Oncology Buddies

Helping children understand a cancer diagnosis in the family

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…

7 Feb 2024 5 min

How is colorectal cancer diagnosed?

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…

7 Feb 2024 5 min

Know the symptoms of colorectal cancer

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…

7 Feb 2024 5 min

Samantha Edwards - shining brightly through adversity

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…

7 Feb 2024 7 min

The value and MDT in oncology

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…

7 Feb 2024 5 min

Bone health in multiple myeloma

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…

7 Feb 2024 6 min

Shining brightly

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…

7 Feb 2024 4 min

We have chosen to give

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…

7 Feb 2024 5 min

Hydration and cancer

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…

7 Feb 2024 6 min

Keeping it real

Dr Michael Cass gives us a brief rundown of the successful 2023 Haematology Oncology Symposium.

4 Dec 2023 4 min

A holiday could be just what the doctor ordered

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…

4 Dec 2023 3 min

The great reboot

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…

4 Dec 2023 4 min

Managing urinary incontinence in cancer patients

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…

4 Dec 2023 3 min

Light at the end of the tunnel

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…

4 Dec 2023 3 min

Cancer in the workplace

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.

4 Dec 2023 5 min

Disability or incapacity?

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…

4 Dec 2023 4 min

Who do you consult when you have cancer?

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…

4 Dec 2023 5 min

Two diagnoses just months apart

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.

4 Dec 2023 8 min

The role of vaginal dilators in cervical cancer treatment

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…

4 Dec 2023 4 min

How is cervical cancer diagnosed?

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

4 Dec 2023 6 min