OctNov 2023: Braver and better

Braver and better: what an amazing theme! On my wall in my office is the saying, “Let’s root for each other and watch each other grow.” I bought it in Durham; there is also a pink tulip, a yellow sunflower and a red flower in three test tubes. I looked at Why me? and actually, whatever seed you start as, it’s how you’re watered, the soil you live in and the sunshine that helps you grow. Thrilled that we’re reaching our continent with all the new technologies in treating cancer (read more).

In the words of Matshona Dhliwayo, “A flower blooming in the desert proves to the world that adversity, no matter how great, can be overcome.” We read amazing stories that span a diagnosis before a wedding to many years of tenacious living.

Wow, to our Pay It Forward photographer; Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s quote comes to mind, “Happiness radiates like the fragrance from a flower and draws all good things towards you.”

Hans Christian Andersen got it right when he said, “Just living is not enough… one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.” So, read about diet and lifestyle.

Never forget, along the journey, to stop and smell the flowers. A big thanks to my amazing garden-grown, sweet-smelling roses and now sweet peas brought every week by my patients.

Your Buddie For Life
Prof Carol-Ann Benn

SUPER SURVIVOR

Kgaugelo Moyo – Always trust your gut

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Metastatic breast cancer – Frequently asked questions

AWARENESS

To compress or not to compress?

Where are they now?

Who’s afraid of the big bad wolf?

Carol Ann Feher – There is still so much to look forward to

Antoinette van Staden – Silent opportunity to honour my mom and her fighting spirit

BHF News OctNov 2023

LIFESTYLE

Fruit and vegetables: cancer-fighting foods

Use of the Sentimag® guidance system in East Africa

TREATMENT

Radiation – The invisible beam of hope

Why me?


We have the delightful Arlene Sanford on the cover, and the way she is dealing with her metastatic stomach cancer diagnosis certainly binds well with our theme Braver and better. Read her story I’ve always had chutzpah.



Word For Word Media are pleased to present The 2023 Big C Survivor’s Guide, with the focus being the top five cancers
in South African women and men
. We have also included the top five cancers affecting children. To all the survivors, our hope is that this booklet will assist in your journey, no matter how big or small, as long as you know you are not alone; we are here for you, we are oncology buddies.