Useful Information

Our practices and facilities are accredited with SAOC-South African Oncology Consortium, and independent regulatory organization of Oncology and Haematology Specialist’s, ensuring the most effective cancer treatment in South Africa. We are also accredited with Isimo Health (Pty) Ltd.

As part of your care, you may require the following services:

CHEMOTHERAPY

Chemotherapy, also known as ‘chemo’, is the treatment of cancer using drugs to destroy cancer cells. The drugs target the cancer cells, cells that divide and grow quicker than healthy cells and prevents them from making more cells. Chemotherapy works throughout the whole body, destroying cancer cells more rapidly than it destroys healthy cells. However, the chemo can affect fast-growing cells such as hair, skin.

The goals of the treatment differ depending on the type of cancer and how far it has spread. Sometimes, the goal is to cure cancer by destroying all the cancer cells and keep it from returning. In other cases, the treatment is used to slow down the growth of the cancer cells and prevent it from spreading. The treatment can also help ease the symptoms caused by cancer. Chemotherapy given to ease symptoms and slow growth is sometimes called palliative care. There are two ways the treatment can be administered, by mouth or intravenously (injection into a vein).

RADIOTHERAPY

Radiotherapy is a targeted treatment for cancer that uses high-energy rays to disrupt the growth of cancer cells with the goal of killing them, slowing down growth and shrinking tumour’s. Radiation therapy can be used as the primary cancer treatment or in conjunction with other forms of treatment. The course of treatment is usually administered over several days or weeks, coming in daily on an outpatient basis. Radiotherapy may be given:

Externally: The most common type of radiotherapy, the radiation is delivered from a machine outside of the body. It can be used to treat large areas of the body.

HORMONAL THERAPY

Hormone therapy works by blocking the effects of the hormones that some cancers use to grow. Cancers that respond to this type of treatment include breast, prostate, ovary and womb/endometrial.

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We understand that money matters are sensitive topic, but we would prefer your to be aware of potential costs rather than receiving unexpected bills afterwards.

Payments and billing information:

MEDICAL AID PAYMENTS

Accounts, are submitted electronically (via EDI) to the medical aids. The medical aid then pays us in accordance with the authorisation that they had agreed to. At the risk of labouring the point, at times we have problems with the medical aids settling our accounts timeously. The contract with the medical aid lies between you and your medical aid, not between us and your medical aid. Should your

medical aid fail to settle our accounts, you will personally be held responsible for outstanding amounts.

PRIVATE PAYMENTS

All payment needs to be made by EFT, cash or card machine. No credit card facility is available. Please refer to the invoice for the banking details. Please use your name and surname as the reference for EFT payments.

CHEMOTHERAPY BILLING

The billing structure is determined by your medical aid. In some cases, all the chemotherapy costs appear on one account. Some medical aids reimburse us directly for the chemotherapy. In those cases, the invoice will contain an itemised bill for a facility fee, professional fee and chemotherapy drugs, supporting drugs and consumables. We submit this invoice to your medical aid. Other medical aids reimburse the wholesale pharmacy for the chemotherapy drugs, supporting drugs and consumables. The wholesale pharmacy submits its invoice to the medical aid. We then invoice separately for a facility fee and a professional fee and submit a separate invoice to the medical aid. Minor variations on the above are determined by each individual medical aid.

If you do not belong to a medical aid, we can order the drugs on your behalf. We require that you pay the chemotherapy administration and facility fee two days prior to the treatment day. The same procedure applies should your medical aid not cover your treatment or requires you to pay a portion of your treatment. Some medications require special permission from the Medicines Control Council (MCC) for use on a “named patient base”. This process can delay the procurement of drugs and is beyond our control. Unfortunately, we must recoup the expense for these applications from the patient (R330 per application).

Patients are liable for chemotherapy costs that are incurred when there is no authorisation for the treatment or when medical aids don’t honour their authorisations.

RADIOTHERAPY BILLING

The billing structure is determined by your medical aid. In some cases, all costs appear on one account. In other cases, the costs appear on two separate accounts. The billing structure for radiotherapy consists of two separate components. The first is related to the doctor’s professional fee for prescribing and overseeing the treatment. The second is related to the preparation for treatment and the delivery of treatment by the radiotherapy staff.

Private radiotherapy patients are charged at medical aid rates. Accounts are payable weekly on presentation. Should you go through the preparation process and not proceed to treatment, you will be liable for the costs incurred during the preparation.

 

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The brilliant Patented “Clip-On” Feature allows you to wear the most fashionable bras.
They offer:  

  • Natural Support 
  • No sagging 
  • Natural Feel 
  • No gaping when you lean forward 
  • Confidence to move freely no matter what you wear 
  • Personalised fittings 
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  • Medical Aid compliant 

For more information or to arrange a fitting, please contact Lynn (031) 2076990

http://brilliantbreastforms.yolasite.com/

www.saoc.co.za
www.here4you.co.za
www.cansa.co.za
www.cancer.net

Rainbow Oncology engages with Mrs Mare Worthman, a dietitian with extensive knowledge of nutritional problems caused by cancer. For more information please contact our reception. 

The Importance of Nutritional Status in Cancer Patients

Nutritional status plays a critical role in the overall health, treatment outcomes, and quality of life of cancer patients. Cancer and its treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, often lead to significant changes in metabolism, appetite, and nutrient absorption, which can result in malnutrition, cachexia (muscle wasting), and weight loss. Addressing these issues is essential for improving survival rates, reducing complications, and enhancing the effectiveness of therapy.

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1. Impact of Malnutrition on Cancer Patients

Malnutrition is common in cancer patients, affecting up to 50-80% depending on the cancer type and stage. It leads to:
• Weakened Immune System: Reduces the body’s ability to fight infections.
• Poor Treatment Tolerance: Increases toxicity from chemotherapy and radiation.
• Delayed Recovery & Poor Wound Healing: Especially important for post-surgical cancer patients.
• Reduced Muscle Mass & Strength: Leads to fatigue and a decline in physical activity.
• Shortened Survival Rates: Studies have linked severe malnutrition to higher mortality rates.

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2. Nutritional Needs and Challenges in Cancer Patients

Cancer alters the body’s metabolism, causing increased energy expenditure and reduced food intake due to various factors:
• Cancer Cachexia Syndrome: Characterized by extreme weight loss and muscle depletion.
• Gastrointestinal Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and taste changes can make eating difficult.
• Psychological Effects: Depression and anxiety often reduce appetite.

To combat these issues, individualized nutrition plans, including high-protein, calorie-dense diets, are often recommended.

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3. Benefits of Good Nutrition in Cancer Care

Maintaining optimal nutrition provides several advantages:

A. Supports Cancer Treatment
• Enhances chemotherapy and radiation response
• Reduces treatment-related side effects (e.g., nausea, fatigue, mouth sores)

B. Improves Quality of Life
• Helps maintain energy levels and mental well-being
• Prevents muscle loss and fatigue

C. Promotes Faster Recovery
• Essential for post-surgical healing and reducing infection risk

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4. Nutritional Interventions for Cancer Patients

A. Diet Modification
• High protein and calorie intake
• Small, frequent meals to manage appetite loss
• Omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation

B. Nutritional Supplements
• Oral nutrition supplements (e.g., protein shakes)
• Vitamins and minerals (as needed)

C. Enteral or Parenteral Nutrition
• Feeding tubes or IV nutrition for patients unable to eat normally

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5. Role of Healthcare Professionals in Nutritional Support

A multidisciplinary team, including oncologists, dietitians, and nurses, is essential for providing nutritional guidance. Early screening for malnutrition and personalized nutrition plans can significantly impact patient outcomes.

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Eating Hints: Before, during, and after Cancer Treatment, a booklet, National Cancer Institute

This booklet covers:

  • What you should know about cancer treatment, eating well, and eating problems
  • How feelings can affect appetite
  • Hints to manage eating problems
  • How to eat well after cancer treatment ends
  • Foods and drinks to help with certain eating problems
  • Ways to learn more

Eating Hints: Before, during, and after Cancer Treatment

Psychologist Tholinhlanhla Dlamini-Ngcoya (available via 0726474464 or nhlangcoya@gmail.com)
assists Rainbow Oncology patients and their caregivers with psychological support for patients in Amanzmtoti, whereas Mrs Shaahida Casim Saib at Parklands Hospital supports our patients in Durban.
 
Psychological support is a crucial aspect of cancer care for both patients and their caregivers, as the emotional and mental burden of a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. Here are some key reasons why psychological support is essential:
 
For Cancer Patients:
 
1. Emotional Well-being: A cancer diagnosis often brings anxiety, depression, fear, and uncertainty. Psychological support helps patients process their emotions, reducing distress and improving quality of life.
 
2. Coping Strategies: Therapy, counseling, and support groups equip patients with practical tools to manage stress, navigate treatment side effects, and maintain control.
 
3. Improved Treatment Adherence: Patients with strong emotional support are more likely to follow treatment plans, attend appointments, and engage in self-care.
 
4. Reduction in Physical Symptoms: Stress and anxiety can worsen fatigue, pain, and nausea. Addressing psychological needs may help alleviate these symptoms.
 
5. Enhanced Social Support: Interacting with mental health professionals, support groups, or other patients fosters a sense of belonging and reduces isolation.
 
For Caregivers:
 
1. Reduced Caregiver Burnout: Caregivers often experience high stress levels, exhaustion, and emotional strain. Psychological support helps them manage their well-being.
 
2. Better Patient Care: When caregivers receive support, they are better equipped to provide practical, compassionate care without feeling overwhelmed.
 
3. Improved Communication: Counseling can help caregivers navigate difficult conversations with loved ones and healthcare providers, promoting better decision-making.
 
4. Coping with Grief and Uncertainty: Whether facing the challenges of ongoing treatment or end-of-life care, psychological support helps caregivers process emotions and maintain resilience.
 
Types of Psychological Support:
 
• Individual counseling or therapy (with psychologists, psychiatrists, or social workers)
 
• Support groups (for patients and caregivers)
 
• Mindfulness, meditation, and stress management techniques
 
• Peer support programs (connecting patients and caregivers with those who have similar experiences)
 
• Online and telehealth mental health resources.