I am Vanessa Marais, M. Soc.Sc (Clinical Psychology). Ph.D. (Psycho-oncology). Director of Optima Rust-en-Vrede Hospital, Stellenbosch and Private practise, Durbanville.  I am an Ambassador of AML (Acute myeloid leukaemia) which is a global network and community to increase awareness of AML.

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I am dedicated to understanding and supporting cancer patients, their families, and medical teams with the psychological and emotional complexities and changes of cancer and cancer treatment.   My interest and involvement in cancer care and psychotherapy have started 30 years ago working as a Clinical Psychologist in the field of oncology and general psychiatry. 

Psycho-Oncology and breast cancer in 2017 at UNISA. 

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Working within the framework of Onco-Psychology, which is a relatively new sub-speciality in oncology and psychology, treating a cancer patient involves both mental and physical health.