Oncology Buddies

Jeff Kirby-Smith shares how his prostate cancer diagnosis prompted four of his friends to get their PSA levels tested, and advocates the importance of the urologist and oncologist working well together. Laurelle Williams is the editor at Word for Word Media. She graduated from AFDA with a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Live Performance. She has a love for storytelling and sharing emotions thro...

Dr Shauli Minkowitz navigates the diagnostic landscape of prostate cancer in 10 easy steps. Dr Shauli Minkowitz is a urologist practising out of Sandton Mediclinic and Netcare Sunninghill hospitals, is also the volunteer director of prostate cancer services at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, and an honorary lecturer at Wits University. He is a member of the Gauteng Uro-Oncology Forum and...

Monica Araujo delves into common hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes and sheds light on their potential links to breast cancer. Monica Araujo is a genetic counsellor at the Division of Human Genetics at the National Health Laboratory Service and a lecturer University of the Witwatersrand. She consults with patients and families in state and private healthcare systems who have, or are at risk of...

We learn why Busamed Hillcrest Oncology Centre is considered the local gateway to top-tier radiation therapy services. Dr Ziad Seedat attended the University of Natal and Edinburgh and joined Hopelands in 2004. His special interests are in head and neck stereotactic radiosurgery. He is a director and executive committee member of the South African Oncology Consortium, has served on the steering co...

Dr Rakesh Newaj explains how melanoma develops and the risk factors to look out for. Dr Rakesh Newaj is a specialist dermatologist with a special interest in skin surgeries. Since qualifying in 2010, he practices in Waterkloof, Benoni, Kempton Park as well as Mauritius. His special interests lie in skin cancers, hidradenitis suppurativa, and stem cell & fat grafting. In support of World Cancer Mon...

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. Dr Memory Munodawafa holds a Doctorate in Psychiatry. She is a clinical and oncology social worker and currently works at UCT as a lecturer for the Social Work and Social Development Department. She also r...

Dr Daniel Surridge explains the process of how colorectal cancer is screened and diagnosed. Dr Daniel Surridge is a subspecialist colorectal and robotic surgeon in Gauteng. He heads up the Joburg Colorectal Unit at Netcare Milpark Hospital. He was formerly the head of colorectal surgery at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital which he ran for over seven years, and he has travelled extensively...

Dr Daniel Surridge expands on the symptoms and lack of symptoms in colorectal cancer. Dr Daniel Surridge is a subspecialist colorectal and robotic surgeon in Gauteng. He heads up the Joburg Colorectal Unit at Netcare Milpark Hospital. He was formerly the head of colorectal surgery at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital which he ran for over seven years, and he has travelled extensively to acq...

Samantha Edwards, a successful career woman and mother, shares her unexpected journey with colon cancer and how a basket of complementary therapies has aided her recovery. Laurelle Williams is the editor at Word for Word Media. She graduated from AFDA with a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Live Performance. She has a love for storytelling and sharing emotions through the power of words. Write t...

Dr Shivona Moodley explains what a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) is and how it benefits the oncology patient. Dr Shivona Moodley has a special interest in breast cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, gynaecological cancer, head and neck cancer and prostate cancer. Dr Moodley works at the Sandton Oncology and West Rand Oncology Centres and is part of a team of eight oncologists who consult at the DMO lo...

Dr Garrick Laudin explains the effects of multiple myeloma on bone health and the treatments needed to preserve the bones. Dr Garrick Laudin is a specialist physician and clinical haematologist affiliated with the University of the Witwatersrand, who currently practices at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital. His special interests are the hyperinflammatory syndromes associated with haematolog...

Cancer warriors Sarah Smit and Mandla Zondo are shining brightly years after their respective cancer diagnoses. We chat to both. Laurelle Williams is the editor at Word for Word Media. She graduated from AFDA with a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Live Performance. She has a love for storytelling and sharing emotions through the power of words. Write to editor@wordforwordmedia.co.za Facebook &m...

Tegan Bilse, oncology pharmacist at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, shares what a regular work week entails. Tegan Bilse is an oncology pharmacist currently working at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH), with experience in both in-patient and out-patient oncology settings since 2012. She is currently serving as vice-chairperson of the South African Society of Oncology P...

Melody Fourie reintroduces us to the forgotten but attainable natural medicine: water. Melody Fourie is an AADP board-certified holistic health practitioner and transformational nutritionist. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Holistic Health Science, a Bachelor of Science in Holistic Nutrition and Botanical Medicine, a Master of Natural Medicine, and a Doctorate in Alternative Medicine. In support...

Dr Michael Cass gives us a brief rundown of the successful 2023 Haematology Oncology Symposium. Facebook · Twitter · Instagram · LinkedIn

Cecile Booth shares a valuable check-list for planning your holiday during treatment. Cecile Booth is an oncology social worker and has been working at ABJ Inc. for the past 14 years. She developed a passion for palliative care in 2015 when she did a Post-graduate diploma in Palliative Medicine at UCT. She then decided to pursue her Master's in Palliative Medicine at UCT in 2019 and graduated in 2...

Sandra Bollen-Hughes explains that exercise is the secret to the great reboot and will ultimately help with fatigue. Sandra Bollen-Hughes is a counselling psychologist. In 2015 she was diagnosed with breast cancer and realised the great burden of stress that cancer places on patients so she developed an interest in cancer counselling. She went on to study cancer counselling to gather insight into...

Dr Shauli Minkowitz explores the causes, types, and management strategies for urinary incontinence in cancer patients. Dr Shauli Minkowitz is a urologist practicing out of Sandton Mediclinic and Netcare Waterfall hospitals and is also the director of prostate cancer services at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital and an honorary lecturer at Wits University. He is a member of the Gauteng Uro-O...

A patient’s perspective on prostate cancer, ED & penile prosthesis. The story of Johann, 70 year 70-year-old prostate cancer survivor & penile implant patient. Johann shares his personal story and answers various questions that men commonly ask about penile prostheses in this interview video series. Visit nuangle.co.za to access the full interview. Visit NuAngle.co.za · Facebook · Tw...

Cancer can affect workplace productivity, morale, and finances of both the individual and company, so knowing how to navigate this journey is important for both parties. Facebook · Twitter · Instagram · LinkedIn

Ian Veary, a social worker, details why advocacy within a multi-disciplinary team for employed cancer patients is imperative. Ian Veary is a social worker based in Cape Town and is a committee member of the South African Oncology Social Work Forum. He has a practice that includes working with oncology patients both in-hospital and at home. Facebook · Twitter · Instagram · Link...

Dr Cassandra Mbanje expands on the different types of oncologists and ultimately who you would consult with if you suspect you have cancer. Dr Cassandra (Tatenda) Mbanje completed her MBBCh degree in 2021. She is a researcher who is passionate about improving access to quality medical care in underresourced communities. She is also a growing advocate for improving global healthcare systems through...

Eight years ago, sisters Alrita Groenewald (47) and Tessa Supra (52) were both diagnosed with cervical cancer, just months apart. Alrita was given a less than 30% chance of survival. Today, both sisters are healthy and well, and they encourage women to go for regular cervical cancer screening. Facebook · Twitter · Instagram · LinkedIn

Dr Elna Rudolph underscores the profound importance of vaginal dilators for sexual health in cervical cancer treatment. Dr Elna Rudolph is a medical doctor and the clinical head of My Sexual Health. She serves as the president of the World Association for Sexual Health, being the second woman and first African to hold this position. She is an executive board member and director of the South Africa...

Dr Sumayya Ebrahim explains how cervical cancer is diagnosed and what the staging means. Dr Sumayya Ebrahim is a gynaecologist in private practice in Johannesburg, Gauteng. She is also a blogger. Check out her blog Vaginations by Dr E on vaginations.co.za Facebook · Twitter · Instagram · LinkedIn