Oncology Buddies

Dr Daleen Geldenhuys explains the diagnosis process of gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) and how targeted therapy has made it a treatable cancer. This episode is brought to you by Boston Scientific. Statements of fact and opinions expressed in this episode belong to the contributor and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of Boston Scientific. Dr Daleen Geldenhuys is a special...

Des Watkins tells us about how a drug trial and surgery gave him his second life, how losing his first wife to metastatic breast cancer impacted him, and the joy of finding love again. This episode is brought to you by Boston Scientific. Statements of fact and opinions expressed in this episode belong to the contributor and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of Boston Scientific. L...

The management of sexual dysfunction caused by androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer is a critical aspect of survivorship, Dr Jireh Serfontein expands on this. This episode is brought to you by Boston Scientific. Statements of fact and opinions expressed in this episode belong to the contributor and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of Boston Scientific. Dr Jireh...

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. Robert Teunissen is a retired clinical psychologist and a prostate cancer survivor. Facebook · Twitter · Instagram · LinkedIn

René Botha gives sound advice to help you understand what your medical aid or insurance will cover, and how to avoid unwanted financial burden. This episode is brought to you by Boston Scientific. Statements of fact and opinions expressed in this episode belong to the contributor and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of Boston Scientific. René Botha is a radiotherapist with a spec...

Dr Sylvia Rodrigues explores the power of Gamma Knife stereotactic radio surgery (SRS) and why it’s becoming an increasingly preferred choice for patients with various brain conditions. This episode is brought to you by Boston Scientific. Statements of fact and opinions expressed in this episode belong to the contributor and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of Boston Scientific....

We all know that blood donations saves lives, but how does the Specialised Therapeutic Services (STS) Department at The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) help cancer patients? We learn more. This episode is brought to you by Boston Scientific. Statements of fact and opinions expressed in this episode belong to the contributor and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of Bos...

In honour of International Cancer Survivors Day, Dylan-Jay Vankeirsbilck shares his experience of his first-ever operation, a full neck dissection, that eventually led to an oesophageal cancer diagnosis. This episode is brought to you by Boston Scientific. Statements of fact and opinions expressed in this episode belong to the contributor and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of B...

Sandra Bollen-Hughes unpacks the term 'innovation' and depicts how it can be used in your cancer journey. This episode is brought to you by Boston Scientific. Statements of fact and opinions expressed in this episode belong to the contributor and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of Boston Scientific. Sandra Bollen-Hughes is a counselling psychologist. In 2015 she was diagnosed wi...

Radiotherapy is one of the pillars of cancer treatment. We take an in-depth look at what this treatment modality can achieve. Facebook · Twitter · Instagram · LinkedIn

The Cancer Alliance updates us on their latest endeavour, Moonshot, in closing the care gap in South Africa, and they are calling on cancer patients to help them. The Cancer Alliance is a collective group of cancer control non-profit organisations and cancer advocates brought together under a common mandate, to provide a platform of collaboration for cancer civil society to speak with one voice an...

Dr Sumayya Ebrahim states all the current findings and facts regarding melanoma and pregnancy. Dr Sumayya Ebrahim is a gynaecologist in private practice in Johannesburg. She is also a blogger. Check out her blog Vaginations by Dr E. This episode is brought to you by Aspen Pharmacare in the interest of education, awareness, and support. Statements of fact and opinions expressed are those of the con...

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. Dr Kent Pluke is a urologist in private practice at the Melomed Group in Cape Town and also works part-time at New Somerset Hospital. He is a part-time faculty member of The Urology Department at his alumnus university, UCT,...

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. Dr Kate Bennett is a paediatric oncologist; she qualified as a paediatrician in 2009 and then as a paediatric oncologist in 2011. She has a special interest in the treatment of paediatric leukaemia and ly...

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. Bonni Suckling is the founder of Rainbows and Smiles Foundation. In 2022, she completed her Paediatric Post Grad Diploma, a testament to her dedication to improving paediatric healthcare. She has played...

Ovarian cancer is difficult to detect at an early stage. Women are more likely to exhibit signs or symptoms only once it has spread beyond the ovaries. Most (~90%) ovarian cancers are epithelial ovarian cancers. Here is a patient journey to help show you what your treatment may look like if you are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Read more · Facebook · Twitter · Instagram &midd...

Wasifah Noorbhai, speech-language therapist and audiologist at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH), tells the story of how a larynx cancer survivor community was built. Wasifah Noorbhai is a speech-language therapist and audiologist at CHBAH. She is currently the clinical co-ordinator for head and neck cancer services in the speech therapy and audiology department at CHBAH. This episo...

Melanie Wright unpacks the invaluable role that oral hygienists play in the care of head and neck cancer patients undergoing treatment. Melanie Wright is an oral hygienist and is currently working at a specialised prosthodontic practice alongside Dr Michael and Dr van der Linde; they all function as an integral part of the Morningside Head and Neck Oncology Team. This episode is brought to you by...

Dr Mark Torres-Holmes details the treatment decision-making process and the likely phases of treatment. Dr Mark Torres-Holmes is a head and neck surgeon and ENT. He is concerned about the global rise in cancers of the throat or oropharynx. This episode is brought to you by Aspen Pharmacare in the interest of education, awareness, and support. Statements of fact and opinions expressed are those of...

Dr Mark Torres-Holmes, a head and neck surgeon and ENT, details how tongue cancer develops, and the method of diagnosis. Dr Mark Torres-Holmes is a head and neck surgeon and ENT. He is concerned about the global rise in cancers of the throat or oropharynx. This episode is brought to you by Aspen Pharmacare in the interest of education, awareness, and support. Statements of fact and opinions expres...

George Eliades shares how the taste of his favourite treat led to a diagnosis of tongue cancer, and how his wife’s support gave him hope throughout treatment. This episode is brought to you by Aspen Pharmacare in the interest of education, awareness, and support. Statements of fact and opinions expressed are those of the contributor and are not the opinion or position of Aspen Pharmacare. Facebook...

Dr Thobile Goba-Mjwara educates us on bladder cancer and when catheters and adult diapers would be needed. Dr Thobile Goba-Mjwara is a clinical oncologist at Oncocare Specialist Oncologists in Durban and Hillcrest, KwaZulu-Natal. She completed her specialist training in Radiation Oncology (FC Rad Onc) and Master of Medicine in Radiation Oncology (MMED) in 2021 at Tygerberg Hospital, Stellenbosch U...

Bronwen Watson shares the lead-up and after-effects of having a craniotomy to remove a brain tumour. This episode is brought to you by Aspen Pharmacare in the interest of education, awareness, and support. Statements of fact and opinions expressed are those of the contributor and are not the opinion or position of Aspen Pharmacare. Facebook · Twitter · Instagram · LinkedIn

Dr Leanne Prodehl, a surgical gastroenterologist, outlines when an ulcer is not an ulcer, and may be stomach cancer. Dr Leanne Prodehl is upper gastrointestinal and hepatopancreaticobiliar surgeon at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital with a special interest in oesophageal cancer and multi-disciplinary teams. This episode is brought to you by Aspen Pharmacare in the interest of education, awar...

Technological advancements in cancer diagnostics play a critical role in improving cancer treatment outcomes. Facebook · Twitter · Instagram · LinkedIn