In June, the world pauses to mark Cancer Survivors Day, a day of celebration for those who have survived, and inspiration for those who have just been told they have a fight ahead of them. For Joshua (AKA Josh), a 29-year-old from Cape Town, this day carries deep personal meaning. Eight years ago, he was
Eight years cancer-free: How a stranger saved a young survivor’s life Read More »
Every year, more than 7 300 South Africans are diagnosed with blood cancer. That is more than one person every hour. More than 21 000 are battling it right now, and nearly 5 000 people die from it annually. World Blood Cancer Day, observed annually on 28 May, is trying to change that. This year,
One person diagnosed every hour: The blood cancer facts most of us don’t know Read More »
At 25, Kaitlin should be living independently. At 18, Lihle should be finishing school. Instead, both are fighting for their lives against aplastic anaemia (AA): a rare blood disease that leaves patients vulnerable to infections, uncontrolled bleeding and severe anaemia. A stem cell transplant gives approximately 80% of patients a real chance at recovery –
Kaitlin and Lihle’s fight against a rare blood disease Read More »
As the world marks World Cancer Day, attention turns to the growing burden of cancer in South Africa, where cancer is now the fifth leading cause of death in South Africa – and its impact is projected to grow in the coming decades. Among the many forms of cancer, blood cancers are especially concerning, with a
Rare but real: The blood cancer many South Africans may not recognise Read More »
South African stem cell transplant patients now have easier access to detailed information about their pre-and post-transplant journey following the launch of a three-part Patient Guidebook on Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation by the South African Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR). The guidebook, collated from various medical sources including transplant centres and various registries, can be downloaded
Newly launched guidebook to navigate complex stem cell transplant journey Read More »