In the Spotlight Archives

Genetic Testing Genetic testing: blood or saliva?

July 31, 2023 Word for Word Media

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…

In the Spotlight Nuclear medicine in oncology

November 30, 2020 Word for Word Media

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Dr Lizette Louw educates us about nuclear medicine, a molecular imaging and therapy technique, and its use in oncology. 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 with the physiological process. Understanding radiation An unstable atom is called radioactive. The atom gives off energy to stabilise itself. Some atoms give off energy…

In the Spotlight Ahmed Kathrada Cancer Institute

December 4, 2017 Word for Word Media

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Lenmed Ahmed Kathrada Private Hospital, one of the eleven hospitals of the Lenmed Health Group, officially opened a state of the art cancer institute in Lenasia, this September. Lenmed is confident that the Ahmed Kathrada Cancer Institute (AKCI), through its exceptional team of high calibre specialists and a modern infrastructure, will make world-class cancer diagnoses and treatment options accessible to neighbouring communities. Mr Amil Devchand, COO of the Lenmed Health Group, says, “We will ensure a positive impact to the quality of lives of our patients and their families.” The new cancer institute features premium technology in a warm, patient-friendly, modern …

In the Spotlight What is a port?

December 1, 2017 Word for Word Media

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Dr Ronwyn van Eeden explains when a port for chemotherapy is needed. What is a port? It’s a device or drum, usually made from plastic or metal, that is placed under the skin of the chest. The drum is covered by a thin silicone membrane, through which a specialised needle is inserted. The port is completely under your skin and you can usually only feel a small bump. From that a thin tube, called a catheter, runs directly into a large vein. Your chemotherapy runs through this catheter into the vein. There are different brands of ports. A topical anaesthetic…

In the Spotlight Pain management in oncology

July 27, 2017 Word for Word Media

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Dr Cathryn Walton explains how pain management in oncology works. Pain is the most commonly feared symptom in a cancer patient. It is also the most misunderstood symptom. Fifty percent of patients have some form of pain at diagnosis of cancer. Thirty percent will have pain during treatment but 90% have pain as a symptom at the end of life. With a better understanding of pain and the management thereof, patients can feel in control of their lives. They have an improved quality of life and functionality. The management of pain in oncology is complex. It’s more than…

In the Spotlight What is pain?

June 5, 2017 Word for Word Media

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What is pain? We know it is a short word associated with a negative feeling, which we use often: “I’m in pain”, “She/he’s such a pain”, “This is a pain”. But what does this word really mean? Professor Romy Parker enlightens us.

Pain is a complex experience common to all human beings and yet unique to each of us. The International Association for the Study of Pain (ISAP) defines pain: “as an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience, associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or expressed in such terms. Pain…