Buddies For Life

What is psycho-oncology?

Psycho-oncology research and information is providing much-needed knowledge about the emotional and mental challenges of having cancer. Sandra Bollen-Hughes tells us more. This episode is brought to you by Astellas Oncology with the purpose of raising awareness and education on prostate cancer. Statements of fact and opinions expressed are those…

1 Aug 2023 5 min

Explaining diseases to children

It's never easy to be the bearer of bad news; with that, Dr Gloaria Tshimbidi offers guidance on how to explain diseases to children. Dr Gloria Tshimbidi is an aspiring breast surgeon training at the University of the Witwatersrand and served as a community service medical officer at Helen Joseph…

30 May 2023 4 min

Dry brushing for lymphoedema management

Jennifer Dunn educates us on the self-management technique of dry brushing that can be used as part of your daily lymphoedema management routine. Jennifer Dunn is an occupational and lymphoedema therapist who has certification in cancer rehabilitation. Her practice, based in Cape Town, focuses on adult physical rehabilitation, especially in…

30 May 2023 4 min

Can men have mammograms?

Dr Peter Schoub outlines breast cancer in men and explains that male breast screening includes mammograms. Dr Peter Schoub is a radiologist at Parklane Women's Imaging Centre. He obtained the European Diploma of Breast Imaging in 2018 and is an honorary lecturer in the Department of Radiology at the University…

30 May 2023 4 min

Side effects of hormone therapy in men

Despite only a few published studies that have specifically evaluated the differences in side effects of hormone therapy between men and women, Dr Sylvia Rodrigues highlights the most common side effects affecting men. Dr Sylvia Rodrigues is a clinical oncologist who works in Alberton. She participates in weekly oncology multi-disciplinary…

30 May 2023 4 min

From doctor to patient

Dr Langa Mbhele tells us how his breast cancer was caught early due to his wife pushing him to see a doctor, and how he felt to be the patient.

30 May 2023 5 min

Unseen and hard-to-detect breast cancers

Prof Carol-Ann Benn likens unseen and hard-to-detect breast cancers to a good murder mystery story, where the baddie is finally revealed. Prof Carol-Ann Benn heads up an internationally accredited, multi-disciplinary breast cancer centre at Netcare Milpark Hospital. She lectures at Wits University and, in 2002, established the Breast Health Foundation.

30 May 2023 9 min

The mystical aggressor: phyllodes tumours

Dr Phumudzo Ndwambi demystifies phyllodes tumours. Dr Phumudzo Ndwambi is a general surgeon with a special interest in breast surgery and expertise in oncoplastic procedures. She obtained her MBChB (UCT), FCS (SA), and MMed (Wits) as well as gained experience from the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh through the Royal…

30 May 2023 4 min

The smallest things matter the most

Yoliswa Mahlinza, a young mother of two, tells us her journey of being diagnosed with a benign phyllodes tumour.

30 May 2023 3 min

Tips to prevent malnutrition

Berna Harmse explains malnutrition in the context of cancer care and how to avoid it. Berna Harmse is a private practicing dietician. She holds a Masters of Science in Dietetics and has a special interest in oncology nutrition. Berna is also an external lecturer at Stellenbosch University Division of Human…

30 May 2023 4 min

On the chemo couch with Natalie Cutten

Natalie Cutten tells us how after facing breast cancer treatment she likes herself more and is happy where she is in life.

30 May 2023 5 min

Exercise for the elderly population

Gabriella Kourie advocates that it's never too late to start exercising and celebrate your health and physical capabilities. Gabriella is a qualified occupational therapist. She further trained and qualified as a PORi oncology and breast cancer rehabilitation therapist and is currently qualifying in Lymphoedema Assessment and Treatment.

30 May 2023 5 min

The kindness of knitting

The ATKV Sasolburg branch donated drain bags, beanies, and blankets to the Breast Health Foundation. Charmaine Hattingh, an ATKV Sasolburg volunteer, tells us more.

30 May 2023 2 min

Bags full of care and encouragement

Great Domaines and FPM donated hand-painted tote bags filled with much-needed surgery and chemotherapy care products to the Breast Health Foundation for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients in need. This episode is brought to you by Accord Healthcare in the interest of education, awareness, and support. The content and opinions…

3 Apr 2023 3 min

The clumsy side effect

Do you often feel that cancer treatment has made you clumsier? Gabriella Kourie gives a sound explanation of that clumsy side effect and how to manage it. Gabriella Kourie is a qualified occupational therapist. She further trained and qualified as a PORi oncology and breast cancer rehabilitation therapist and is…

3 Apr 2023 5 min

Emotional strength from the floral kingdom

Fiona Hardie educates us on Bach flower remedies and how these natural essences help you grow in wisdom and speak the truth about your diagnosis. Fiona Hardie, based in the Western Cape, is a Pilates instructor, and reflexologist, and has experience in Bowen therapy and ear acupuncture. She is currently…

3 Apr 2023 5 min

How your lower brain chatter affects your pain

Did you know your lower brain chatter can affect the amount of pain you feel? Dr Michelle King expands on this and offers ways to quieten the chatter. Dr Michelle King is part of an interdisciplinary pain clinic and palliative care team in Limpopo. She has completed a postgraduate diploma…

3 Apr 2023 5 min

Ditch the workout, join the party!

Antoinette van Staden highlights the many enticements of joining the Zumba party. Antoinette van Staden is the owner of Z Dance Fitness S.A. and a licensed Zumba instructor based in Gauteng. She has been an instructor for six years, teaching Zumba fitness, Kids & kids Jr, Toning and Gold every…

3 Apr 2023 5 min

Processed and smoked meats - NO GO

Meagan Atcheson explains why those tasty smoked meats are harmful to your body and have been linked to increasing your risk of developing cancer. Meagan Atcheson is a registered dietitian who focuses specifically in oncology. She is a plant-centric foodie who promotes a nourishing approach to health and wellness using…

3 Apr 2023 4 min

Cryoablation - then and now

Dr Cassandra Mbanje shares the history and development of cryoablation and how modern-day cryoablation fits into breast cancer management. 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 under-resourced communities. She is also a…

3 Apr 2023 5 min