IOL Health - March 2023

Cancer , the killer that brings out the fight in us

HEALTH MARCH 2023 IOL

MIKE BLAKE REUTERS

“Cancer is a teacher and I’m paying attention to the lessons it holds for me.”

- Jane Fonda

Although statistics and case studies can come off as inhumane, they are the data that propel the narrative to change the trajectory of the disease that is wreaking havoc on our communities. The objective is clear, but getting there is a dangerous undertaking –due to lack of education or timely access to treatment. For this reason, we enthusiastically support mitigating measures that start with you and me. Because where cancer is concerned, recovery is especially dependent on early detection.

Editors’ notes Marchelle Vuyile

With that in mind, we would like to dedicate this month’s IOL digimag to the families who have lost their loved ones, and to those who fought and came out on the other end. We salute you; you are not alone!

IOL

BREAST and cervical cancer are the leading causes of death among women in Africa. | ANNA

The cancer pandemic

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Breast cancer affects one in 1 000 women of all races. We need to raise awareness of the disease

THE World Health Organization has dubbed cancer a global health pandemic, second only to Covid-19.

This is alarming considering the magnitude of the cancer burden is attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors crucial for the development of effective prevention and mitigation strategies for cancer.

It’s understandable that many people associate the word “cancer” with fear and anxiety; however, healthcare professionals worldwide have been working tirelessly to substantially improve the quality of life and survival of cancer patients.

Cancer is the cause of 10% of deaths in South Africa.

IOL Lifestyle attended a recent media oncology roundtable, with discussions led by industry experts on cancer-related issues.

Breast and cervical cancer are the leading causes of death among women in Africa. Breast cancer accounts for over 27% of all new cancer cases of women in subSaharan Africa.

In South Africa, female breast cancer accounted for about 14% of all new cancer cases recorded in 2022 and 20% were triple-negative breast cancers.

This indicates we have a looming crisis on our hands, said Zwelethu Bashman, managing director of healthcare company MSD’s South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa division.

“In addressing the issues plaguing our communities like HIV and TB with new technologies as well as taking a more integrated approach in reaching patients throughout their health journey, we are now applying these lessons to advance our commitment to address a new scourge of cancers that mostly affect women.

“I say this because triple-negative breast cancer is a more aggressive form of breast cancer with an overall poor prognosis and strongly

associated with recurrence of tissue lesions involving the liver, lungs, and adrenal glands.”

Since breast cancer affects 1 in 1 0000 women of all races and accounts for 1 in 12 cancer deaths, South Africans need awareness.

The most common cancers among South African women are cervical, colorectal, uterine, skin, and lung cancers, as well as nonHodgkin’s lymphoma.

Women need to be empowered with knowledge on lowering their risk of getting cancer and recognising the warning signs.

Cancer screening Early detection of breast cancer is essential for easier treatment, especially for those with a family history. Signs of breast cancer include swelling, skin irritation, pain, nipple pain, redness, scaliness, thickening, discharge, and a lump in the underarm area. Consult with a doctor if signs persist for two weeks or longer.

Regular screening Women should perform a breast selfexamination once a month two days after their period and have a clinical breast exam as part of their annual health check-up.

Cansa offers excellent guidance for performing breast selfexaminations on its website.

Annual mammograms are recommended for women from the age of 40 to 55.

Immunotherapy is different from chemotherapy or radiation therapy in that it works with your immune cells to help fight cancer. Immunotherapy for the treatment of cancers of the skin, lung, head and neck, stomach cancer, cervical cancer, certain types of breast cancer, and other cancers are now available in South Africa.

Consult your doctor if you experience these symptoms, which may signal cancer:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding.

• Unexplained weight loss.

• Vaginal discharge that is discoloured with blood.

• Constant fatigue.

• Loss of appetite or feeling full all of the time.

• Persistent indigestion or nausea.

• Changes in bathroom and bowel habits.

• Changes in the breasts.

• Pain in the pelvis or abdominal area.

THE MSD media roundtable focusing on cancer.

VUYILE MADWANTSI

Advice to help cancer patients manage DIAGNOSIS STRESS

NOBODY is immune to cancer. Our mothers, fathers, children, friends and famous people are all impacted by it. It takes tremendous effort to endure the gruelling process of drugs and treatments.

However, early diagnosis has significantly improved cancer survival rates, with a significant rise in number of survivors.

Sharing candidly about their real-life experiences with their audience is among the most influential things celebrities can do. Transparency about their experiences, from being diagnosed with cancer to recovering from it, and their bravery in telling the world about it can help others.

Although they are all different,

Vuyile Madwantsi

survivors’ stories provide comfort to those who going through a similar situation, by inspiring or simply connecting with them

One celebrity making a difference is veteran radio host Mark Pilgrim, who shared his stage 4 cancer diagnosis in February last year and in June revealed it had spread to his femur, the base of his spine and lymph nodes. Since then he has been in and out of hospital. Lung cancer is among the more common cancers worldwide. It is the most common cancer in men and the second most common cancer in women, according to the

World Cancer Research Fund.

Cookbook author Fatima Sydow was diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma in 2020 after it was found in her left foot. She is currently in remission.

Mayo Clinic describes soft tissue sarcoma cancer as a rare type of cancer that begins in the tissues that connect, support, and surround other body structures, such as muscle, tendons, fat, lymph and blood vessels, and nerves. Although these tumours can grow anywhere in the body, they tend to occur most frequently in the arms, legs, chest, and abdomen. Surgery is the most frequent form of treatment, though radiation and chemotherapy may

SOUTH Africans are more likely than ever to get cancer. A recent study shows the country’s cancer rates are likely to double by 2030, with a surge in breast, cervical, prostate, lung, haematological and paediatric cancers. | ANNA

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also be advised.

This year’s global theme for World Cancer Day is “Uniting our voices and taking action”.

This emphasises that fighting cancer requires collaboration. Together, we can take action, join the tribe of those who are treating our loved ones, and support them as they go through their therapy.

Quality oncology care can be combined with community care to support patients on their cancer journey so they can look forward to life’s happier moments.

Life Healthcare says there is a lot that families and communities can do to achieve improved outcomes when it comes to cancer diagnosis.

Life Healthcare’s caregivers and doctors share a few effective ways to alleviate the stress of diagnosis:

Treat them like a person, not a patient

The person you care about is still the same friend or relative they have always been, but they are dealing with a difficult, maybe life-altering condition. Keep this in mind, and while taking into account their particular requirements linked to their cancer journey, treat them the same way you always have.

Run some errands on their behalf

One of the main adverse effects of therapy is low energy. For someone with this condition, carrying out tasks that we generally take for granted can be quite taxing. Picking up the groceries, driving the kids to school, or even just washing the dishes can be a tremendous help.

Preparing meals

Cook or just place an order. When you have cancer, cooking might also be difficult. Reduce the

anxiety of your loved one. Plan dinner, otherwise assist with meal preparation, make enough dinners for a week, and stock the fridge or freezer!

Entertain

When we’re not feeling well, good entertainment can cheer us up and help us forget about our problems. Put together a list of enjoyable possibilities using your initiative to keep your loved one happy.

Sit in on consults

Offer to go with your friend or relative to their cancer doctors’ appointments. The medical team’s findings can be quite helpful if you keep a record of them for future discussion of conditions like brain fog.

Provide a care package

Cancer therapies can be demanding even though they are effective.

A box of comforting products such as lotions, balms, and mineral water can make your buddy feel better and serve as a reminder that they are appreciated as they regain their strength in between trips to the cancer centre.

FATIMA Sydow. | SUPPLIED

MARK Pilgrim. | INSTAGRAM

MAKE A SHIFT IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

Adopting a longer-term healthy eating strategy that you can maintain and keep consistent is vital

Lutho Pasiya

ARE you thinking about being more active? Have you been trying to cut back on unhealthy foods?

Are you starting to eat better and move more but having a hard time sticking to these changes?

You don’t have to worry. Nutritionist at Herbalife Nutrition in the UK Dr. Richard Allison shared small changes you can make to help you shift your wellness in the right direction.

Allison said short-term, drastic weight loss fixes don’t work and th all-or-nothing approach is simply setting yourself up for failure.

“The result? You rebound and feel bad about ‘falling off the wagon’.

“If you’re looking to lose weight and improve your well-being –that’s amazing. However, adopting a longer-term healthy eating strategy that you can maintain and keep consistent is vital. Think weight management, not weight loss and you’re there,” he said.

With this in mind, here are Richard Allison’s tips on how you can shift your wellness in the right direction.

Load up on veggies

Find innovative ways to help you increase your vegetable intake. By piling more vegetables onto your plate, you’ll feel fuller for longer while upping your vitamin intake.

Add freshly made salsa to your morning eggs, chop veggies into

your pasta sauce, swop rice for broccoli rice, and experiment with cauliflower crusts.

Pack in the protein

Protein is an amazing tool for weight loss. It plays a vital role in repairing muscles and helps you to feel fuller for longer – avoiding the risk of snacking on high-fat, highsugar options.

Including a high-protein food in every meal is a great step and eating it first can also help avoid overeating.

For those who struggle to get enough protein, shakes are a great and convenient option to give you a boost.

Drink water, not lattes

It’s so easy to sip endless cups of tea and coffee, especially if you’re in an office or working from home – special moments that can help us get through the day. However, these drinks can mean that you forgo drinking enough water, leading to dehydration.

DRINKING water is one of the best ways to detox. | LISA FOTIOS Pexels

Why not swop your morning cup of caffeine for hot water and lemon? A simple swop that will refresh and cleanse your system. Make every second drink in the day a cup of water and you’ll soon reap the benefits of this enhanced hydration.

Move more

Have you fallen into the trap of saying you’ll hit the gym every day from January 1? How long did that routine last? Exercise doesn’t have to be exclusively tied to a gym and, if you lead a busy life, you need to find smaller ways to move more that will help you keep in step with your health ambitions.

Could you get off your train, bus or taxi one stop earlier and walk the rest of the journey? Could you park at the far end of the work car park so you get in a few more steps? Could you go for a walk for 30 minutes before work every day? Little changes make a difference.

Portion check

Even a meal that’s “healthy” can cause you to gain weight if you eat too much of it. Portion control is a seriously underestimated component of longer-term weight management.

Buying products that are already pre-portioned for you is an easy way to stick to your goals. Choosing a smaller plate and always putting snacks into a bowl rather than eating them from the bag are simple swops to help.

TikToker Randy Gonzalez dies of colon cancer: KNOW THE RISK FACTORS

Vuyile Madwantsi

IF YOU follow TikTok religiously, you have probably seen the Enkyboys, a father-and-son duo known for their quirky fun lipsyncing videos. Randy Gonzalez, 35 and his son Bryce, 7.

In April 2022, Randy Gonzalez revealed to his more than 15 million followers on his TikTok page that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer and had been given two to three years to live.

After a valiant struggle with colon cancer, which he shared with his fans on social media, he died nine months after his diagnosis, on January 25.

What is colon cancer?

The American Cancer Society says colorectal cancer begins in the colon or rectum. Depending on where they first appear, the malignancies may also be referred to as colon or rectal cancer.

Rectal cancer and colon cancer are frequently combined because they share many characteristics. The colon and rectum make up the large intestine, part of the digestive system.

The risk of colorectal cancer is increased by lifestyle factors. Among all types of cancer, diet, weight and exercise have some of the strongest links to colorectal cancer risk.

identified by researchers as possibly raising an individual's risk of either colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer.

Smoking is one risk factor that can be eliminated.

Others, such as age or family history, are hereditary and unfortunately, irreversible. Despite this, it is important to remember that having one risk factor, or even several, does not guarantee you will develop the disease.

Risk factors you can change:

The Cancer Research Fund/ American Institute for Cancer Research says lifestyle, being

PROCESSED meats are a high-risk food option.

The American Cancer Society points says colorectal cancer is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer in the US.

Several risk factors have been

| POLINA TANKILEVITCH Pexels

RANDY Gonzalez, 35 and his son Bryce, 7. | INSTAGRAM

obese, and food habits, all have an impact on the rise in morbidity.

Physical activity has a protective effect, and this is supported by strong evidence. More frequent use of red processed meat and alcoholic beverages increases the risk of developing the condition.

Further research into colorectal cancer notes that advancement of civilisation and economic growth has led to the “Westernisation” of lifestyles, or changes in food patterns.

This entails consuming more animal fats, processed meats, refined grains and sweets, as well as less fruit, vegetables and dietary fibre, and engaging in less physical activity. Such a lifestyle frequently contributes to being overweight or obese, thereby increasing your chances of developing noncommunicable disease.

Rectal and colon cancer-related fatalities are predicted to rise by 60% and 71.5%, respectively, by 2035. Depending on the level

of economic development, the numbers may vary from one country to the next.

Cancer research is always going on. Scientists are looking for causes and ways to prevent colorectal cancer, better ways to find it early (when it’s small and easier to treat), and ways to improve treatments.

For example, they are investigating whether specific diets, dietary supplements, or medications can reduce a person’s risk of developing colorectal cancer.

PHYSICAL activity has a protective impact. | LILIANA DREW Pexels

Why young women may be at a disadvantage in early detection of

WITH World Cancer Day having taken place on February 4, Dr Fatima Hoosain, a specialist surgeon with an interest in breast, thyroid, and parathyroid health, as well as soft tissue surgical oncology, stresses the critical importance of proper and relevant breast health across the age groups.

Hoosain worries that breast cancer diagnoses do occur in young women.

Although the danger of developing breast cancer increases rapidly with age, in South Africa, one in six breast cancer cases affects women under the age of 40.

Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer for South African women of all races, with a lifetime risk.

One such case is Carla Steyn, a young mother who was diagnosed with breast cancer at only 32-yearsold. Carla found a lump in her breast two months after she stopped nursing. She acted quickly and scheduled an appointment to get it examined because she “knew it shouldn’t be there”.

“I consulted a doctor who specialises in breast health issues. There were no delays between diagnosis and receiving the care I

needed, even though it was a very scary time.

“I was fortunate as the level of professionalism I received from my health-care team was only surpassed by their level of care and compassion,” she said.

Hoosain draws attention to the fact that because breast cancer is less common in younger women than it is in older women, routine mammogram screening is not warranted as a public health measure in women under the age of 40.

As a result, breast cancer in younger patients is discovered when a lump is present in the breast. Sadly, this also makes it more likely that it is already advanced.

She emphasises that the potential for a delayed diagnosis in younger women is unfortunately made worse by the fact that many medical professionals may rule out the risk of breast cancer due to the patient’s young age and fail to refer the patient for the necessary breast cancer screening as a result.

“But it’s important to remember

that breast cancer can be cured if found in its earliest stages. I strongly recommend all women aged 20 and older to at the very least adhere to the routine and pertinent breast screening methods listed below to guarantee good breast health at all times,” she said.

Age 20+: monthly breast selfexamination.

30+: comprehensive clinical breast examination by a breast health professional every year.

40+: annual mammography with high-definition ultrasound.

Additionally, it’s crucial to highlight that young women can also experience all the symptoms and warning signs associated with breast cancer in older women, except for the fact that younger women are more likely to experience benign breast lumps.

This is due to the breasts still developing, with many of these benign lumps potentially linked to the hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle. As such, most lumps that occur in the breasts of young women are benign.

“You should wait until after your next menstrual cycle to examine your breasts. If not, or if

ANNA TARAZEVICH Pexels Vuyile Madwantsi

the lump is still the same size at your next menstrual cycle, have it checked out,” advises Hoosain.

She says women need to take responsibility for their bodies and trust their gut!

“Even if your GP feels there is no cause for concern if the lump is growing, or you have any uncertainty, you could seek further help from a breast health centre or request that your doctor assists in referring you for additional imaging or that a biopsy is performed,” she said.

Risk factors known to increase one’s potential risk for breast cancer:

• Prolonged exposure to oestrogen, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, pregnancy after the age of 30, and the omission of breastfeeding.

Genetic factors appear to play a far more significant role when it comes to young women. Some of these include:

• A personal history of breast cancer.

• A high-risk lesion was found in a biopsy of breast tissue.

• A family history of cancer (especially if it was diagnosed at an early age or if multiple firstline family members have been diagnosed).

• A history of radiation therapy to the chest.

• A known genetic mutation that confers a high risk for the development of breast cancer, such as TP53.

• Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry (one in 40 Ashkenazi Jews carry mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2).

Treatment:

• Chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, radiation therapy, biological agents, and surgical alternatives are all used in the management of breast cancer in young women.

Measures can lessen the risk of most cancers, not only breast cancer. Young women should adhere to the brief list that follows:

• Genetic counselling and testing lead to preventive action.

• Do a monthly breast selfexamination.

• Seek help early should you have any cause for concern or notice any problem.

• Follow a healthy diet.

• Follow a healthy and active lifestyle. Exercise can reduce your breast cancer risk by up to 30%.

• Avoid alcohol and cigarette smoking.

KNOW your risk factors. | KLAUS NIELSEN Pexels

SA stars battling cancer

Many local celebrities have battled cancer and survived, and some have used their experiences to make a positive impact

Vuyile Madwantsi

ACCORDING to a study conducted by Brigham and Women’s Hospital researchers, the incidence of early-onset malignancies, such as breast, colon, oesophagus, kidney, liver, lung, and pancreatic, has substantially increased around the world, beginning in about 1990.

Diets evolve throughout time due to factors such as changes in food availability, food costs, and income. Over time, our conventional balanced diets have given way to those characterised by low carbohydrate, fibre, fruit, and vegetable intake and high levels of processed sugars and trans fats.

This change, combined with genetics and the general tendency towards sedentary lifestyles and poor levels of physical exercise, is a contributing factor to the risk of developing chronic diseases.

The World Health Organization has dubbed cancer a global health pandemic, second to coronavirus. Cancer alone is the cause of 10% of deaths in South Africa.

Many South African celebrities have battled cancer and survived, and some have used their experiences to make a positive impact on the world.

Celebrities who have battled cancer:

Zoleka Mandela, activist and granddaughter of anti-apartheid icons Nelson and Winnie Mandela, beat breast cancer twice.

She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011, and following therapy, she went into remission,

ZOLEKA Mandela, activist and granddaughter of South Africa’s antiapartheid icons, Nelson and Winnie Mandela, beat breast cancer twice. | TIRO RAMATLHATSE

but the cancer returned in 2016. She received additional treatment and was once again in remission.

In August 2022, she shared a gutwrenching post on her Instagram feed regarding her battle with cancer, which continues to this day. Her cancer metastasized to her bones, and this time, she might not make it, wrote Zoleka.

Mark Pilgrim

A well-known face and voice among South African audiences, he has a long and agonising history with cancer, diagnosed with testicular cancer at just the tender age of 18. Regrettably, by the time he was diagnosed, it had progressed to stage 4 and had spread to his lungs and kidney, and Pilgrim was forced to have one testicle removed, but after months of gruelling treatments, he went into remission.

In February 2022, Pilgrim revealed he had stage 4 cancer. In June, he revealed it had spread to his femur, the base of his spine, and his lymph nodes. And since then, he has been in and out of the hospital for treatments, defying all odds.

Mbali Maphumulo

Mbali Maphumulo, noted for her roles in soap

operas such as The Wild, Uzalo and Isibaya, is a two-time breast cancer survivor.

In 2001, she was diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time. She received treatment and was in remission for four years before the cancer flared up again in 2005.

She had a double mastectomy and has since been in remission.

Dr Jerry Mofokeng wa

Makhetha

In 2020, the renowned actor, notable for many roles in the South African film industry, was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Following three weeks of treatment, the physicians notified him that all of his cancer symptoms had gone and he was in remission.

The most prevalent cancer in males is prostate cancer, which is defined as a malignant tumour that originates in the prostate gland. Because it grows slowly in general, it may not present symptoms or difficulties for many years.

Fatima Sydow

The journey of Cape Malay cooking doyenne Fatima Sydow was so striking that she decided to self-publish it in several popular cook books.

In 2020, she was diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma after finding it in her left foot. Following treatments, the Cape author is now in remission.

DR JERRY Mofokeng wa Makhetha. | Facebook ISIBAYA actress Mbali Maphumulo, battled breast cancer not only once, but twice.

Fuel your body for the fight against cancer

WORLD Cancer Day aims to promote awareness of cancer as a public health issue and to strengthen actions toward improving access to quality care, screening, early detection, treatment, and palliative care.

This year’s theme marks the second year of the campaign “close the care gap”, which is about understanding the inequities in cancer care and taking action to take the necessary steps to address them.

Millions of people around the world battle various forms of cancer and its treatment which can often have debilitating side effects that impact one’s ability to eat.

While family history can

EAT smaller meals throughout the day, instead of forcing yourself to eat larger portions than you can comfortably manage in a single sitting.

| KAROLINA GRABOWSKA Pexels Lutho Pasiya

heighten your risk, studies have shown that your diet can play a role in preventing certain types of cancers.

Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and healthy fats can reduce your risk for a variety of common cancers such as colorectal, breast, and stomach cancer.

Experts say these beneficial foods are higher in antioxidants and carotenoids, both of which help protect against the development of cancer cells.

They reveal that when it comes to preventing cancer, some foods

pack more punch than others.

Below, registered dietitian and Virgin Active’s expert on nutrition Kim Hofmann delves into how nutrition may help the healing process.

Eat a wholesome, homemade, predominantly plant-based diet

Wherever possible, it’s advisable to eat wholesome, homemade foods that are not excessively processed and do not contain large amounts of salt, sugar, and preservatives.

Try homemade versions of hummus, fava bean dip, guacamole, nut butter, and unflavoured cottage cheeses – even

if it means scraping a tiny bit onto a cracker or toast, to begin with, and building from there. Eating a predominantly plant-based diet that incorporates small amounts of white meats may be easier for the stomach to digest than large amounts of red meats.

Fruit, vegetables, and legumes –such as beans, chickpeas, and lentils – should be the largest consumed food group during this period.

Incorporate wholesome foods into your diet such as whole grain carbohydrates – choose brown, wholewheat, wholegrain, seeded, or rye bread over white bread, as it will keep you fuller for longer and offer your body more nutrition.

Have food prepared for you or delivered

When you experience nausea, the smell of food may make the sensation worse, which is why having food prepared for or delivered to you is recommended to help maintain your intake.

If you have to prepare food

yourself, open the kitchen windows and door while you do so. Take a step outside or sit near an open window, if you feel the smell of food is too overpowering. Eat small meals regularly, throughout the day

Eating large meals, or the same portions you ate before treatment began, may be difficult. Eat smaller meals throughout the day, instead of forcing yourself to eat larger portions than you can comfortably manage in a single sitting. This may help if you experience a loss of appetite. Snacking between meals may also help.

Not too hot, cold, or spicy –just right

Blander meals – that are not too sweet, salty, bitter, spicy, fatty, or rich – are more likely to be more agreeable during this time.

Try seed crackers, wholewheat toast, oats, porridge, and plain yoghurt. Make your oats using fatfree or low-fat milk, rather than

full-cream milk, and add a selection of fruit, such as grated or pureed apples, mashed bananas, and berries as well as nuts and seeds.

Drink enough liquids

Drinking fluids during meals or all at once may prove hard. Having a bottle of still or sparkling water or herbal teas close by will help you take small sips when you’re thirsty. Green tea has been proven to have positive a effect during the healing and recovery process.

Add freshly cut or frozen fruit and herbs to your water or tea to add natural flavour. Grated ginger or ginger ale may relieve nausea.

Homemade smoothies may help you eat enough calories throughout the day – add a vegan protein powder if you feel you’re lacking it in your diet. Add whichever fruit and vegetables agree with you on a particular day.

Homemade smoothies are recommended over homemade juices that discard the fruits’ fibre matrix which is essential for nutrients.

WHEREVER possible, eat wholesome, homemade foods. | POLINA KOVALEVA Pexels

The physical and mental benefits of SOUND & MUSIC THERAPY

USING elements of music, sound healing treatment enhances physical and mental health and well-being.

The patient participates in the treatment process with a qualified professional. Listening to music, singing along, dancing to the beat, meditating, and/or playing an instrument are all possible components of music therapy.

It is said that the use of sound for healing dates back to the time of ancient Greece, when mental illnesses were treated using music.

Music has been used throughout history to increase productivity and efficiency, cheer up military personnel, and even ward off bad spirits through chanting.

A recent study by paediatrician Joanne Loewy, “The Effects of Music Therapy on Vital Signs, Feeding, and Sleep in Preterm Infants” connected music to several health benefits, from enhancing immune function and reducing stress to improving the health of premature newborns. There are a few kinds of sound treatment, although not all of them have received scientific backing.

In guided meditation, which is a type of sound healing, you meditate while listening to spoken instructions in an individual session or class, or using a video or an app. Chanting, repeating, or praying can be a part of meditation.

Meditation offers a number of health benefits, including stress reduction, decreased anxiety and depression, improved memory, reduced blood pressure, pain reduction, lower cholesterol, and a decreased risk of heart disease and stroke, according to research published in the US

SOUND healing is fast becoming a treatment used to enhance physical and mental health and well-being.

| UNSPLASH

LEBOHANG MOSIA

National Center for Biotechnology

Information paper “Meditation: Process and effects” by Hari Sharma.

Music therapy can ease tension, encourage rest and lower anxiety levels before surgery.

After spine surgery, a 30-minute music therapy session in addition to standard treatment decreased pain, according to a 2017 study, “Do Music Therapies Reduce Depressed Symptoms and Increase QOL (quality of life) in Older Persons with Chronic Disease?”

According to a study, “Neurologic Music Therapy

Improves Executive Function and Emotional Adjustment in Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation”, by researchers at the Center for Biomedical Research in Music, Colorado State University, music therapy is beneficial for patients with brain damage, and helps with pain management and physical rehabilitation.

The Bonny Method

The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM), which uses classical music and imagery to explore human development, consciousness, and transformation, is named after Helen Bonny.

“Health Outcomes of a Series of Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music Sessions: A systematic review” by Dr Cathy McKinney et al, published in the “Journal of Music Therapy” in 2017, provided encouraging evidence that a series of GIM sessions could enhance psychological and physical health in adults with medical and mental health needs.

Nordoff-Robbins

Professional musicians who have successfully completed the two-year Nordoff-Robbins Master’s degree administer this sound healing technique.

They play music that the patients are acquainted with, collaborate on new music, or prepare a performance.

The Nordoff-Robbins method is

used to treat a variety of illnesses, including autism spectrum disorder, dementia, learning challenges, mental health problems, and developmental delays in children as well as their parents.

Tuning-fork treatment

Tuning-fork therapy applies vibrations to certain areas of the body using calibrated metal tuning forks. This can aid in releasing stress and energy while fostering emotional equilibrium.

It is said to be similar to acupuncture.

Research suggests that tuningfork treatment may reduce muscular and bone pain, according to Daniele Masala et al in their work, “The Tuning Fork and Sound Therapy”, published by ResearchGate.

Brainwave entrainment

This technique, sometimes referred to as binaural beats, works by pulsing sound to urge your brain waves to match the frequency of the beat. It’s intended to promote improved concentration, an entranced state, relaxation and sleep. There is some evidence that audible brainwave entrainment decreases anxiety, pain, and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, and improves behavioural issues in children, according to a paper titled

“A Comprehensive Review of the Psychological Effects of Brainwave Entrainment” by TL Huang and C Charyton.

However, more research is required to fully understand these effects.

Anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, dementia, autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, behavioural and mental health problems, and even cancer are among the conditions that can be treated by music therapy.

Some of the alleged advantages of music therapy include lowering stress, reducing mood swings, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels, teaching pain management, lowering the risk of coronary artery disease and stroke, and enhancing sleep.

Different sonic elements are used in music therapy to enhance your mental and physical health.

The approach being taken determines how it functions. Most music therapy sessions take place one-on-one with a qualified professional. In a session, you might be asked to sit or lie down while listening to music or other sounds. Singing bowls, tuningforks, pan flutes, harps, drums, and the voice are some of the instruments used in music therapy.

MUSIC therapy is used in dementia treatment. | UNSPLASH

THE COMPUTER THAT SPOTS CANCER BY LISTENING TO FARTS

COMPUTERS can detect cancer by listening to farts.

An artificial intelligence prototype is able to recognise subtle changes after hearing trumps from healthy and unhealthy people.

The developers believe that their system, Synthetic Human Acoustic Reproduction Testing (Shart), will one day be able to pick up signs

THE researchers hope that it will soon be accurate enough to pick up slight changes that occur when a disease is developing.

| AYANDA NDAMANE African News Agency (ANA)

of cancer. The technology can be used to detect telltale differences in the sound of both pooping and urinating.

David Ancalle, a student at Georgia Tech University in the US, said: “We’re trying to find a noninvasive way where people can get a notification on whether or not they should go get checked out.

“Like, ‘Hey, your urine is not

flowing at the rate it should’ or ‘Your farts are not sounding the way they should’.”

The AI prototype is yet to be tested on humans but Ancalle claims that it could identify which bodily function a sound was coming from 98% of the time.

It’s hoped it will soon be able to pick up even slight changes when a disease is developing.

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IOL Health - March 2023

Cancer , the killer that brings out the fight in us

CONTENTS

Editors’ notes Marchelle Vuyile

The cancer pandemic

Advice to help cancer patients manage DIAGNOSIS STRESS

Vuyile Madwantsi

Treat them like a person, not a patient

Preparing meals

Entertain

Sit in on consults

Provide a care package

MAKE A SHIFT IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

Adopting a longer-term healthy eating strategy that you can maintain and keep consistent is vital

Load up on veggies

Drink water, not lattes

Portion check

TikToker Randy Gonzalez dies of colon cancer: KNOW THE RISK FACTORS

Vuyile Madwantsi

Risk factors you can change:

Why young women may be at a disadvantage in early detection of

SA stars battling cancer

Fatima Sydow

Fuel your body for the fight against cancer

Drink enough liquids

The physical and mental benefits of SOUND & MUSIC THERAPY

The Bonny Method

Nordoff-Robbins

THE COMPUTER THAT SPOTS CANCER BY LISTENING TO FARTS

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THE COMPUTER THAT SPOTS CANCER BY LISTENING TO FARTS

The physical and mental benefits of SOUND & MUSIC THERAPY

Fuel your body for the fight against cancer

SA stars battling cancer

Why young women may be at a disadvantage in early detection of Breast Cancer

TikToker Randy Gonzalez dies of colon cancer: KNOW THE RISK FACTORS

MAKE A SHIFT IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

Advice to help cancer patients manage DIAGNOSIS STRESS

The cancer pandemic

Editors’ notes