Never have we felt so good about the start of a year and we love how our theme Step up and shine epitomises our goal for the year ahead. We trust all of you (our readers) will join in and make this the year to shine.
Samantha Edwards kick-starts by sharing how she is Shining through adversity when she was faced with an unexpected journey with colon cancer (March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month). Plus, she shares how a basket of complementary therapies has aided her recovery.
If you want to learn more about colorectal cancer, be sure to read: Know the symptoms of colorectal cancer; How is it diagnosed? and Understanding hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes.
One of our favourite articles is We have chosen to give; thank you to Tegan Bilse for sharing a day in her life as an oncology pharmacist at a public hospital and thank you to every medical professional who has chosen to work at a public hospital.
Happy reading and happy 2024!
Laurelle Williams
[email protected]
IN THIS ISSUE
We have chosen to give
Tegan Bilse, oncology pharmacist at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, shares what a regular work week entails. You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies It’s another day at a public hospital in SA. I dodge crowds of patients on my way in from the entrance, fetching [...]
Understanding melanoma
Dr Rakesh Newaj explains how melanoma develops and the risk factors to look out for. You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies Melanoma, a term often heard but not always fully understood, is a type of cancer that originates from melanocytes (cells responsible for producing pigment, [...]
Shining brightly
Cancer warriors, Sarah Smit and Mandla Zondo, are shining brightly years after their respective cancer diagnoses. We chat to both. You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies The gift of motherhood Sarah Smit (33) lives in Pretoria, Gauteng with her husband, Pieter, and three-year-old daughter, Zoey. [...]
Hydration and cancer
Melody Fourie reintroduces us to the forgotten but attainable natural medicine: water. You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies While most of us practise the ritual of bathing to cleanse the outside of our being, many forget to partake in the discipline of daily hydration as [...]
Bone health in multiple myeloma
Dr Garrick Laudin explains the effects of multiple myeloma on bone health and the treatments needed to preserve the bones. You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies What is multiple myeloma? Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cell. The plasma cell is the fundamental [...]
The value of the MDT in oncology
Dr Shivona Moodley explains what a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) is and how it benefits the oncology patient. You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies What is a multi-disciplinary team (MDT)? A multi-disciplinary team (MDT) is a group of healthcare professionals from various disciplines that are involved [...]
Cutting-edge technology meets compassionate care
We learn why Busamed Hillcrest Oncology Centre is considered the local gateway to top-tier radiation therapy services. You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies Busamed Hillcrest Oncology Centre was established in 2018 with a focus on enhancing patient well-being. While specialising in breast cancer, our dedicated [...]
Helping children understand a cancer diagnosis in the family
Dr Memory Munodawafa, a clinical and oncology social worker, offers valuable insights on how to approach the challenging task of helping children understand a cancer diagnosis within the family. You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies Plan ahead First and foremost, it's crucial to plan the [...]
Nuclear medicine: A beacon of hope in cancer treatment
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, [...]
Samantha Edwards – Shining through adversity
Samantha Edwards, a successful career woman and mother, shares her unexpected journey with colon cancer and how a basket of complementary therapies has aided her recovery. You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies Samantha Edwards (42) lives in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal with her husband and two daughters, [...]
Know the symptoms of colorectal cancer
Dr Daniel Surridge expands on the symptoms and lack of symptoms in colorectal cancer. You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies Cancer of the colon and rectum is caused by a slow-growing benign tumour of the bowel which becomes malignant later. It usually takes five to [...]
How is colorectal cancer diagnosed?
Dr Daniel Surridge explains the process of how colorectal cancer is screened and diagnosed. You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies Since colorectal cancer has very few symptoms, it can be very hard to diagnose without specialised tests. You may not know that you have it [...]
Understanding hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes
Monica Araujo delves into common hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes and sheds light on their potential links to breast cancer. You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies Colorectal cancer remains a significant global health concern, affecting millions of individuals each year. While many cases are sporadic, a [...]
How is prostate cancer diagnosed?
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 [...]
Jeff Kirby-Smith – The experience was a wake-up call
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 [...]
RESOURCES
When listening to Amelia Mbungwana’s life story, we couldn’t help but think that she has been stepping up and shining her whole life. Her drive to change her family’s narrative is inspiring. Read her story in A survivor of her own journey.
In the 2024 Big C Survivor’s Guide, we focus on preparing for treatment; as we are well aware of the anxiety and overwhelming emotions that come part and parcel with a cancer diagnosis and facing treatment.
Thank you to the great group of healthcare experts who have shared their knowledge from their respected medical fields and much gratitude to the advertisers who have come onboard to support our 2024 Big C Survivor’s Guide booklet.
We still have The Big C Online Directory to help you find any A-Z listing of all things cancer related.