GEMS puts the can in cancer

Because cancer can be beaten

"I remember sitting in the doctors rooms, alone, staring out of the window at the people outside - talking, laughing, rushing to get somewhere. And then the door opened and the news came. Being diagnosed with cancer was the biggest shock of my life."

As part of the Government Employees Medical Scheme's (GEMS) ongoing effort to educate our members and future members on a range of healthcare topics, we would like to provide you with some valuable information on the GEMS Oncology Disease Management Programme.

Warning signs

Two months after her 47th birthday, Mary Khoza, an administration clerk and single mother of three, began to feel unwell. "The first thing I noticed was my lack of energy. I have always been a very busy person, running around and getting things done. But I started to feel tired and weak, and wanted to sleep all the time. I thought I was probably just getting the flu but I was really worried when I began losing so much weight."

Taking control early

Mary had the good sense to visit her doctor as soon as she realised something was wrong. After a number of tests she was diagnosed with cancer. "The doctor told me that treatment would have to begin immediately if there was any chance of fighting it. She contacted GEMS and I was sent to the oncology ward straight away. It all happened so quickly that I didn't know what to think. I was terrified."

This was the beginning of Mary's battle for survival. The good news was that she wasn't going to have to do it alone because GEMS was by her side. As the second largest medical scheme in South Africa, GEMS is proud to be able to contribute positively towards this worldwide scourge that affects millions of lives across the globe by providing support to GEMS members, like Mary, with cancer.

GEMS steps into the picture

The GEMS Oncology Disease Management Programme was created to offer members suffering from cancer with not only the clinical but also emotional support that they need to battle the disease and beat it.

"GEMS really came to my rescue. At the time, my children were so worried and I didn't want to upset them any more. GEMS gave me extra support and a shoulder to cry on; I could share my burden with them. They also made sure that I got the right treatment so that I would have the best chance possible of beating my cancer."

GEMS is sensitive to the needs of members like Mary who have to support a family on very little. A partnership with the South African Oncology Consortium (SAOC) means that treatment is provided in the most cost-effective way possible. The programme allows all costs associated with the disease such as therapy, the oncologist's consultations, related pathology and general radiology to be covered by the oncology benefit rather than the member's day-to-day benefit. The Oncology benefit also remains active for 12 months after the completion of treatment.

Looking back, Mary says she does not know what would have happened if she had not had access to the programme. "Until you are actually in the situation you don't realise just how difficult it is. You have to cope with the nausea and pain from the chemotherapy, the fear of not living to see your children grow up, the anger that this has happened to you. On top of all of that you have to try to keep going, try to be strong for your family while all you want to do is fall apart. GEMS gave me the support I needed to keep going."

Home free

Today, like many other GEMS oncology patients, Mary can say that she is a cancer survivor. By registering on the GEMS Oncology Disease Management Programme immediately after diagnosis she was able to begin her treatment early on and beat the disease. If you are experiencing lumps in your body, loss of appetite and weight-loss, bone pain or severe internal discomfort then make an appointment to see your doctor immediately because you may have cancer.

Those who find themselves suffering from the disease will need a strong support system that can help them to make it through the difficult time and beat cancer. GEMS is extremely proud to be able to play such an integral role in this system and encourages all government employees to choose life and join GEMS.

For any GEMS member queries please phone the GEMS call centre on 0860 00 4367 or send a SMS to 083 450 4367. GEMS will assist you in every way possible to ensure your family's health and wellbeing.