22 August - Health - Breast Cancer and the use of Aromatase Inhibitors

In today's show we spoke to Dr Devan Moodley - Medical Oncologist and Non Executive Director of Campaigning for Cancer. Dr Moodley is one of South Africa's leading oncologists who specialises in treating teenagers and young adults with cancer. About two weeks he presented a talk titled Breast Cancer and the use of Aromatase Inhibitors – how pharmacists and nurses are to educate, counsel and motivate patients. It is reported that one in nine women in South Africa will get cancer of the breast at some time in their lives. According to Dr Moodley, as the incidence and awareness of breast cancer increases, pharmacists and nurses will be required to play a more active role in the lives of patients affected by the disease. Aromatase inhibitors are widely prescribed for the treatment of oestrogen receptor positive breast cancer, and are mainly dispensed in retail pharmacy. For further information contact him on (011) 356 6905 he is based at the Wits Oncology Donald Gordon Medical Centre in Parktown, Johannesburg or to locate a Specialist in your area visit www.pinklink.org.za