Oncology Buddies
Episodes
The infamous cancer ribbon
02 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wondered where the cancer ribbon originated? Nadia Booysen shares her research. This episode is brought to you by Lifegain ALL-IN-ONE A...
What is personalised medicine?
02 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Kusha Kalideen explains personalised medicine, its benefits and limitations. This episode is brought to you by Lifegain ALL-IN-ONE Advanced Nutrition...
Nutrition-related side effects of chemotherapy
02 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Robyn van der Westhuizen lists ways to deal with nutrition-related side effects caused by chemotherapy. This episode is brought to you by Lifegain A...
Can I use GLP-1 medications if I have cancer or am a cancer survivor?
02 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Michelle King unpacks when a cancer survivor is eligible to take GLP-1 medications. This episode is brought to you by Lifegain ALL-IN-ONE Advanced...
South Africa's most ignored disease: anal cancer
02 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Mark Faesen advocates why South Africa needs a proper anal cancer screening programme for at-risk populations. This episode is brought to you by L...
Thelma Lomkwane - reaching contentment
02 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Thelma Lomkwane is content with life after colon cancer. She shares her story. This episode is brought to you by Lifegain ALL-IN-ONE Advanced Nutriti...
Colorectal screening
02 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Thobile Goba-Mjwara gives us a rundown on what is needed to implement a colorectal cancer screening programme in SA. This episode is brought to y...
Sandra Keddie - finding out I have Lynch Syndrome
02 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
After being diagnosed with endometrial and then colon cancer, Sandra Keddie underwent genetic testing for Lynch syndrome which was positive. She tells...
When is dialysis needed in kidney cancer?
02 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Daleen Geldenhuys helps us understand when dialysis is needed in kidney cancer treatment. This episode is brought to you by Lifegain ALL-IN-ONE Ad...
Eric and Thersia Vorster - united in the fight
02 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Eric and Thersia Vorster share how they were forced to upgrade their medical aid to get Eric treatment for Stage 4 kidney cancer. This episode is br...
Genetic influences in multiple myeloma
02 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Lisa Mertens gives a brief outline of genetic influences in multiple myeloma. This episode is brought to you by Lifegain ALL-IN-ONE Advanced Nutritio...
Classical Hodgkin lymphoma
02 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Sharlene Parasnath explains the treatment landscape and patient journey of classical Hodgkin lymphoma. Dr Sharlene Parasnath is Head of Clinical H...
Why my grief only misbehaves after 10pm
02 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Bonni Suckling candidly shares why after 10pm, her brain clocks out of logic and into her feelings. This episode is brought to you by Lifegain ALL-IN...
The plot to clot
02 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Jasmine Ramiah expands on deep vein thrombosis in cancer. This episode is brought to you by Lifegain ALL-IN-ONE Advanced Nutritional Supplement in...
Why safe space matters
02 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Andrew Robson describes the lessons learnt from creating stress-free spaces for animals that humans should follow. This episode is brought to you ...
The 2026 Big C Survivor’s Guide: managing side effects during treatment
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Nourishing through cancer. Episode three covers Life after cancer; Exercise and cancer; Emotional eating, recurrence, and food relationship. This ep...
The 2026 Big C Survivor's Guide: Managing side effects during treatment
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode two covers How to manage nutrition-related side effects; Hormonal therapy and side effects; Nutritional care in childhood cancer; Screening to...
The 2026 Big C Survivor's Guide: I've got cancer - what should I eat?
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Nourishing through cancer. Episode one covers Nutrition and cancer; Glutamine and cancer; Prescribed minimum benefits; The benefits of early consult...
A new breed of cancer fighters
30 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Andrew Robson unpacks how smart science and smarter tech are changing the game as cancer fighters. This episode is brought to you by NESTLE HEALTH...
The science behind reflexology
30 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fiona Hardie highlights the science behind reflexology and the benefits of it as a complementary therapy for oncology patients. This episode is brou...
The marriage of chemo-immunotherapy in haematological malignancies
30 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Jasmine Ramiah discusses how chemo-immunotherapy complements each other in haematological malignancies and the promising prospects for the future. ...
Bridging the gap
30 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We chat to Prof Vernon Louw, President of the South African Clinical Haematology Society, about the recent 17th Annual Haematology Oncology Conference...
Medical Schemes Open Season 2026
30 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Council for Medical Schemes offers guidance when choosing a medical scheme or benefit option. This episode is brought to you by NESTLE HEALTH SCI...
When Christmas hurts
30 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bonita Suckling (mom to Jed) talks about grieving deceased loved ones on special days, like Christmas. This episode is brought to you by NESTLE HEALT...
A simple way to understand clinical trials
30 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Caroline Rich gives a brief outline of how to understand published clinical trials. This episode is brought to you by NESTLE HEALTH SCIENCE to promot...
Cervical cancer screening
30 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Kusha Kalideen highlights the importance of cervical cancer screening and discusses the two options: Pap smear and HPV PCR test. This episode is brou...
Louise Abrahams - my journey inwards
30 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Louise Abrahams shares her cervical cancer journey and how she reignited her mind-body connection. This episode is brought to you by NESTLE HEALTH SC...
Surgery support through nutrition
30 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Meagan Atcheson educates us on how to prepare the body for healing after surgery through nourishment. This episode is brought to you by NESTLE HEALTH...
Give your skin a little love
30 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Sarita Retief, an oncologist, explains the effect chemotherapy has on the skin and offers guidance to manage these side effects. Dr Sarita Retief...
Rex Parsons - the will not to give up
30 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rex Parsons tells us how thanks to his wife’s determination and research, he got further treatment for metastatic melanoma after being told there wa...
Helping a loved one with cancer during treatment
30 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Caroline Rich defines the term caregiver and offers ways to support your loved one as best as you can. This episode is brought to you by NESTLE HEALT...
Be aware of scams and overpromises
30 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
René Botha gives sound advice on the warning signs of medical scams and overpromises. This episode is brought to you by NESTLE HEALTH SCIENCE to pro...
Why your words matter
30 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Lizanne Langenhoven touches on an important topic: why your words matter when speaking to someone who has cancer. This episode is brought to you b...
The 2025 Big C Survivor's Guide: childhood cancers - how is it diagnosed?
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This year we have focused on the diagnostic procedures of various cancers (solid tumours, blood cancers, and childhood cancers) to help you understand...
The 2025 Big C Survivor's Guide: blood cancers - how is it diagnosed?
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This year we have focused on the diagnostic procedures of various cancers (solid tumours, blood cancers, and childhood cancers) to help you understand...
The 2025 Big C Survivor's Guide: solid tumours - how is it diagnosed?
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This year we have focused on the diagnostic procedures of various cancers (solid tumours, blood cancers, and childhood cancers) to help you understand...
Welcome to Oncology Buddies
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Your platform for cancer care. Oncology Buddies informs and inspires all those who have or are affected by cancer. Oncology Buddies is committed to w...
More than everyday nutrition
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We learn the factual reasons behind why you need more than everyday nutrition when facing a cancer diagnosis and treatment. This episode is brought t...
Start the mental health conversation
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Caroline Rich shares tips on how to talk to your doctor about your mental health. This episode is brought to you by Lifegain ALL-IN-ONE Advanced Nutr...
Bessie van Antwerp - finally on target
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After eight years of changing treatment regimens to manage Stage 4 lung cancer, Bessie happily reports a major tumour shrinkage thanks to the targeted...
Fuel for the fight
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dietitian, Meagan Atcheson, highlights the power of nutritional support in cancer care. Meagan Atcheson is a registered dietitian who focuses specifi...
Uterine and ovarian hereditary cancer syndromes
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Slindokuhle Sibiya describes the hereditary cancer syndromes that increase the risk of uterine and ovarian cancer. This episode is brought to you by ...
What is the Whipple Procedure?
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Leanne Prodehl explains the intricate process of the Whipple procedure. This episode is brought to you by Lifegain ALL-IN-ONE Advanced Nutritional...
Maryke du Toit - Whipple Warrior
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Despite a severe complication from a nuclear medicine treatment, Maryke du Toit, who has metastatic pancreatic cancer, would have it again if she had ...
Lutetium-177 DOTATATE Therapy
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Lizette Louw explains how peptide receptor radionuclide therapy using Lutetium-177 radiation targets neuroendocrine tumours. This episode is broug...
Diabetes and cancer
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Angela Murphy looks at the correlation between diabetes and cancer. This episode is brought to you by Lifegain ALL-IN-ONE Advanced Nutritional Sup...
The effect of invalidation
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Michelle King discusses the important topic of when your emotions are unseen, and how invalidation impacts your healing journey. This episode is b...
The power of a mother's intuition
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bonni Suckling depicts her mother’s intuition in a fictional monologue of her late son, Jed Brady Thomas-Suckling. This episode is brought to you b...
The importance of genetic testing in prostate cancer
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Kusha Kalideen unpacks why genetic testing helps determine prostate cancer treatment, specifically with the use of the targeted drugs, PARPi. Facebook...
The air we share
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Andrew Robson sheds light on how environmental carcinogens not only affects humans but companion animals too. This episode is brought to you by Li...
Resilience is a child wearing cancer
01 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bonni Suckling shares how she concluded what resilience really is: a child wearing cancer. This episode is brought to you by Boston Scientific. Stat...
Companion animals as caregivers
01 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Andrew Robson explores the unseen role of companion animals as caregivers in cancer recovery. This episode is brought to you by Boston Scientific....
Richard Laskey - open your eyes and look within
01 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Richard Laskey candidly talks about his struggle with addiction, even during his late wife’s cancer diagnosis, and how he chose to get sober and liv...
Understanding testosterone deficiency in men
01 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Jireh Serfontein educates us on the causes of testosterone deficiency in men, as well as natural and medical interventions to manage it. This epis...
Prostate health on your plate
01 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know prevention can start on your plate? Lailaa Cajee expands on prostate health on your plate. This episode is brought to you by Boston Sci...
Cryoablation: a new treatment option
01 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Gareth Bydawell explains cryoablation, its indications, patient selection criteria, procedural expectations, and the long-term success rates. This...
Donald Stewart - twenty-five years of grace
01 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Donald Stewart shares his 25-year journey of living with multiple myeloma, giving all glory to God. This episode is brought to you by Boston Scientif...
Practise self-care
01 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Kerry-Ann Louw explains why self-care needs to be done on a regular basis to be effective. This episode is brought to you by Boston Scientific. St...
Boosting oxytocin naturally
01 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fiona Hardie unpacks the power of oxytocin and gives easy ways to boost it naturally. This episode is brought to you by Boston Scientific. Statements...
Cytokine release syndrome
01 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Every drug has a possible side effect. Dr Garrick Laudin expands on cytokine release syndrome, a side effect caused by certain immunotherapies. This ...
Physical activity to manage CIPN
01 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Wendy Vermaak shares how specialised physical activity and balance training is seen as an effective management tool for chemotherapy-induced periphera...
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN)
01 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Gabriella Kourie explains the symptoms of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and how to manage it. This episode is brought to you by Boston S...
Cross-species cancer research
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Andrew Robson explores how cancer studies in animals contribute to understanding and treating human cancers. This episode is brought to you by Lifega...
Your tongue health
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Melanie Wright explores tongue health and what it reveals about your well-being, as well as signs of tongue cancer. This episode is brought to you b...
The unspoken long-term side effects of childhood brain cancer
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With May being Brain Cancer Awareness Month, Bonni Suckling highlights the effects of brain cancer treatment, and how the journey never really ends. ...
Clinical trials
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Teresa Smit and Debbie Peters inform us of what clinical trials not only offer patients, but healthcare staff too. This episode is brought to you by ...
Heleen Feldmann - the trial of my life
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Heleen Feldmann shares her current experience of being on a drug trial for advanced melanoma cancer. This episode is brought to you by Lifegain ALL-I...
Jacqui O' Sullivan - finding strength in community
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jacqui O’Sullivan shares a glimpse of her ongoing battle with ovarian cancer and how her community is pulling her through. This article is sponsore...
New hope in PARP inhibitors
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Trudy Smith shares how advancements in genetics and targeted therapies, such as PARP inhibitors, are reshaping the landscape of ovarian cancer. Th...
The role of a haematology case manager
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jacki Van Niekerk details what a haematology case manager does and their role in the haematology cancer journey. This episode is brought to you by Li...
How is bladder cancer diagnosed?
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Daleen Geldenhuys lists the various diagnostic tests that may be done to diagnose bladder cancer. This episode is brought to you by Lifegain ALL-I...
Philip Botha - from preparing for death to living in wonder
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Philip Botha was preparing for death until his medical aid approved a new immunotherapy drug to treat his bladder cancer. He shares his phenomenal sto...
The pitfalls of bed rest
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Megan McLoskey unpacks how prolonged periods of bed rest causes muscle mass loss and offers guidance. This episode is brought to you by Lifegain ALL-...
Raymond Pleaner - fighting the good fight
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Raymond Pleaner shares the dispute he had with his medical scheme to get immunotherapy treatment approved. Thankfully, the end result was in his favou...
Treatment declined
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
René Botha underlines the reasons why medical aids may decline treatments and offers other insurance options to help cover this shortfall. This epis...
Cancer Alliance v MEC for Health, Gauteng
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
While judgement is still underway, Khanyisa Mapipa helps us understand the case of Cancer Alliance v MEC for Health, Gauteng, and 10 others. This epi...
The scent of hope
09 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Andrew Robson reviews how dogs are joining in the fight against cancer and are offering the scent of hope. This episode is brought to you by Accor...
Cervical cancer in Botswana
09 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Memory Bvochora-Nsingo, a clinical oncologist, gives a rundown of how Botswana is tackling cervical cancer. This episode is brought to you by Acco...
Endometriosis and the link to female cancers
09 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Sumayya Ebrahim sheds light on the link between endometriosis and female cancers. This episode is brought to you by Accord Healthcare in the inter...
How is your sleep hygiene?
09 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Kerry Louw advocates healthy sleep hygiene practices to contribute to good physical and mental health. This episode is brought to you by Accord He...
Lifestyle choices to live by
09 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Meagan Atcheson reiterates the influence that lifestyle choices have on overall health and well-being. This episode is brought to you by Accord Healt...
The physical and emotional challenges of cancer treatment
09 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sindi-marie de Beer explores the physical and emotional challenges you may experience during cancer treatment and provides suggested tips. This episo...
Nuraan Harris - getting back life
09 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Nuraan Harris shares how she gained her life back by using Lifegain® Advanced Nutritional Supplement after colon cancer surgery. Laurelle Williams ...
Lynch syndrome: a three-fold increase in cancer risk
09 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sebastian Barnard explains the hereditary cancer-predisposition syndrome Lynch syndrome and how it increases cancer risk. This episode is brought to...
Colon cancer: when is surgery needed, and when is chemotherapy needed?
09 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Daniel Surridge, a colorectal surgeon, explains the cases in which surgery is needed and when chemotherapy is needed in colon cancer treatment. T...
Lynette Nepaul - I'm living proof of a miracle
09 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Lynette Nepaul details how she chose to face four cancer diagnoses with grace and continues to push on to fulfil her calling of being a mother. This ...
Gut check
09 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Lailaa Cajee, an oncology nutritionist, helps us understand how nutrition impacts colorectal cancer risk. This episode is brought to you by Accord He...
Making a memory box
09 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bonni Suckling shares how a memory box of her son, Jed, continues to bring her refuge fourteen years after his passing. This episode is brought to yo...
Nasopharyngeal cancer
09 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Prof Chris Joseph gives an overview on the ABCs of Nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). Prof Chris Joseph is an ear, nose and throat surgeon practicing at Me...
Challenges in South Africa's private health sector
09 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jana Bartels looks at the current challenges the private health sector is facing in South Africa. This episode is brought to you by Accord Healthcare...
Honouring yourself daily
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Mel Fourie suggests ancient wellness practices to focus on yourself and give yourself the honour you deserve. This episode is brought to you by Word ...
Kidney cancer - more hope than ever
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Sylvia Rodrigues expands on why there is more hope than ever when looking at the treatment options for kidney cancer. Dr Sylvia Rodrigues is a cli...
The gift of giggles
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We learn how Reach For A Dream’s Laughter Hero Programme is sharing the gift of giggles with children undergoing cancer treatment. This episode is ...
Circumcision lowers risk of cervical cancer
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Khumbulani Moyo advocates why men should circumcise to lower the risk of their female partners developing cervical cancer. This episode is brought...
Hope for patients with locally advanced cervical cancer
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Shivona Moodley explains the standard treatment options for cervical cancer and highlights new research findings in treating advanced cervical canc...
Briony Alexander - living with the after-effects
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Although Briony Alexander has been in remission for 29 years from nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC), it’s still an ongoing challenge as she lives with the...
How is osteosarcoma diagnosed?
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Cathryn Walton helps us understand the diagnostic process of osteosarcoma and treatment options thereof. This episode is brought to you by Word fo...
Alastair Armstrong - heart of steel
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Twenty-two years after successful osteosarcoma treatment, Alastair Armstrong underwent an amputation due to ongoing infections caused by an internal p...
Nonhlanhla Ramuhala - coming out of hiding
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After losing her nose due to skin cancer, Nonhlanhla Ramuhala has decided to come out of hiding and face the world. She shares how she got to this pla...
What is better - UV clothing or sunscreen?
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The simple answer is both; Dr Rakesh Newaj, a dermatologist, goes into detail explaining the protective factors of each. This episode is brought to y...