In the Spotlight | oncology buddies your guide to cancer care

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

June 2, 2024 Word for Word Media

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…

In the Spotlight FOURsight – eye problems

September 29, 2023 Word for Word Media

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Dr Jiten Mistry describes four eye problems to look out for during oncology treatments.

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

Eye health can easily be overlooked when faced with a life-threatening diagnosis such as cancer. Certain cancers, and even cancer treatments, can potentially have a negative impact on your ocular health and it’s important to be aware of them. Early detection and treatment of eye complications in cancer patients can be sight-saving and improve overall quality of life. The various cancer treatment modalities (steroids, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy) can…

In the Spotlight Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy

September 29, 2023 Word for Word Media

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Dr Lizette Louw educates on peptide receptor radionuclide therapy, a nuclear medicine therapy, and explains why it’s an effective treatment choice for neuroendocrine tumours.

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

What is nuclear medicine? Nuclear medicine is a specialised area of medical imaging that uses small amounts of radioactivity to examine organ function. The radioactive atom is linked to a specific molecule, depending on which organ system will be imaged. This radioactive molecule, called a radiopharmaceutical or radiotracer, then images a physiological process in the body, without interfering…

Genetic Testing Genetic testing: blood or saliva?

July 31, 2023 Word for Word Media

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Tasmyn Scriven explains the pros and cons of both saliva and blood sample testing for genetic analysis.

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

Germline mutations Germline mutations are genetic changes that occur in the DNA of germline cells (eggs and sperm). These mutations can be inherited from one or both parents and are present in every cell of your body. Germline mutations can lead to a wide range of genetic disorders and can increase the risk of developing certain diseases or conditions, such as inherited breast and/or ovarian cancer. If you have breast or…

In the Spotlight Vague cancer signs that people often ignore

July 31, 2023 Word for Word Media

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Dr Daleen Geldenhuys elaborates on the most common vague cancer signs and the reasons why people ignore them.

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

When I meet a new patient, we always start to talk about who they are; important observations are made regarding age, life partners, children, parents, and relationships. When the patient and family are more relaxed, I would ask about symptoms that led to the first consultation with a healthcare practitioner. The patient will often be interrupted by a family member stating that I, the doctor, should have all the information…

In the Spotlight Choosing a haematopoietic stem cell match

July 31, 2023 Word for Word Media

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Looking for a haematopoietic stem cell match? There’s more to it then swiping right. Dr Lucille Sarah Singh explains why.

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

What is a haematopoietic stem cell transplant? A haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HPSCT) offers the potential for cure in certain malignant, inherited and auto-immune diseases as well as bone marrow failure conditions. It involves infusing healthy haematopoietic stem cells into patients. An autologous HPSCT is when a patient’s own stem cells are used. An allogeneic HPSCT is when donor stem cells are infused, and this is where the search…

In the Spotlight Lenalidomide added to the Essential Medicines List

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 Alliance and multiple myeloma patients are celebrating the win of lenalidomide finally included on the Essential Medicines List for the public sector. The Cancer Alliance launched its Access to Medicine campaign on World Cancer Day, 4 February 2018, after the landmark report Exploring Patent Barriers to Cancer Treatment Access in South Africa: 24 Medicine Case Studies was published in 2017. From the 24 medicines, a list of eight medicines were selected as a dedicated focus for equitable access. Lenalidomide was one of the…

In the Spotlight Public hospital prostate brachytherapy programme

March 28, 2022 Word for Word Media

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Thanks to a successful joint prostate brachytherapy training workshop with Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH) Department of Radiation Oncology and Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH) Urology Unit last year, this year 50 early prostate cancer patients will be treated with prostate brachytherapy at CHBAH. The first of the planned workshops was conducted in June 2021 at CHBAH and three patients with early stage prostate cancer were treated. Several specialist and training radiation oncologists, urologists and medical physicists got the opportunity of both observing and getting hands-on-experience doing prostate brachytherapy under expert guidance. BD, a medical technology company, agreed to sponsor the…

In the Spotlight 90 years of CANSA making a difference

August 2, 2021 Word for Word Media

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Together with CANSA partners, Oncology Buddies congratulates CANSA for the 90 years of constant care and service to the cancer community. From small beginnings in 1931, CANSA grew and evolved throughout the years to what it is today. It’s thanks to numerous partnerships, many donations, and the utmost dedication and perseverance throughout these 90 years that CANSA can still offer the following services: Cancer Screening – to enable early detection and treatment. Care Homes – for patients receiving treatment. Offering accommodation, meals and transport. TLC Lodges – for children and families affected by cancer. Stoma Clinics – supporting patients…

In the Spotlight Count Me In – first Patient-Led Cancer Registry

March 29, 2021 Word for Word Media

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We learn more about the first Patient-Led Cancer Registry, what it aims to achieve and the driving force behind it. When Belinda Wagner was diagnosed with angiosarcoma, in 2016, she looked for information to help her navigate the challenges that lay ahead. “When I searched online, I found the South African National Cancer Registry (NCR). Although this was a valuable resource, angiosarcoma was not listed at the time,” she explains. After completing treatment in 2017, Belinda established a support group and launched an NGO, called Living with Cancer. One of her dreams was that the NGO would oversee the first-ever South African Patient-Led…