Apffelstaedt, Hoosain & Associates - Breast & Thyroid Health

08/03/2026

Today we honour International Women’s Day. A day to recognise the strength, resilience and achievements of women, and to acknowledge the ongoing work toward true gender equality.
At Apffelstaedt, Hoosain & Associates, women’s health has always been at the heart of what we do. Our team provides compassionate, specialised care and advanced imaging for breast, thyroid and parathyroid conditions, including cancer-related concerns.
By encouraging awareness, early detection and proactive healthcare, we hope to empower more women to take charge of their wellbeing. Today and every day.

03/03/2026

When Christine felt that tiny “dorinkie,” it didn’t look like much, just a small sensation that could easily have been dismissed. But she paid attention.
That simple act of noticing became the start of her diagnosis, her treatment, and ultimately her recovery.
Her story is a reminder that the earliest signs are often quiet, and that women’s intuition about their own bodies is worth taking seriously, even when something feels small or uncertain.
If you’d like to read Christine’s full journey, you’ll find it here:
https://www.apffelstaedt-hoosain.com/christines-story-a-little-voice-a-dorinkie-and-a-whole-lot-of-courage/

When Christine Marais felt a tiny “dorinkie” (a thorn-like sensation in her breast), she never imagined it would mark the beginning of a life-changing journey. At almost 64, with no symptoms and only a faint bluish mark to hint that something was wrong, she trusted her instincts and acted quickl...

26/02/2026

Soft tissue tumours can occur anywhere (arms, legs, back, abdomen, or under the skin). Most are benign; however, monitor any unusual growth or sensation.
These are the usual concerns:
• A new lump
• A lump that’s growing
• A lump that feels firm, deep, or fixed (not easily movable)
• A lump larger than 2 cm (about the size of a grape)
• A lump that becomes painful, tender, or warm
• A lump that returns after being drained or treated
• A lump causing numbness, tingling, or weakness
• A lump that appears after an injury but doesn’t go away
You know when something’s new. Checking early is always worthwhile.

25/02/2026

Thank you to Cape Town TV for giving Dr Hoosain the opportunity to show viewers how to do a self-breast check! And for the permission to share this clip: https://www.apffelstaedt-hoosain.com/self-breast-check/

Dr Hoosain shows how to do a self breast-examination and chats to CTV about when to do it and what to look for. She also answers the question on how and when men can do self-checks.

25/02/2026

Dr Apffelstaedt will be available to see patients in Windhoek from 23 – 26 March 2026.
All his Windhoek dates for the rest of the year can be found on our website: https://www.apffelstaedt-hoosain.com/contact-us-namibia-2.
To book a consultation, please contact the Paramount Healthcare Centre.
Tel: 061 287 1103 or 061 287 1125 or Email: apffelstaedt@paramounthcc.com.na

24/02/2026

The most important question to ask your doctor is:
‘Given my family history and my personal history, should I be screened earlier or differently than standard guidelines. And if so, exactly how?’
Dr Nici Zeeman
For more information, visit: https://www.apffelstaedt-hoosain.com/the-check-in-campaign/

20/02/2026

As part of our World Cancer Day campaign and in recognition of Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Day, we’re highlighting the power of prevention and early detection. This month is about making informed choices that protect your health.
Understanding the risks and symptoms of breast, thyroid, and colon cancer is the first step toward reducing your risk. A healthy lifestyle, balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and routine screenings can make a real difference.
Use the interactive Check-In guide to monitor your health and take proactive steps toward prevention. Together, let’s build habits that support long-term wellness and honour HLAD by committing to healthier choices every day.

18/02/2026

Factors that increase risk
• Family history of colon or re**al cancer, especially in a parent, sibling, or child.
• Family history of large or advanced colon polyps.
• Inherited syndromes such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), which strongly increase risk.
• Personal history of colon polyps or long-standing inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease in the colon).
• Diet high in red or processed meats and low in fibre-rich foods like fruit, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Being overweight or obese, especially around the waist.
• Not being physically active on a regular basis.
• Smoking and regular alcohol use.
• Type 2 diabetes.
• Previous radiation treatment to the abdomen or pelvis.
• Younger age does not protect you. Colon cancer is rising in adults under 50, especially with the risk factors above.

17/02/2026

Colon cancer is rising in people under 50, yet many delay getting help because they think it’s “an older person’s disease.”
Bowel changes aren’t always harmless.
Symptoms include:
• Persistent changes in bowel habits: diarrhoea, constipation, or both
• Re**al bleeding or blood in your stool
• Ongoing abdominal pain or cramping
• Unexplained weight loss
• Feeling like your bowel doesn’t empty completely
• Fatigue linked to low iron levels
If something feels off, don’t wait. Early detection saves lives.

16/02/2026

Thank you to Pippa Hudson at CapeTalk for the conversation with Dr Hoosain about the global trend of early-onset cancers. Their chat is available to listen to here: https://omny.fm/shows/afternoons-with-pippa-hudson/health-treatment-for-early-onset-cancer

Pippa Hudsonspeaks to Dr. Fatima Hoosain who is a specialist surgeon with the practice Appfelstedt Hoosain and Associates about early onset cancer treatments. Lunch with Pippa Hudson is CapeTalk’s mid-afternoon show. This 2-hour respite from hard news encourages the audience to take the time to ex...

16/02/2026

“If you’re a young person facing a cancer diagnosis, stay hopeful, stay supported, and choose a care team that understands your unique needs.”
Dr Fatima Hoosain
For more information, visit: https://www.apffelstaedt-hoosain.com/the-check-in-campaign/

13/02/2026

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in younger people worldwide.
When breast changes occur in younger people, they are often attributed to common factors like stress, hormonal shifts, or breastfeeding, which can sometimes delay diagnosis.
Things to watch out for:
• A new lump or thickening in your breast or underarm.
• A change in the shape or size of your breast.
• Skin changes (dimpling, puckering, redness, swelling).
• Ni**le changes (inversion, discharge—especially bloody, or crusting).
• Unusual or persistent pain.
• Any change that simply feels different from your normal.
Your body’s signals matter. Getting it checked is a simple, positive step.