Oncology Buddies magazine

Patient Stories Burnell Nagaya – The power of now

June 5, 2026 Word for Word Media

After loss and two cancer diagnoses, Burnell Nagaya is focused solely on the power of now and fully appreciating what the present offers.

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Burnell Nagaya (45) lives in Alberton, Gauteng with his life partner, Pragashnie, and his daughter, Annsuri (18). Testicular cancer A year after Burnell’s wife passed away, in October 2021, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. He experienced a pain running up from his knee into his groin area, so…

Thyroid Cancer Differentiated thyroid cancer in SA

July 31, 2024 Word for Word Media

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Dr Hunadi Molabe shares an overview of differentiated thyroid cancer in South Africa.

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Thyroid cancer, particularly differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), represents the most common type of endocrine malignancy globally. DTC includes papillary and follicular thyroid cancers, which generally have a favourable prognosis and accounts for 90 – 95% of thyroid cancers. The epidemiology, management, and outcomes of DTC can vary significantly based on geographic and socioeconomic factors. DTC is relatively rare (1%) compared to other cancers but has been observed to be increasing globally. This is…

Thyroid Cancer Understanding thyroid cancer

September 29, 2020 Word for Word Media

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Understanding thyroid cancer Specialist breast and endocrine surgeon, Dr Francois Malherbe, tells us more about the types of thyroid cancer and how they are treated. Function of the thyroid The thyroid is a gland in the neck with the main function of producing hormones integral to cell metabolism. Pathology of the thyroid gland can broadly be divided into two groups: disorders of thyroid function (hormone production) and disorders of thyroid form (gland enlargement, nodules and thyroid cancer). Hormone abnormalities are mostly treated by medical endocrinologists while thyroid enlargement, thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer are managed by surgeons. Increase in diagnosis Thyroid nodules are…

Patient Stories My Diya and Stitch – Pragashnee Pillay

July 29, 2019 Word for Word Media

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Pragashnee Pillay shares how getting a dog for her daughter, Diya, helped both her and her daughter cope with her cancer diagnoses and treatments. Pragashnee Pillay (35) lives in Tongaat, Kwa-Zulu Natal with her husband, Terence, and their five-year-old daughter, Diya, and their pet Jack Russell, Stitch. Thyroid cancer A month before Pragashnee was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, in April 2017, her daughter, Diya, asked for a baby brother. Unfortunately, that was not on the cards as Pragashnee hadn’t been feeling well for some time. “I told her that I am currently unwell and will not be able to…

Patient Stories The voice within – Cynthia Rawcliffe

February 7, 2018 Word for Word Media

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Cynthia Rawcliffe speaks about the highs and lows of her thyroid cancer diagnosis.

Cynthia Rawcliffe (48) lives in Athlone, Cape Town. She has a 19-year-old daughter. Struggling to breathe In March 2014, Cynthia was often short of breath. She would sleep in a sitting position as this eased her breathing. Her GP diagnosed her with asthma. A week later, she was rushed to the hospital. After numerous tests, she was told it was a lung infection caused by her smoking. It was only two days later that one doctor detected a mass in her neck. She underwent a…