Buddies For Life

Whistle a happy tune

Sandra Bollen-Hughes elaborates on how a positive quote or song can be used to fill your mind with strength and positivity while treatment is ongoing. 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…

2 Apr 5 min

Nompumelelo Jwili - I found my calling

Nompumelelo Jwili shares how she found her calling as an oncology nurse. 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.

2 Apr 4 min

Let's do chair cardio

Have you ever heard of chair cardio? If you haven’t, Jennifer Dunn explains what it is and how it can benefit you during and after treatment. Jennifer Dunn is an occupational and lymphoedema therapist who also has certification in cancer rehabilitation. Her practice, based in Cape Town, focuses on adult…

2 Apr 6 min

The breast illusions

Prof Carol-Ann Benn uncovers the breast illusions that may look like cancer and warns that when it’s not cancer, you need the master magician to spot the trick. Prof Carol-Ann Benn heads up an internationally accredited, multi-disciplinary breast cancer centre at Netcare Milpark Hospital. She lectures at Wits University and,…

2 Apr 11 min

Nonhlanhla Sephula - ploughing back

Nonhlanhla Sephula tells her story of how breast cancer inspired her to start Risima Foundation so she could spread the hope. 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…

2 Apr 6 min

Bargaining: the endless internal conversation

Nadia Booysen expands on the transformative potential that bargaining has when faced with a cancer diagnosis. Nadia Booysen is a cancer survivor and an oncology counsellor (B Social Work Honours (UP), BA Psychology Honours (Unisa), PGDip (PallMed) (UCT)). She consults at the DMO practices: Sandton Oncology and the West Rand…

2 Apr 6 min

Living with Li-Fraumeni Syndrome

Monica Araujo explores Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (LFS) and the cancers associated with it (including breast cancer) and the pivotal role of genetic counselling in managing its complexities. Monica Araujo is a genetic counsellor and lecturer at the Division of Human Genetics at the National Health Laboratory Service and University of the…

2 Apr 7 min

Facing Parkinson’s disease and breast cancer

Bronwen Karovsky opens up about how she managed Parkinson’s disease during breast cancer surgery. 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…

2 Apr 5 min

Maintaining hope when faced with a cancer diagnosis

Having control over the decisions you make is the answer to maintaining hope, no matter what the outcome. Dr Michelle King explains further. Dr Michelle King is part of an inter-disciplinary pain clinic and palliative care team in Limpopo. She has completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Chronic Pain Management, a…

2 Apr 5 min

 trailer  

Welcome to Buddies for Life

The lifestyle platform for breast cancer survivors. Buddies For Life informs and inspires all those who have or are affected by breast cancer or other cancers. Buddies For Life is committed to working with all stakeholders to find solutions aimed at improving the quality, lifestyle, satisfaction, enjoyment and activities of…

2 Apr 1 min

Reflexology lymph drainage

Isla Blasa helps us understand the complementary therapy of reflexology lymph drainage that helps ease lymphoedema. Isla Blasa is a registered therapeutic reflexologist and an approved reflexology lymph drainage practitioner, based in Midrand, Gauteng. She has a special interest in helping manage chronic conditions. In support of World Cancer Month…

7 Feb 5 min

No heat meals

Dietitian Berna Harmse shares various no-heat meals that are easy and convenient to make, all the while still healthy and nutritious. Berna Harmse is a private practising dietitian. She holds a MSc in Dietetics and has a special interest in oncology nutrition. She is also an external lecturer at Stellenbosch…

7 Feb 5 min

Are you tired of everything being about your cancer?

Nadia Booysen offers three wise words when you are tired of everything being about your cancer: stop, breathe, and rethink. Nadia Booysen is a cancer survivor and an oncology counsellor (BSW Hons Social Work (UP), BA Hons (Psychology) (Unisa), PGDip (PallMed) (UCT)). She consults at the DMO practices: Sandton Oncology…

7 Feb 5 min

Prehabilitation - the ultimate quest

Never mind New Year resolutions; how about a quest to get fitter? Prof Carol-Ann Benn challenges you to the ultimate quest (The Lord of the Rings style): prehabilitation. Prof Carol-Ann Benn heads up an internationally accredited, multi-disciplinary breast cancer centre at Netcare Milpark Hospital. She lectures at Wits University and,…

7 Feb 14 min

Amelia Mbungwana - a survivor of her own journey

Amelia Mbungwana has so much to be proud of in her life, and facing a breast cancer diagnosis at age 30 with such vigour and grace is added to the long list. Laurelle Williams is the editor at Word for Word Media. She graduated from AFDA with a Bachelor of…

7 Feb 6 min

Good night, sweet dreams

Dr Michelle King wishes you sweet dreams while ensuring you get quality sleep by sharing valuable sleep hygiene tips. Dr Michelle King is part of an interdisciplinary pain clinic and palliative care team in Limpopo. She has completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Chronic Pain Management, and a Postgraduate Diploma in…

7 Feb 4 min

The power of breathwork

Meagan Atcheson explains the basics of breathwork and why it can be beneficial in your cancer journey. Meagan Atcheson is a registered dietitian who focuses specifically on oncology. She is a plant-centric foodie who promotes a nourishing approach to health and wellness using evidence-based research and guidelines only. In support…

7 Feb 6 min

Five ways to live a healthy lifestyle

With the new year here, you may have the goal of living a healthy lifestyle. Dietitian Meagan Atcheson shares five ways to holistically achieve this. Meagan Atcheson is a registered dietitian who focuses specifically on oncology. She is a plant-centric foodie who promotes a nourishing approach to health and wellness…

7 Feb 5 min

A compass for a new year

Sandra Bollen-Hughes shares why having a road map and an accurate compass for the goals you want to achieve in the new year is vital. 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…

7 Feb 4 min

The perfect fit

Lechar Knezovich, Mrs South Africa 2nd Princess 2023, tells us why assisting the Breast Health Foundation is the perfect fit for her and The Facilities Company.

4 Dec 2023 4 min