A day in the life We have chosen to give
February 7, 2024 Word for Word Media
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Tegan Bilse, oncology pharmacist at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, shares what a regular work week entails.

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

It’s another day at a public hospital in SA. I dodge crowds of patients on my way in from the entrance, fetching keys for my unit, and eventually heading to my department. I must avoid both the injured in their wheelchairs and the oblivious on their phones or headsets; weave my way through some ambulances, and eventually make it. Every day of the week has…

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Melanoma Understanding melanoma
February 7, 2024 Word for Word Media
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Dr Rakesh Newaj explains how melanoma develops and the risk factors to look out for.

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

Melanoma, a term often heard but not always fully understood, is a type of cancer that originates from melanocytes (cells responsible for producing pigment, primarily found in the skin). While melanocytes are most commonly located in the skin’s upper layer (epidermis), they can also be found in the brain and eyes. Their primary function is to safeguard the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays….

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Survivorship Shining brightly
February 7, 2024 Word for Word Media
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Cancer warriors, Sarah Smit and Mandla Zondo, are shining brightly years after their respective cancer diagnoses. We chat to both.

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

The gift of motherhood Sarah Smit (33) lives in Pretoria, Gauteng with her husband, Pieter, and three-year-old daughter, Zoey.  At the age of 25, Sarah was diagnosed with ovarian cancer three months before her wedding. She gave Pieter the chance to rethink his proposal, though he was a man of honour and explained he still wanted to marry her in spite of…

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Cancer Care Hydration and cancer
February 7, 2024 Word for Word Media
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Melody Fourie reintroduces us to the forgotten but attainable natural medicine: water.

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

While most of us practise the ritual of bathing to cleanse the outside of our being, many forget to partake in the discipline of daily hydration as an offering to cleanse the inside of our being. Depriving your body of the clean water it needs for natural bodily functions begins a domino effect of destruction. Days, weeks, months, and even decades of dehydration stress on the body may be the…

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Multiple myeloma Bone health in multiple myeloma
February 7, 2024 Word for Word Media
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Dr Garrick Laudin explains the effects of multiple myeloma on bone health and the treatments needed to preserve the bones.

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

What is multiple myeloma? Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cell. The plasma cell is the fundamental soldier cell in the immune system, which under normal circumstances produces immunoglobulins (protein molecules) that fight a variety of infections. In myeloma, this soldier cell is no longer under orderly control of the immune system and it undergoes disordered proliferation (growth). What are…

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Cancer Care The value of the MDT in oncology
February 7, 2024 Word for Word Media
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Dr Shivona Moodley explains what a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) is and how it benefits the oncology patient.

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

What is a multi-disciplinary team (MDT)? A multi-disciplinary team (MDT) is a group of healthcare professionals from various disciplines that are involved in cancer management who come together and collaborate with the intention to optimise patient care. The key aims are to improve communication, decision-making and coordination of care. Medical and allied healthcare care professionals engage in a closed forum to discuss each patient’s case,…

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Treatment Cutting-edge technology meets compassionate care
February 7, 2024 Word for Word Media
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We learn why Busamed Hillcrest Oncology Centre is considered the local gateway to top-tier radiation therapy services.

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

Busamed Hillcrest Oncology Centre was established in 2018 with a focus on enhancing patient well-being. While specialising in breast cancer, our dedicated team extends its expertise to treat various cancers, including head and neck, lung, prostate, and other sites. Community-centric excellence Having assisted thousands of patients and their families, our commitment is unwavering. We deliver exceptional treatment using advanced technology in a comforting and easily…

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Emotional Care Helping children understand a cancer diagnosis in the family
February 7, 2024 Word for Word Media
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Dr Memory Munodawafa, a clinical and oncology social worker, offers valuable insights on how to approach the challenging task of helping children understand a cancer diagnosis within the family.

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

Plan ahead First and foremost, it’s crucial to plan the conversation carefully. Choose a time when you’re feeling calm and composed, minimising the chances of breaking down during the discussion. Find a quiet and comfortable setting where you and your child can talk without interruptions. It’s advisable to inform them that you need…

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