Apr-May 2024 - Hope to the rescue Archives

Girl Talk Melanoma and pregnancy: all the facts

April 1, 2024 Word for Word Media

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…

Childhood Cancer The changing landscape of childhood ALL

April 1, 2024 Word for Word Media

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Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) remains a challenging and life-threatening disease. However, with new treatments and insights into the disease more children are being cured than ever before.

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

What is ALL? Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is a cancer of the white blood cells that are produced in bone marrow (spongy central area of bone where all blood cells are made). In ALL, the bone marrow makes excess abnormal immature lymphocytes. These cells grow out of control and enter the blood. They’re unable to ﬁght…

Childhood Cancer How to be present while your child is going through treatment

April 1, 2024 Word for Word Media

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Bonni Suckling, founding member of Rainbows and Smiles Foundation, advises on managing fatigue, stress and concern so you can still be present as a parent while your child is undergoing treatment.

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

When I was presented with this topic, I thought how I could even begin to advise on a subject that I failed so dismally at. The only person I gave attention to, was my terminally sick child.My only son, Jed, was diagnosed with an anaplastic astrocytoma (a fancy name for a…

Cancer Care PET-CT scans: moving oncology care forward

April 1, 2024 Word for Word Media

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Technological advancements in cancer diagnostics play a critical role in improving cancer treatment outcomes.

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

By precisely determining the location, size, stage and molecular characteristics of tumours, early detection rates of metastatic and recurrent disease can be improved, and advancement in effective personalised therapies can continue. The global increase in cancer-related mortality highlights the urgency of these advancements. Various technologies are utilised in diagnostic radiology, such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound (using sound waves), as well as…

Stomach/Gastric Cancer When is an ulcer not an ulcer?

April 1, 2024 Word for Word Media

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Dr Leanne Prodehl, a surgical gastroenterologist, outlines when an ulcer is not an ulcer and may be stomach cancer.

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

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is a benign condition where an imbalance in the production of stomach acid and the protective mechanisms of the stomach result in a break in the mucosa (lining) of the stomach or duodenum. Most ulcers heal completely but some cause complications. PUD is common with 5 – 10% of people having an ulcer in their lifetime globally. Typically, ulcers…

Brain Cancer Bronwen Watson – Emotionally I felt out of character

April 1, 2024 Word for Word Media

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Bronwen Watson shares the lead-up and after-effects of having a craniotomy to remove a brain tumour.

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

Bronwen Watson (42) lives in Centurion, Gauteng with her fur babies. Last year February, I awoke feeling strange. My vision was odd, and I felt a wave of nausea. As I stood up, my world started to move and I instantly fell to the floor. I put it down to overexertion from moving from JHB to Pretoria and work commitments. A few weeks later, I had…

Bladder Cancer Bladder cancer 101

April 1, 2024 Word for Word Media

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Dr Thobile Goba-Mjwara educates us on bladder cancer and when catheters and adult diapers would be needed.

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

Bladder cancer, also known as urothelial carcinoma, occurs when a growth of abnormal tissue develops in the bladder lining. It’s common in people older than the age of 55. There are two main categories of risk factors: Patient factors: Male sex, white race, smoking, personal or family history of bladder cancer, previous pelvic irradiation, certain medical conditions including diabetes mellitus and obesity. While diabetes is…

Nutrition and Cancer More than everyday nutrition

April 1, 2024 Word for Word Media

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We learn the factual reasons behind why you need more than everyday nutrition when facing a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

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

This is why day-to-day management of your emotional and physical well-being is of utmost importance.2 Focusing on nutritional support will help your body during treatment.3 When you have cancer, your body’s requirements for nutrients increase, which highlights the importance of including a variety of foods from all food groups daily to assist you to get all…

Ovarian Cancer Ovarian Cancer Patient Journey

February 8, 2022 Word for Word Media

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Here is a patient journey to help show you what your treatment may look like if you are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Click here to download a PDF of the ovarian cancer patient journey.

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

References American Cancer Society (ACS). Ovarian Cancer Detailed Guide. American Cancer Society, Inc. February 2016:1-63. Jasen P. From the “silent killer” to the “whispering disease”: ovarian cancer and the uses of metaphor. Med Hist. 2009;53(4):489-512. Armstrong DK, Plaxe SC, Alvarez RD et al. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology…