AugSept2023 Archives

Uterine Cancer Uterine cancer – incubating the wrong cells

July 31, 2023 Word for Word Media

Dr Mia Hugo educates us on the risk of developing uterine cancer and the treatment options that are available.

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

What is uterine cancer? It’s a general term that describes cancer in your uterus, with two main subtypes being endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma. Endometrial cancer develops in the lining of the uterus (endometrium) and accounts for around 95% of all cases. The other 5% of cases are rare, more aggressive and comprises uterine sarcoma which is a cancer that develops in themuscle wall of the uterus (myometrium).1 Raising the…

Cervical Cancer Caryl Pienaar – No tears, no anger, no pity

July 31, 2023 Word for Word Media

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Caryl Pienaar shares her journey of cervical cancer, and recently uterine cancer for which she is still undergoing active treatment.

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

Caryl Pienaar (59) lives in Radiokop, Gauteng. Cervical cancer In 2016 after a few years of being menopausal, I started spotting and visited my gynae. He performed a hysteroscopy (procedure that visualises the inside of uterus), the results showed nothing too concerning. A month later I experienced more spotting, so I went back. I figured that at 53, I definitely wasn’t going to start a family and asked him to…

Genetic Testing Genetic testing: blood or saliva?

July 31, 2023 Word for Word Media

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Tasmyn Scriven explains the pros and cons of both saliva and blood sample testing for genetic analysis.

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

Germline mutations Germline mutations are genetic changes that occur in the DNA of germline cells (eggs and sperm). These mutations can be inherited from one or both parents and are present in every cell of your body. Germline mutations can lead to a wide range of genetic disorders and can increase the risk of developing certain diseases or conditions, such as inherited breast and/or ovarian cancer. If you have breast or…

Frequently Asked Questions Lung cancer – Frequently Asked Questions

July 31, 2023 Word for Word Media

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The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) shares the most common questions that are asked regarding lung cancer.

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

What is lung cancer? Cancer that starts in the lungs; it may spread to lymph nodes or other organs in the body, such as the brain. Cancer from other organs also may spread to the lungs. Lung cancers usually are grouped into two main types: small cell and non-small cell (including adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma). These two types grow differently and are treated differently. Non-small…

Oral health and cancer The importance of dental visits before head and neck oncology treatment

July 31, 2023 Word for Word Media

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With September being Oral Health Month, Dr Michael Michael explains why it’s vital to have dental visits before head and neck oncology treatment.

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

A diagnosis of cancer is a life-altering event for those being diagnosed as well as for those closest. This comes with the reality and emotion of facing mortality and the path of treatment ahead. There is little time to grasp and accept what this means as multiple visits are scheduled with various practitioners. This is particularly true for patients diagnosed with cancer in…

Oncology Man NuAngle Medical – Light at the end of the tunnel

July 31, 2023 Word for Word Media

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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 video interviews with Dr Shah. The purpose of these interviews has been to ask the REAL questions that patients in South Africa face regarding men’s health, erectile dysfunction & urinary stress incontinence. Dr Shah sheds light on many issues faced by prostate cancer…

Patient Stories Lucy Nkosi – Celebrating life amidst the shadows of despair

July 31, 2023 Word for Word Media

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Lucy Nkosi poetically details how she and her family are dealing with her mother’s recurrence of leiomyosarcoma.

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

Lucy Nkosi (32) and her mother, Philisiwe Nkosi (61) lives in Soweto, Gauteng. I sit in the waiting room, anxiously thinking about my mother’s upcoming birthday. As tears build up, memories rush through my mind, sending me back to her joyful celebration a year ago, a dramatic contrastto the present occasion, clouded by the recurrence of leiomyosarcoma. We gathered in a beautifully decorated room, waiting to receive our guest of honour. My mother entered…

In the Spotlight Vague cancer signs that people often ignore

July 31, 2023 Word for Word Media

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Dr Daleen Geldenhuys elaborates on the most common vague cancer signs and the reasons why people ignore them.

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

When I meet a new patient, we always start to talk about who they are; important observations are made regarding age, life partners, children, parents, and relationships. When the patient and family are more relaxed, I would ask about symptoms that led to the first consultation with a healthcare practitioner. The patient will often be interrupted by a family member stating that I, the doctor, should have all the information…

Oncology Man Sputnik Ratau – Sharing our experiences is important

July 31, 2023 Word for Word Media

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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 grandchildren. Due to Sputnik’s older brother’s diagnosis of prostate cancer, he became aware of the signs and symptoms. “It made me think of my father, he was never diagnosed but now knowing the symptoms, it’s possible that he had it. Also, my cousin seemed to also be battling…

Cancer Care Preparing your child for treatment or surgery

July 31, 2023 Word for Word Media

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Fiona Hardie explains the benefits of breathwork when preparing your child for treatment or surgery.

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

Witnessing a child go through illness and surgery is traumatic and heart-breaking. As parents, you feel powerless, helpless and terrified but try hard to remain stoic and brave in front of them. Imagine their sense of overwhelming fear. How often have you heard someone say “Just breathe” when you’re stressed? There is, however, help in the form of the breath, and it can assist not only your precious child but you too….

Childhood Cancer Hepatoblastoma

July 31, 2023 Word for Word Media

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Prof Gita Naidu educates us on hepatoblastoma, a rare childhood cancer of the liver.

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

What is hepatoblastoma? Hepatoblastoma is a cancer of the liver in children under three years of age and affects 1-2 million children globally. Symptoms A painful lump in the middle or upper right side of the abdomen. Nausea and vomiting Loss of appetite Yellow-coloured skin or eyes Unexplained weight loss What causes hepatoblastoma? Premature birth Low birth weight Early exposure to hepatitis B Biliary atresia Hemihyperplasia Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome Familial…

Childhood Cancer Karabo Nstiane – Thriving toddler

July 31, 2023 Word for Word Media

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Kegomoditswe Nstiane shares the journey of her daughter, Karabo, who was diagnosed with hepatoblastoma at four months, and how she is now an energetic three-year-old who is thriving.

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

Karabo Nstiane (3) lives in Krugersdorp, Gauteng with her parents, Kegomoditswe Nstiane and Herbert Matlhole, and her older brother, Koketso. Swollen tummy When Karabo was four months old, her mother, Kegomoditswe, noticed her tummy was swollen. “I thought it was from the formula I was giving her as I was mix-feeding her with breast milk and formula. I took her to the…