Oncology Buddies magazine

Melanoma Nonhlanhla Ramuhala – Coming out of hiding

December 1, 2024 Word for Word Media

After losing her nose due to skin cancer, Nonhlanhla Ramuhala has decided to come out of hiding and face the world. She shares how she got to this place of acceptance.

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

Nonhlanhla Ramuhala (53) stays in Meyerton, Gauteng. She is married with three children. In 2013, Nonhlanhla had encephalitis (inflammation of the active tissues of the brain caused by an infection) and after recovery, stopped working. She also always battled with rhinitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane inside the nose) and would visit her GP many…

Melanoma Alastair Armstrong – Heart of steel

December 1, 2024 Word for Word Media

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Twenty-two years after successful osteosarcoma treatment, Alastair Armstrong underwent an amputation due to ongoing infections caused by an internal prothesis. Despite this, he has won many SA titles competing as a paracyclist.

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Alastair Armstrong (58) lives in Lanseria, Gauteng with his wife and three children. In 1994, at the age of 28, Alastair reached new heights as a professional cyclist and was signed with a major sponsor. Unfortunately, this occurred at the same time that he started feeling pain in his right…

Girl Talk Melanoma and pregnancy: all the facts

April 1, 2024 Word for Word Media

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Dr Sumayya Ebrahim states all the current findings and facts regarding melanoma and pregnancy.

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

The incidence of melanoma has been steadily increasing over the last 40 years. Whilst the peak incidence occurs at 65 years, statistics show that about one third of female patients will be diagnosed with melanoma in their childbearing years. Pregnancy associated melanoma (PAM) is defined as any melanoma diagnosed during pregnancy or up to one year after delivery. Impact of pregnancy on melanoma There is significant debate in…

Skin Cancer What people with darker skin tones need to know about skin cancer

September 29, 2023 Word for Word Media

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Skin cancer is a condition that affects people of all skin colours, including those with darker skin tones. Dr Rakesh Newaj, a dermatologist, elaborates further.

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

Skin cancer is a significant health concern that affects people of all skin colours. While it’s commonly associated with people who have fair skin, it is crucial to recognise that people with darker skin tones are also susceptible to this condition. Unfortunately, due to misconceptions and lack of awareness, skin cancer in people with darker skin tones…

Skin Cancer The role of radiotherapy in skin cancer

March 31, 2023 Word for Word Media

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René Botha explains when radiotherapy is appropriate to be used as treatment for skin cancer and the types of skin cancer it can be used for.

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

The skin is the largest organ of the body and skin cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers. When skin cancers are diagnosed early, most can be cured. Skin cancers are classified according to which cell type within the skin they originate from and are divided into melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. The most common…

Skin Cancer Unusual places you get melanoma

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

Dr Mia Hugo enlightens us on the unusual places you can get melanoma. A few years back, a patient gave me a great book: The Emperor of All Maladies: A biography of cancer. If cancer is the emperor, then melanoma is the spy who came in from the cold. Melanoma is the cloak and dagger tumour that can hide in plain sight as an innocent looking amelanotic melanoma to deeply hidden melanoma in the back of the eye or in the lining of the small intestine. I was…

Melanoma New Eucerin Sun Actinic Control Fluid SPF 100

November 30, 2022 Word for Word Media

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We find out more about how the new Eucerin Sun Actinic Control Fluid SPF 100 works by preventing actinic keratosis and non-melanoma skin cancer. Skin is much more than our body’s protective shield, it’s alive and reflects and affects how we feel inside. When our skin in healthy and radiant we feel comfortable and at one with ourselves. That is why Eucerin dedicates all their passion and expertise to your demanding sensitive skin. We develop clinically proven dermo-cosmetic solutions to protect, repair and sustain the health and beauty of your skin, giving you the feeling of confidence and well-being. For more…

Skin Cancer Basal cell carcinoma

November 29, 2022 Word for Word Media

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Dr Nirasha Chiranjan, a radiation oncologist, unpacks the causes and warnings signs of basal cell carcinoma and the treatment and prevention thereof. With summer upon us, it’s important to remember that overexposure to the sun may have harmful side effects, including increasing your risk of skin cancer. Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a type of skin cancer that is locally invasive and causes destruction of the skin and underling bone. It has a low metastatic potential compared to the other types of skin cancers. The incidence of basal cell…

Skin Cancer Preventing skin cancer

November 28, 2022 Word for Word Media

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As South Africans we certainly have a shared love for the long, hot summer days that we relish. While we are happily throwing on flip-flops and shorts to head out to enjoy the beauty that surrounds us, let’s be mindful of the irreversible and harmful risks that sun exposure can result in, and reduce the risk of skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide, and South Africa is no exception. There are three main types of skin cancer: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) Melanoma BCC and SCC are grouped as non-melanoma skin…

Patient Stories Ronél Rabé – Face Value

November 28, 2022 Word for Word Media

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Ronél Rabé shares the after effects of having two surgeries and radiation to remove basal cell carcinoma (skin cancer) from her left cheek. Ronél Rabé (58) lives in Krugersdorp, Gauteng with her husband, Frik. They have twin daughters (26). Dry patch of skin In September 2018, Ronél noticed a dry patch of skin on her left cheek. “I thought it was caused from the material of my pillow. For months, I would put cream on and it would clear up but then it would flare up again. Then Frik said it’s looking bad as it was becoming a red sore so told me to go to…

Skin Cancer Preventing actinic keratosis and non-melanoma skin cancer

October 1, 2022 Word for Word Media

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Dr Ian Webster highlights the impact of actinic keratosis and non-melanoma skin cancer and the use of medical sunscreens containing photolyase for prevention and treatment. Skin cancers are the most common cancers worldwide and in SA. In SA, there are approximately 20 000 reported cases of skin cancer per year. Skin cancers are divided into two groups, namely: malignant melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. Fortunately, malignant melanoma isn’t as common as non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), but it may be fatal. Non-melanoma skin cancers comprise basal cell carcinomas (BCC), squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) and other rare skin cancers (RSC). Although you’re…

Know your cancer Is imatinib the underutilised dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans miracle?

February 5, 2021 Word for Word Media

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Thandeka Malange expands on dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans and the imatinib treatment option through the story of a patient, Mr Tlakedi. Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) DFSP is a slow-growing tumour which can grow anywhere on the body. It’s a rare type of skin cancer that involves the deeper layers of the skin and can grow into the surrounding tissues, such as fat, muscle and bone.1 Typically, DFSP presents in 20-59-year-old persons. However, it can occur at any age and males are generally more affected than females.1 It seldom spreads to other parts of the body and tends to recur at the site of…