We are beyond excited to introduce a new brand extension to Oncology Buddies: Oncology MAN. We believe that this is not only a necessity but also a true testament to the phenomenal men out there, affected by cancer. In Oncology Buddies, we have always had a special place For The Boys and their Guy Talk, breaking many societal standards about male cancers, where men had the courage to talk about their experiences.Â
Weâve responded to our audienceâs call to have more of these honest and inspiring male stories. Oncology MAN will allow for more authentic male patient stories as well as the latest cutting-edge treatment options.Â
We thank our supporters who understand the value and see the vision of the impact of giving South African men a voice in the cancer arena. Without their sponsorship, this would not be a reality.Â
South African men have a tough exterior and understanding the true stories behind this is of upmost importance for men to feel heard, informed and a place where vulnerability is seen as the true strength that it is. Oncology Man is that place.Â
Louis Brauer – Falling smarter to protect bone health
Avid gamer, Louis Brauer, who is living with metastatic prostate cancer, explains that one way he reduces his fracture risk is by falling safely and correctly. Short on time? Listen to the audio version of this article here, or by using your favourite podcast player Louis Brauer (80) lives in Sandringham, Gauteng. He has two children and eight [...]
Bone health and fracture risk during ADT for prostate cancer
Dr Omondi Ogude highlights bone health and fracture risk for prostate cancer patients who are on androgen deprivation therapy. Short on time? Listen to the audio version of this article here, or by using your favourite podcast player When treatment affects more than the cancer If youâre receiving hormone treatment for prostate cancer, youâve probably heard [...]
Erectile dysfunction and pleasure
Lisa Welsh details how to reclaim intimacy after prostate cancer and enjoy pleasure with erectile dysfunction. Short on time? Listen to the audio version of this article here, or by using your favourite podcast player Prostate cancer treatment can change the way your body responds to sexual arousal. Surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy can all [...]
Eric Vorster – I felt like a failure
In the hope of encouraging couples to speak openly, Eric Vorster and his wife, Thersia, share how they, as a couple, overcame erectile dysfunction resulting from prostate cancer treatment. Short on time? Listen to the audio version of this article here, or by using your favourite podcast player Eric Vorster (68) lives in Heidelberg, Gauteng [...]
Importance of genetic testing in prostate cancer
Kusha Kalideen unpacks why genetic testing helps determine prostate cancer treatment, specifically with the use of the targeted drugs, PARPi. You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies Metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is an aggressive, advanced form of prostate cancer associated with poor prognosis. While [...]
Richard Melville – The long wait
After four years of waiting for radiation, Richard Melville finally got it through a private-public hospital partnership. He tells us how the delay in treatment has affected his quality of life. Richard Melville (71) lives in Randburg, Gauteng with his caregiver and spiritual son, Richard Taylor (34). In May 2021, Richard noticed he had slow [...]
The benefits of support groups
We learn about the benefits of support groups, specifically treatment specific support groups for prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is known to cause significant psychosocial distress, with 30-50% of men reporting a psychosocial burden due to their diagnosis, regardless of disease stage or progression.1Â The initial diagnosis of cancer is usually highly stressful for men and [...]
Keep your mind sharp during ADT
Dr Sylvia Rodrigues reviews what science says about cognitive decline during androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer and offers ways to reclaim your mental sharpness. If youâre on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer, you might have noticed some mental fogâmisplacing things, struggling to focus, or feeling like your brain isnât as sharp [...]
Prostate health on your plate
Did you know prevention can start on your plate? Lailaa Cajee expands on prostate health on your plate. You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies Letâs be honest, when we talk about menâs health in SA, prostate health isnât usually top of mind. But with prostate cancer [...]
Understanding testosterone deficiency in men
Dr Jireh Serfontein educates us on the causes of testosterone deficiency in men as well as natural and medical interventions to manage it. You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies What is testosterone deficiency? Testosterone deficiency, or hypogonadism, is a common endocrine disorder affecting a significant proportion [...]
Richard Laskey – Open your eyes and look within
Richard Laskey candidly talks about his struggle with addiction even during his late wifeâs cancer diagnosis and how he chose to get sober and live a life he is satisfied with. You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies Richard Laskey (52) lives in Bedfordview, Gauteng with his fiancĂ©e, [...]
Rev Kosie Loots – Unapologetically open
Reverend Kosie Loots shares how his faith, family, and friends pulled him through the toughest time of prostate cancer. You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies Reverend Kosie Loots (76) lives in Randburg, Gauteng with his wife, Christine. They have two children and three grandchildren. Regular check-ups I [...]
Originator brands vs generics
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 [...]
Diagnosis and radiation: what every man should know
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 [...]
Encouraging men to open up about prostate cancer: A guide for families
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. [...]
Hope found in testicular prostheses
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 [...]