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.
We’ve responded to our audience’s 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.
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.
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.
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 [...]
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 [...]
NuAngle Medical – Light at the end of the tunnel
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 [...]
Sputnik Ratau – Sharing our experiences is important
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 [...]
Mental health – Men in crisis
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 [...]
Dirk Human – Open and upfront
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 [...]
Making a brotherhood for male cancer survivors
We chat to prostate cancer survivor, David Lucas, who was recently selected as one of South Africa’s 2022 CANSA Relay For Life Global Hero of Hope. David Lucas (64) lives in Ennerdale, Gauteng with his wife. They have three children and five grandchildren. Diagnosis David was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2011 by chance. “I [...]