Living with Cancer

Belinda Wagner

Living with Cancer podcasts feature interview with cancer warriors, experts within the cancer community. These podcasts provide insight into the world of cancer, offering support, guidance and information to anyone with the desire to learn and connect.

  1. Oct 8

    Lived Experience - Behind the Technology: How Volunteers Help Make Every Patient Count: Episode 3 with Adri Faasen & host Dr Belinda Wagner

    Technology may operate behind the scenes, but the people behind it can have a profound impact on the lives of people affected by cancer. In Episode 3 of the Living with Cancer South Africa Lived Experience Podcast Series, Dr Belinda Wagner speaks to Adri Faasen, a technology volunteer who works in cybersecurity and threat intelligence. Adri shares why she chose to use her professional skills to support Living with Cancer South Africa and how her role has helped strengthen the organisation’s approach to cybersecurity, information security and the protection of sensitive patient information. As Living with Cancer South Africa continues to build South Africa’s first patient-led cancer registry, protecting the information entrusted to us is critical. Adri explains why patient data must be treated with care and respect, and whysecurity needs to be considered from the moment information is collected. But this conversation goes far beyond technology. Adrireflects on what volunteering has taught her about cancer, the experiences that have stayed with her and the importance of remembering that behind every piece of data is a person. She also explores the potential of artificial intelligence and digital innovation to make healthcare more accessible, efficient andresponsive, while reminding us that technology can never replace human connection. Her message to other professionals is simple: you do not need endless amounts of time to make a difference. Your knowledge, experience and professional skills can become powerful tools for social impact. As Adri says, “Every volunteer counts, every person counts.” Whether your expertise is in technology, cybersecurity, marketing, finance, project management or another professional field, there is an opportunity to use what you know to help make a difference. Listen to Adri’s conversation and discover what canhappen when professional expertise meets purpose

  2. Aug 12

    What Cancer Reveals about Hope Lived in Shared Stories: Episode 9 with Chantal Singh & host Dr Belinda Wagner

    Some cancer journeys are long and marked by months of treatment. Others unfold with astonishing speed, changing life in a matter of weeks. In this heartfelt episode of What Cancer Reveals, Chantel Singh shares her experience of being diagnosed with cervical cancer after years of abnormal test results, unexpected symptoms and the discovery of a tumour that changed everything. Although her treatment consisted of surgery rather than chemotherapy or radiation, Chantal explains that a cancer diagnosis affects every part of your life. From the shock of hearing the word "cancer" to facing the loss of future dreams and learning to live with uncertainty, she reflects honestly on the emotional impact of her diagnosis. Throughout the conversation, Chantal speaks openly about the fears she faced, the importance of faith, and how strength is not something we always find within ourselves, but often something we borrow from others. She shares how the Living with Cancer South Africa support community became far more than a support group. It became a family that stood beside her during the moments when she needed encouragement, understanding and hope.   This episode also highlights the importance of cervical cancer awareness, regular screening and Human Papillomavirus vaccination, reminding listeners that early detection cansave lives. Most importantly, Chantel leaves us with a powerful message for anyone facing cancer today: you do not have to walk this journey alone. Hope often begins with a conversation, a shared story and the knowledge that someone else understands exactly what you are going through. Join us for an inspiring conversation about resilience, faith,family, community and discovering hope through shared experiences.

  3. Jul 10

    What Cancer Reveals about From Patient to Purpose: Episode 8 with Barrie van den Berg & host Dr Belinda Wagner

    In this moving episode of What Cancer Reveals About Patient to Purpose, Dr Belinda Wagner speaks with Barrie van den Berg, Director of Living with Cancer South Africa, about a journey that transformed both his life and his purpose. Having spent many years working in the pharmaceutical industry supporting cancer treatment, Barrie understood cancer from a clinical perspective long before receiving his own prostate cancer diagnosis. Becoming a patient changed everything. It taught him that cancer is never just a disease.It is a deeply personal journey that affects families, relationships and entire support networks. Barrie reflects on what it means to move from treating cancer as a medical condition to understanding the human experience behind every diagnosis. He shares how his own experience strengthened his commitment to patient advocacy, why no one should face cancer alone, and how volunteering with Living with Cancer South Africa has become part of his own healing journey. This episode is a powerful reminder that every patient deserves to be seen as a person, that hope grows through community, and that purpose can emerge from even life's most difficult challenges. Whether you are living with cancer, supporting someone you love, or working in healthcare, this conversation offers encouragement, wisdom and a reminder that together we can change the cancer journey. Learn more about Living with Cancer South Africa andjoin our growing community at https://livingwithcancersa.co.za.

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Living with Cancer podcasts feature interview with cancer warriors, experts within the cancer community. These podcasts provide insight into the world of cancer, offering support, guidance and information to anyone with the desire to learn and connect.