random feeling. This hormonal response therefore requires stimuli which can in fact take several different forms – essentially, that wonderful feeling can be…

In the Spotlight Cryoablation: a new treatment option

June 2, 2025 Word for Word Media

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Dr Gareth Bydawell explains cryoablation, its indications, patient selection criteria, procedural expectations, and the long-term success rates.

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

As an interventional radiologist, I often encounter patients seeking alternate treatment options for cancer, especially when facing surgery or a long course of chemotherapy. One such option is cryoablation, a procedure that uses extreme cold to carefully destroy cancer cells. What is cryoablation? Cryoablation involves inserting thin metal probes, under imaging guidance, into the tumour site and circulating extremely cold gas through these probes to freeze and destroy cancer…

In the Spotlight Lifestyle choices to live by

February 10, 2025 Word for Word Media

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Meagan Atcheson reiterates the influence that lifestyle choices have on overall health and well-being.

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

Lifestyle choices play a critical role in cancer prevention and prognosis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately a third of cancer cases are preventable through lifestyle modifications. Make your choices count Regular physical activity, a balanced diet rich in whole foods, and avoiding tobacco are among the most effective strategies to reduce cancer risk. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial, as obesity is…

In the Spotlight How does the SANBS STS Department help cancer patients?

June 2, 2024 Word for Word Media

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We all know that blood donations saves lives, but how does the Specialised Therapeutic Services Department at The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) help cancer patients? We learn more.

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

SANBS is committed to providing blood products and services to all of our patients, a large number of those patients are affected by cancer. We aim to be a reliable centre of excellence to support our patients through the toughest times. At SANBS, there are multiple departments that work in…

In the Spotlight Nuclear medicine: A beacon of hope in cancer treatment

February 5, 2024 Word for Word Media

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Dr Dineo Mpanya demystifies nuclear medicine and helps us understand the integral role it plays in cancer care. “Nuclear medicine makes the invisible cancer visible.” In our lives, we all know someone touched by the resilient spirit of cancer; some bravely fighting, others celebrating victory. As we reflect on the strides made in cancer care, it’s crucial to shed light on the transformative potential of nuclear medicine. While we navigate the complexities of oncology, understanding the pivotal role of nuclear medicine in diagnosing and treating cancer is paramount. Cancer is like a rebel force, an unwanted growth of abnormal…

In the Spotlight Who do you consult when you have cancer?

December 1, 2023 Word for Word Media

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Dr Cassandra Mbanje expands on the different types of oncologists and ultimately who you would consult with if you suspect you have cancer.

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

Medical terminology has a long, varied history with predominantly Greek and Latin roots. In fact, most of the medical terminology we use today can be attributed to both Hippocrates, who is widely considered the father of medicine, as well as Claudius Galen, a prominent doctor during the reign of the Roman Empire. At the most basic level, a medical…