Dec20Jan21 Archives

Side Effects Emotional triggers of pain experience

November 30, 2020 Word for Word Media

Dr Michelle King expands on how our emotions can increase or decrease our pain experience. A common misconception is that if you’re feeling pain it means you must have hurt yourself. With cancer, pain experience can make you fear that the cancer has spread. However, it’s this very fear that can cause your pain levels to rise. Your experience of pain is caused by, not only physical factors, but emotional and social factors too. Most people have all experienced how stress can trigger a headache or make their stomach feel in knots. When you are worried about your finances or your ability to work, your pain can…

Cervical Cancer Rae van Nieuwenhuizen – Conquering the aftermath

November 30, 2020 Word for Word Media

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Cervical cancer survivor, Rae van Nieuwenhuizen, shares how she dealt with radiation dermatitis. Rae van Nieuwenhuizen (55) lives in Hillcrest, Kwa-Zulu Natal with her husband. They have two adult children. Stage 2B cervical cancer I was diagnosed in October 2016 with Stage 2B cervical cancer at age 51. The tumour I had was roughly 5x4x2cm in size and was starting to infiltrate the walls of the cervix. My oncologist and gynaecologist proposed radiation, chemotherapy and intracavitary brachytherapy. Despite many possible side effects being explained to me, I have such zest for life and decided to go ahead and deal with things should they occur. The…

Lung Cancer Lung cancer awareness

November 30, 2020 Word for Word Media

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Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers globally affecting 2,09 million people in 2018.1 Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death with 1,76 million deaths worldwide in 2018.1 Smoking and lung cancer People who smoke cigarettes are 15 to 30 times more likely to get lung cancer or die from lung cancer than people who do not smoke.2 The best way to reduce your risk of lung cancer is to not smoke and to avoid second hand smoke.3 Quitting smoking at any age can lower the risk of lung cancer.2 Signs and symptoms of lung…

For the boys The Prostate Cancer Foundation

November 30, 2020 Word for Word Media

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We hear how the Prostate Cancer Foundation came about and the success of their latest Suit Up September campaign. SA prostate cancer stats Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in South Africa (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer). If prostate cancer is detected in the early stages, the chance of survival after five years is over 98%. However, if the cancer has spread (metastasised), only approximately 30% of men survive. Black African men have a 60% higher risk for prostate cancer and are twice as likely than white males to die from the disease. Early detection through age appropriate…

Treatment Chemo side effects – don’t suffer in silence

November 30, 2020 Word for Word Media

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Many patients undergoing chemotherapy suffer side effects in silence. Dr Sarita Retief explains that this isn’t how it should be and implores patients to voice their chemo side effects. When seeing patients for their second chemotherapy session, I naturally ask them how the first session was to see if they had any chemo side effects. These are examples of the extreme different responses that I get: Mrs A will say that she did not feel anything at all. She went on with her normal life as if nothing happened. She even wonders if the Sister might have forgotten to…

Cancer Care Lower your risk with CANSA’s Seal of Recognition

November 30, 2020 Word for Word Media

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It can be a daunting task to know which products are safer and healthier for you and your family. CANSA’s Seal of Recognition does the work for you, and when you see the mark on a product, you can be sure it’s free from chemicals of concern and meets the strictest standards for your health. Despite the complexities of cancer as a disease, the scientific evidence that a person can greatly lower their risk of developing cancer by lowering their exposure to avoidable risk factors is overwhelming. By making better lifestyle choices, such as not using tobacco and alcohol,…

For the boys Facts about prostate cancer

November 30, 2020 Word for Word Media

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Dr Nirasha Chiranjan gives us a rundown on the facts about prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is among the most common cancers in men worldwide, with an estimated 1 600 000 cases and 366 000 deaths annually. The incidence generally rising with age; it is more likely to develop in older men, age 65 and older. The overall five-year survival rate is over 98%. In developed areas, prostate cancer is increasingly being diagnosed when the tumour is confined to the prostate, due at least in part to screening with prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Risk factors Age: The incidence increases after the age…

Childhood Cancer The miracle of Khaya

November 30, 2020 Word for Word Media

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Judith Mgobhozi shares the incredible story of of her son, Khayalethu,who was given 48 hours to live when he was diagnosed with leukaemia at three months. Today Khaya is a strong and upbeat six-year-old. Khayalethu Makhaye (6) lives in, Umkomaas, Kwa-Zulu Natal with his mother, Judith, and his baby sister, Ziyana. Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia Khaya was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at three months in June 2014. His temperature was high and he was vomiting and had diarrhoea so I took him to a private hospital where he was admitted. The paediatrician took blood; when he returned, he told me he was…

Leukaemia Revolution in treatment of chronic lymphoblastic leukaemia

November 30, 2020 Word for Word Media

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Dr Philippa Ashmore tells us how chronic lymphoblastic leukaemia is now managed with increased emphasis on personalised and chemotherapy-free treatments. Chronic lymphoblastic leukaemia (CLL) is the most common leukaemia in the western world. This blood/bone marrow cancer is most often seen in older patients, although younger patients can be affected, with a higher rate in men compared to women. How does chronic lymphoblastic leukaemia develop? The CLL cell is an immune system cell, called a B-lymphocyte, that becomes cancerous. This happens at a stage of development before the immune cell can make normal and healthy antibodies, resulting in a very dysfunctional…

Know your cancer Neuroendocrine tumours

November 30, 2020 Word for Word Media

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Dr Rachelle Steyn goes into detail about neuroendocrine tumours and the new support group, NETSAS, that has recently formed. Neuroendocrine tumours, also known as carcinoid cancer, are rare cancers that begin in cells called neuroendocrine cells. These cells are specialised cells that secrete hormones in our bodies to keep them working normally. Neuroendocrine cells are present throughout the body. Therefore, a neuroendocrine tumour can occur anywhere in the body. Most occur in the lungs, appendix, small intestine, rectum and pancreas. Some neuroendocrine tumours grow slowly and others grow very quickly. Some secrete lots of hormones (functional) and some don’t secrete hormones at…

In the Spotlight Nuclear medicine in oncology

November 30, 2020 Word for Word Media

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Dr Lizette Louw educates us about nuclear medicine, a molecular imaging and therapy technique, and its use in oncology. What is nuclear medicine? Nuclear medicine is a specialised area of medical imaging that uses small amounts of radioactivity to examine organ function. The radioactive atom is linked to a specific molecule, depending on which organ system will be imaged. This radioactive molecule, called a radiopharmaceutical or radiotracer, then images a physiological process in the body, without interfering with the physiological process. Understanding radiation An unstable atom is called radioactive. The atom gives off energy to stabilise itself. Some atoms give off energy…

Lung Cancer Liezl Nell – Keeping life sweet

November 30, 2020 Word for Word Media

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Metastatic lung cancer patient, Liezl Nell, shares how baking during lockdown transformed into an online bakery that in turn raised funds to cover some of the co-payments of her treatment. Liezl Nell (31) lives in Randburg, Gauteng with her two older sisters, Louw-Mari and Bernadette. An active life was what Liezl lived. She played several club sports, like tennis and hockey, and was at the gym at least once a day. So, when she experienced pain above her left rib and shoulder, in Oct 2019, she thought it was a muscle that she had pulled. Two weeks went by…