Questions are part of your care.

Patients are commonly referred to an oncologist by a general practitioner, surgeon or another medical specialist following a cancer diagnosis or when specialist oncology assessment is required.

If you are unsure whether you require a referral, contact Melna Oncology Centre and our team can advise you on the appropriate next step.

Please bring any medical information relevant to your diagnosis that is available to you. This may include referral letters, pathology or biopsy reports, blood test results, imaging reports or scans, details of previous treatment and a list of medications you currently take.

You should also bring your identification and medical aid information where applicable.

If you are unsure what documentation is required, contact our team before your appointment.

Your first consultation gives Dr Thandeka Buthelezi-Zulu an opportunity to review your medical information, discuss your diagnosis and understand your individual circumstances.

Depending on the information available, your diagnosis, possible treatment options and any further investigations that may be required will be discussed with you.

This is also an opportunity to ask questions. You are encouraged to raise anything about your diagnosis or proposed treatment that you do not understand.

Yes. Many patients find it helpful to have a partner, family member, friend or caregiver accompany them.

There can be a great deal of information to absorb during an oncology consultation, and having someone you trust with you may provide both practical and emotional support.

Cancer treatment is individualised according to the type of cancer, its stage and characteristics, the patient’s general health, previous treatment and other clinical factors.

Dr Buthelezi-Zulu provides specialist oncology assessment, treatment planning and ongoing care across treatment areas including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, systemic cancer therapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy.

Not every treatment is appropriate for every cancer or every patient. Your oncologist will discuss the treatment options relevant to your particular diagnosis.

Chemotherapy uses medicines to destroy cancer cells or prevent them from growing and dividing.

There are many different chemotherapy medicines and combinations. The treatment recommended, how it is administered and how frequently it is given depend on the particular cancer and treatment plan.

Radiotherapy uses carefully planned high-energy radiation to damage or destroy cancer cells while limiting exposure to surrounding healthy tissue as far as reasonably possible.

It may be used as the main treatment for some cancers, alongside other treatments, after surgery, or to help relieve symptoms in certain circumstances.

Immunotherapy refers to treatments that help the body’s immune system recognise and respond to certain cancer cells.

It is used for particular types and stages of cancer and is not suitable for every patient. Whether immunotherapy may be appropriate depends on the individual cancer and other clinical factors.

Targeted therapies are medicines designed to act on particular characteristics, proteins or pathways involved in the growth and survival of certain cancer cells.

Testing of the cancer may sometimes be required to determine whether a particular targeted treatment could be appropriate.

Cancer treatments can cause side effects, but the type and severity vary considerably depending on the treatment, dose, duration and individual patient.

Before treatment begins, your oncology team will discuss the side effects that may occur and what you should do if you experience them.

It is important to tell your healthcare team about symptoms or side effects during treatment rather than trying to manage significant problems on your own.

Not all cancer treatments cause hair loss.

Whether hair loss occurs depends on the particular treatment or combination of treatments being used. Some chemotherapy medicines are more likely to cause hair loss than others, while other treatments may cause thinning or no hair loss at all.

Your oncology team can explain what is expected with your specific treatment plan.

Some people are able to continue working throughout treatment, while others need to reduce their workload or take time away from work.

This depends on the treatment being received, possible side effects, the nature of your work and how you respond to treatment.

Discuss your circumstances with your oncology team so that you can plan as realistically as possible.

There is no standard duration for cancer treatment.

Some treatments may be completed over a relatively short period, while others continue for several months or longer. Treatment schedules depend on the type and stage of cancer, the treatment being used, its purpose and how the patient responds.

Your proposed treatment schedule will be discussed with you as part of your treatment plan.

No. Oncologists care for people with cancer at many different stages.

An oncologist may be involved following an early cancer diagnosis, before or after surgery, during treatments intended to cure or control cancer, and in the management of advanced disease.

Being referred to an oncologist does not by itself indicate the stage or outlook of a cancer.

Yes. Seeking another specialist opinion can help some patients better understand their diagnosis and treatment options.

If you are considering a second opinion, having copies of your pathology, imaging, reports and relevant medical records can assist the reviewing specialist.

Medical aid benefits and authorisation requirements vary between schemes, plans and treatments.

Please contact Melna Oncology Centre with your medical aid details so that the administrative requirements relevant to your circumstances can be discussed with you.

Patients remain responsible for confirming the benefits and cover available under their particular medical aid plan.

Melna Oncology Centre is located at:

Medicare Medical Centre, Suite 12
85 Bird Street
Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal

The practice provides specialist oncology care to patients from Newcastle and surrounding communities.

You can contact Melna Oncology Centre to request a consultation with Dr Thandeka Buthelezi-Zulu.

Telephone: 034 317 3460
Mobile & WhatsApp: 063 037 3819
Email:admin@melnaoncology.co.za

Our team will assist you with the next steps and any information required for your consultation.