Oncology Buddies magazine

Oncology Man Originator brands vs generics

July 31, 2024 Word for Word Media

Comfort Maluleke, senior case manager at Campaigning for Cancer, offers guidance in understanding originator brands vs generics when navigating prostate cancer treatment.

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

Prostate cancer is a complex and challenging disease that places significant emotional and mental strain on patients. According to the 2019 National Cancer Registry, prostate cancer affects 1 in 15 men in SA. Navigating through the intricacies of the disease, understanding its progression, and selecting appropriate treatment options can be daunting. As a senior case manager, I assist patients and doctors to gain access to…

Oncology Man Diagnosis and radiation: what every man should know

July 31, 2024 Word for Word Media

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Dr Shivona Moodley, a radiation oncologist, explains the diagnostic process as well as the role of radiation in prostate cancer.

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

Prostate cancer is a malignant disease that starts in the prostate gland. Many patients are asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis and screening to detected early-stage disease, especially in high-risk populations, which often leads to curative treatments with good long-term quality of life. How is prostate cancer diagnosed? PSA testing Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein that is produced by the prostate and tested…

For the boys Encouraging men to open up about prostate cancer: A guide for families

June 2, 2024 Word for Word Media

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Robert Teunissen explores strategies to help men be open about their prostate cancer and offers families simple approaches to support their loved ones through this challenging journey.

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

Prostate cancer is a significant health concern that affects many men worldwide. Despite its prevalence, men often find it challenging to discuss their prostate cancer experiences openly. This reluctance to talk about it can stem from various factors, including stigma, fear, and a lack of awareness. However, creating a supportive environment where…

For the boys Hope found in testicular prostheses

April 1, 2024 Word for Word Media

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Dr Kent Pluke, a urologist, gives us a brief rundown of testicular cancer and shares the hope that testicular prostheses give men regarding positive body image and confidence.

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

Testicular cancer unpacked Testicular cancer represents only 1% of male cancers but is the most common tumour diagnosed in young males between the ages of 15 and 39. Approximately 2% of testicular cancers are bilateral (affect both testes) at diagnosis. The good news is of course that testicular cancers show excellent cure rates, with…

How is it diagnosed? How is prostate cancer diagnosed?

February 7, 2024 Word for Word Media

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Dr Shauli Minkowitz navigates the diagnostic landscape of prostate cancer in 10 easy steps.

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

Prostate cancer, a prevalent health concern among all aging men especially black South Africans, demands early detection for effective management. The diagnostic journey often involves a multi-faceted approach, tailored to individual risk factors and symptoms. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test Blood levels of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate, can be measured at any lab to assess for potential abnormalities. Elevated PSA levels indicate a prostate problem but…

Oncology Man Jeff Kirby-Smith – The experience was a wake-up call

February 7, 2024 Word for Word Media

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Jeff Kirby-Smith shares how his prostate cancer diagnosis prompted four of his friends to get their PSA levels tested, and advocates the importance of the urologist and oncologist working well together.

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

Jeff Kirby-Smith (67) lives in Johannesburg, Gauteng with his wife. They have a twenty-nine-year-old daughter. It’s thanks to regular annual medical checks-ups that Jeff’s steadily increasing prostate-specific antigen level was noticed (from 2021 to December 2022). “I have been seeing a urologist since 2020; my PSA level increased from below 1.7…

Oncology Man Nu Angle Medical – Light at the end of the tunnel

December 1, 2023 Word for Word Media

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A PATIENT’S PERSPECTIVE ON PROSTATE CANCER, ED AND PENILE PROSTHESIS The story of Johann, 70-year-old prostate cancer survivor and penile implant patient.

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Johann is a 70-year-old prostate cancer survivor from the Northwest Province, who has agreed to share his story to inspire and give hope to men from all walks of life who suffer from erectile dysfunction. Suffering from venous leakage from the age of 40 his life has been significantly impacted by erectile dysfunction. After seeking out various treatments such as…

Oncology Man NuAngle Medical – Light at the end of the tunnel

July 31, 2023 Word for Word Media

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An expert’s insight into erectile dysfunction and urinary stress incontinence.

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

EDUCATION FOR SA ONE-ON-ONE As part of our preparations to welcome Dr Shah to South Africa, local Urologists assisted by NuAngle Medical have been participating in a series of video interviews with Dr Shah. The purpose of these interviews has been to ask the REAL questions that patients in South Africa face regarding men’s health, erectile dysfunction & urinary stress incontinence. Dr Shah sheds light on many issues faced by prostate cancer…

Oncology Man Sputnik Ratau – Sharing our experiences is important

July 31, 2023 Word for Word Media

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Sputnik Ratau explains why he is open to share his experience of prostate cancer in hopes of other men learning what to look out for.

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

Sputnik Ratau (65) lives in Johannesburg, Gauteng. He is a widower with six children and three grandchildren. Due to Sputnik’s older brother’s diagnosis of prostate cancer, he became aware of the signs and symptoms. “It made me think of my father, he was never diagnosed but now knowing the symptoms, it’s possible that he had it. Also, my cousin seemed to also be battling…

For the boys Mental health – Men in crisis

May 21, 2023 Word for Word Media

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Dr Chris van den Berg expands on the mental health of South African men.

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

My own awakening about the mental health crisis in South African men happened when viewing a statistic: an average of 14-18 South African men die by suicide every day. This rate is amongst the top 10 highest in the world.2 Four out of five suicide cases are men. In males under 45 years, suicide is the second most common reason for death, while in males between 45 and 64, it’s the sixth most…

Oncology Man Dirk Human – Open and upfront

May 19, 2023 Word for Word Media

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Once Dirk Human was diagnosed with prostate cancer, he learnt quickly how imperative it was to share what he was feeling with his family for them to better understand his experience.

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

Dirk Wynand Human (51) lives in Pretoria, Gauteng with Angela-Lee, his wife, of 28 years. They have a 25-year-old daughter, Marilee. In January 2022 Dirk consulted his GP as he had chest pains which turned out to be stress related. Due to Dirk doing a full blood test a while back, the GP suggested…

Oncology Man PSA vs DRE

July 29, 2022 Word for Word Media

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We hear the pros and cons of the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test and digital rectal exam (DRE) for prostate cancer screening. With prostate cancer predicted to be the most common cancer in SA by 2030, more men are choosing to go for screening to ensure early detection. If detected early, prostate cancer is potentially curable. The Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa recommends informed patient-based screening in men with a life expectancy of more than 10 years in the following situations: From the age of 40 in black African men and in men who have a family history of prostate and/or…