Many know the struggles and emotions linked to fighting cancer but how do oncologists cope? Radiation oncologist Dr Thobile Goba-Mjwara shares a glimpse into her life and valuable insight into men’s health.
“Empathy and a holistic approach play a crucial role in improving lives or even curing cancer patients,” says Dr Thobile Goba-Mjwara, who believes effective communication is paramount with helping patients understand their treatment goals and reassuring them of the supportive environment they can expect throughout their journey.
As a stern believer in early detection and prevention of cancer, Thobile deems oncology as a special calling that requires good listening skills, emotional resilience and a hopeful attitude. These qualities have helped her be a guiding light and inspiration to dozens of cancer patients a week.
With 10 years in the field, The Durban North local says her life extends far beyond just treatment protocols. She walks us through some of the challenges and rewards of a life dedicated to helping patients navigate cancer holistically.
“Although I manage all solid tumour cancers, and treat patients using chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy, I don’t just focus on the disease. I focus on the patient as a whole, learning about and understanding them and their family dynamics. I support the family as a unit as they are all in this together.”
Thobile’s journey into oncology did not stem from a personal or family cancer experience but rather as an empath who has a strong desire to help and heal others. “During the early stages of my medical career, I began to witness the treatment successes of cancer when diagnosed at an early stage, and that sealed the deal for me to specialise in this field.
“Cancer doesn’t discriminate. I see people of all ages, and every case is different. Some of my patients may already be struggling with other medical conditions like HIV, diabetes and hypertension when they are diagnosed. I engage with other medical disciplines to assist in the best way I can, but I think that many people suffering with cancer don’t know that treatment is still worthwhile for this disease.”
Thobile is hoping to change this narrative through cancer awareness, and her message of hope is that there is a lot that can be done to help cancer patients with their journeys. She emphasises that oncology is a rapidly evolving field, which she stays abreast of by attending regular workshops and conferences.
“The greatest reward is watching people thrive after treatment, especially when the journey has been challenging. The hardest part is handling the opposite … there is no training to teach you how to deal with certain situations, so medical staff have to adapt and manage this on their own.”
Thobile says when she experiences more challenging and emotional moments, she tries to step away and busy herself with either exercising, gardening, outdoor activities or a mini holiday when needing some self-care.
“There’s a way and a means to cope with anything and everything in life. It all comes down to our make-up, our support systems, our coping tools and our own determination.”
Her advice to aspiring young adults who are considering this line of work, or optimally preparing for this field while pursuing their studies, is: If you’re passionate about helping people, are selfless and willing to sacrifice time with family and friends, you’re on the right path.
“The work we do is beyond being clever. It is also a field in which we learn from our patients about life, love, family, friendship, gratitude, perseverance and ourselves, and every lesson is a valuable one.”
Prostate cancer at a glance
As prostate cancer is one of the many men’s health symptoms highlighted during the month of November, oncologist Dr Thobile Goba-Mjwara shares her insight on the subject.
In South Africa, prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men. Some prostate cancers grow at a slow rate and may not cause symptoms for many years. The more advanced prostate cancer patients will present with urinary symptoms since the prostate is close to the bladder.
These symptoms include
- Urinary frequency
- Haematuria (blood in urine)
- Impotence (trouble in getting an erection)
- Bone pain, particularly back pain
Who is at risk of prostate cancer?
- Men over the age of 50
- Men with a family history of breast and prostate cancer. Men with a father or brother with prostate cancer are more likely to get prostate cancer themselves
- Men who smoke, have a high alcohol intake or use anabolic steroids
- Men who consume a high content of red meat and fat, with few vegetables and fruit in their diet, have a slightly increased risk
In South Africa, black men seem to have a more aggressive or advanced prostate cancer. The reason for this is not clear.
Early detection of prostate cancer, while it’s confined to the prostate gland only, results in a better response to treatment and overall prognosis.
Tests done to confirm diagnosis
Digital rectal exam (DRE) where the doctor examines the prostate for abnormalities via the rectum using his index finger.
Prostate-specific-antigen (PSA) test a blood test that determines the levels of PSA in the blood. High levels may be associated with abnormalities in the cells of the prostate.
Prostate biopsy done using thin needles that are inserted into the prostate to get a tissue sample for analysis for the presence of cancer cells.
Prostate cancer is divided into four stages
Stage I (localised) Cancer confined to one lobe of the prostate gland.
Stage II localised) Cancer is larger and may involve more than one lobe of the prostate but is still confined to the prostate only.
Stage III (locally advanced) Cancer spread beyond the prostate gland to nearby lymph glands or seminal vesicles.
Stage IV (advanced/ metastatic) Cancer spread to other parts of the body such as distant lymph nodes, bones, other organs.
The treatment of prostate cancer is individualised, depending on the medical and surgical history of the patient, as well as the stage of the disease. Low-grade prostate cancer may not need immediate treatment but rather active surveillance, which means a doctor will closely monitor the cancer and treat when tests show cancer progression with curative intent. This approach can also be considered for someone who has another serious health condition or who is of advanced age that makes cancer treatment difficult.
Treatment options
Surgery Removing the prostate gland (radical prostatectomy).
Radiotherapy High energy X-rays that kill cancer cells.
Endocrine therapy Hormone treatment that stops the body from producing the male hormone (testosterone). Prostate cancer relies on testosterone to help it grow, so blocking this hormone may slow down growth or cause the cancer cells to die.
Chemotherapy Treatment given via a drip into the bloodstream that kills cancer cells in the blood.
Immunotherapy Treatment that works by helping the body’s immune system to fight cancer.
Targeted therapies Treatment that works by targeting molecules helping cancer cells grow.
Details: To contact Dr Thobile Goba-Mjwara, who works at ONCOCare Specialist Oncologists in Durban and Hillcrest, phone 031 209 9030 or 031 350 4069 or email
thobile@oncocare.co.za.
