Oncology Buddies

We need you

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…

2 Apr 5 min

Melanoma and pregnancy: all the facts

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…

2 Apr 5 min

Hope found in testicular prostheses

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…

2 Apr 4 min

The changing landscape of childhood ALL

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…

2 Apr 7 min

How to be present while your child is going through treatment

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,…

2 Apr 7 min

Ovarian cancer patient journey

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…

2 Apr 4 min

Building a larynx cancer survivor community

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…

2 Apr 5 min

Oral hygienists: the essential allies

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…

2 Apr 4 min

Treatment for tongue cancer

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…

2 Apr 4 min

How is tongue cancer diagnosed?

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…

2 Apr 4 min

My hope came from my wife

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…

2 Apr 7 min

Bladder cancer 101

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…

2 Apr 6 min

Emotionally, I felt out of character

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…

2 Apr 6 min

When is an ulcer not an ulcer?

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…

2 Apr 5 min

PET-CT scans: moving oncology care forward

Technological advancements in cancer diagnostics play a critical role in improving cancer treatment outcomes.

2 Apr 5 min

 trailer  

Welcome to Oncology Buddies

Your platform for cancer care. Oncology Buddies informs and inspires all those who have or are affected by cancer. Oncology Buddies is committed to working with all stakeholders to find solutions aimed at improving the quality, lifestyle, satisfaction, enjoyment and activities of people affected by cancer.

2 Apr 1 min

Jeff Kirby-Smith: the experience was a wake-up call

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…

7 Feb 5 min

How is prostate cancer diagnosed?

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…

7 Feb 6 min

Understanding hereditary colorectal cancer symptoms

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…

7 Feb 6 min

Cutting-edge technology meets compassionate care

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…

7 Feb 5 min