New cancer doc to the rescue
All the care the patient needs is provided at the institute, so residents do not have to travel far.
Doctor Sudeshen Naidoo, 34, a qualified radiation oncologist, will be part of the opening of a brand new Ahmed Kathrada Cancer Institute at Lenmed Hospital from 17 July.
Targetingcancer.com.au describes a radiation oncologist as ‘a medical specialist doctor with training in the use of radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) to cure or reduce the symptoms of cancer, and in the overall care of cancer patients.’ A radiation oncologist is thus a doctor who prescribes radiation therapy (beams of high-energy radiation, or radioactive seed implants) to shrink or eliminate tumors.
The Herald met with Doctor Naidoo at Lenmed, where he explained the different approach that the institute takes towards cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Doctor Naidoo will be visiting the new cancer institute at Lenmed every Tuesday, where he will be giving free consultations to those who cannot afford the high costs of seeing an oncologist.
He pointed out that very few people know that even if you are on a basic medical aid plan, there is often a clause in the plan which states that if you are diagnosed with cancer, funds to pay for treatment can be accessed. He then only charges medical aid rates, so that residents do not have to pay in extra costs.
The Ahmed Kathrada Cancer Institute houses a team of experts in radiology, pathology, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and symptom management who provide all the care a patient can possibly need, so no-one has to travel long distances for treatment.
“There is more to cancer care than medication and therapies.
The comprehensive cancer centre offers support and educational programmes that help patients deal with the emotional and physical effects of their disease and prepares them for a healthier life after the treatment,” said Doctor Naidoo.
At the institute, cancers of the breast, colon and rectum, reproductive organs, urological system, lungs and pancreas are treated, as are melanoma haepatobiliary cancers, and sarcoma gastrointestinal cancers. The treatment programmes are led by one or more primary specialists, including medical, surgical and radiation oncologists.
“Each of these specialists brings a defined set of expertise and techniques to the treatment of cancer. Working together, the treatment team will develop a plan for a combination of treatments that will lead to the best possible outcome for the patient,” Doctor Naidoo said.
Dr Naidoo joined the De Mûelenaere Oncology Group in 2015 and is now a director/ partner at the practice. He is also a director and board member of the Pink Drive, and a member of the South African Society of Clinical and Radiation Oncology and the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology. Dr Naidoo practises at the Sandton Oncology Centre, among others. He is the chairman of numerous multidisciplinary tumour boards in Johannesburg, and a member of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on the Prevention and Control of Cancer in South Africa.
For more information, visit www.cancersa.co.za. The Herald will publish a number for residents to call to make appointments as soon as the institute opens on 17 July.
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