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

In this heartfelt episode of the Living with Cancer South Africa Podcast, Dr Belinda Wagner speaks with Colleen King, whose cancer journey is a powerful reminder that while every diagnosis is unique, no one should have to face it alone.

Drawing on both her personal experience as a breast cancer survivor and her professional background as an intensive care nurse, Colleen shares the emotional reality of receiving herdiagnosis, the challenges of treatment, and the unexpected impact cancer had on her life.

Colleen also speaks openly about the value of finding a community that understands. She explains how joining Livingwith Cancer South Africa connected her with others who had walked a similar path, offering encouragement, reassurance and hope when it was needed most.

This conversation is an honest and uplifting reminder that cancer may change your life, but it can also reveal resilience, compassion and the extraordinary power of human connection.

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.