NWU presents another successful cancer symposium

NWU presents another successful cancer symposium
The Potchefstroom Business School of the North-West University (NWU), in collaboration with Cansa Potchefstroom, and Wilmedpark’s Oncology Centre in Klerksdorp, recently presented an inspiring cancer symposium. The first symposium entitled “Cancer in the workplace” was presented very successfully in 2011; this year the focus was on “Living with cancer”.

During the symposium, which was held on Saturday 14 July 2012, a wide variety of cancer-related topics were discussed by several experts. They looked at the origins of cancer and Prof Piet Pretorius, a retired Biochemistry professor from the NWU, spoke about genetics and the development of cancer cells.

Dr Deon Schulenburg from the Department of Radiography at Medi-Clinic in Potchefstroom talked about radiological diagnostic methods and also pointed out some benefits and features of new mammogram technology.

Dr Sarah Rayne from Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg talked about breast surgery and  reconstruction and emphasised the importance of restoring a woman’s femininity following a mastectomy. Dr Loraine Blaauw from Wilmedpark’s Oncology Centre in Klerksdorp focused on the treatment of the different types of breast cancer.

Mr Nico Scheepers from Pharmacology at the NWU talked about pain management and explained the combination of steps to be followed. Ms Ulundi Behrtel, a legal consultant, informed the participants about legal aspects – notably the constitutional rights of patients.

Dr Alida Herbst, a psychosocial behavioural scientist at the NWU, presented the “Life is a Journey” journal compiled by Wilmedpark’s Oncology Centre and shared a number of cases with the audience.
Lastly, as the highlight of the symposium, Ms Vivian Claassen, quality manager at the Faculty of Education Sciences and a cancer survivor herself, shared her journey with cancer.

The second cancer symposium presented by the NWU’s Potchefstroom Business School in collaboration with Cansa Potchefstroom and Wilmedpark’s Oncology Centre in Klerksdorp was a great success. Here are from left Ms Charmian du Plessis from Wilmedpark Oncology, Sr Frances Minné from Cansa, Ms René Bishop and Ms Hanelie Malan from Wilmedpark Oncology, Ms Vivian Claassen from the NWU who shared her journey with cancer with the audience and Ms Marilize Minné from the PBS.