Showing posts with label Cancer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cancer. Show all posts

World Cancer Day 2019: What's New With The Fight Against Cancer - INFOGRAPHICS


Another February 4th and thus yet again , another WORLD CANCER DAY but this year what's new with the fight against Cancer? As the burden of cancer grows unfortunately more worrisome, in addition to all the group efforts being put in by The World Health Organisation (WHO) and partners like The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) amongst others, individuals from every part of the world are being called upon to take personal action, no matter how small, towards reversing the current menacing cancer statistics; just in case we all might be able to achieve a cancer free world or perhaps the next generation. The theme for this year  "I AM AND I WILL" creates room for all and everyone to fit in to the struggle and take action in any way possible. This article is my own little way of taking action and I believe strongly that it would go a long way in creating awareness towards what we are dealing with and what we must do....."I AM AN ADVOCATE AND I WILL SPEAK UP"!!!

 * THE PROBLEM:
APPROXIMATELY 9.6 MILLION DEATHS EVERY YEAR****As recorded in 2018.

* THE CULPRIT:
👀: GLOBOCAN

* THE PLAN:
👀:worldcancerday.org

* THE PREFERRED WAY FORWARD: Just because prevention is better than cure so, the less the risk of coming down with cancer, the better for us all.
👀: twitter.com/who

It's time to make a personal commitment against cancer people....."I AM AN ....Individual, Student, Advocate, Medical Professional, Business Person, House Husband or Wife, Jobless etc...AND I WILL....Spread The Word; Reduce My Cancer Risk; Fund Research; Support Cancer Victims etc. Whatever you can do, it will be super important in the fight against cancer and together, perhaps we could make the world a better place. For more information about World Cancer Day 2019, see the references below.

REFERENCES:

* WORLDCANCERDAY|World Cancer Day- 4 February 2019 #IAMIWLL

* WHO|CANCER

* UICC|World Cancer Day

World Cancer Day 2019: How Mrs Imafidon Got It All Wrong & How You Must Not! #IAMIWILL

Courtesy of 👀: Breakthrough Art Gallery by Ufuoma Evuarherhe

She had recently been diagnosed with advanced breast cancer which had spread to her liver. I wondered how Mrs Imafidon had let it fester for so long, when her house was a stone throw from the biggest hospital in the state. I didn't need to think for long because she was like every other Pentecostal, who believed they could pray their problems away. An extra offering here, one week of fasting and some anointing oil before bed and that pesky hard seedling in the left breast would wither and die. After all, the God she served wouldn't allow something as evil as breast cancer to afflict his faithful servant, it was only for the enemies and unrepentant sinners. If only she had known early enough! February 4th is World Cancer Day......."I AM" a fictional Cancer victim so "I WILL" speak up!

👀: worldcancerday.org

I stared into the mirror, watching the contours of my face, previously smooth but now hardened by age. Sleep fled my eyes as I scrolled my phone book looking at names, some of which wouldn't connect if I tried to place a call through and the fleeting nature of life hit me. The older one grows, the list of those numbers grows longer; numbers belonging to those who have passed on. My eyes paused at that of Mrs Imafidon. Just to be sure, I placed a call through and of course it did not connect. Her death hurt even more because it was the most recent.  The last time  I saw her was a couple of months ago and she was still full of joy and hope but I couldn't match her happiness because of my learned skepticism. I had seen many people on this same path she was on and it only ended in one place, the cold hands of death. If only they had known better..."I AM" a fictional victim and "I WILL" spread the word!

 The seedling kept growing and became harder and bigger, till she couldn't keep it to herself. One day after a wonderful church service, she mentioned it in passing to her friend, a Professor of medicine. She didn't want to be a bother, but could she maybe take a look at her breasts, not that she thought it was anything serious. As she took off her bra in the women's rest room, she saw the blood drain from her friend's face and the look told her all she needed to know. Months later, after the surgery, transfusions, chemotherapy and millions of money spent, the look on her face even with all her hair gone, the smile and the infectious, "I'm great" when asked about her health was unbelievable . She continued with her routine of helping and being a source of inspiration to all. This was someone who had looked death in the eye and laughed. I had no doubt she breathed her last with all dignity, being at peace with herself, still as vivacious as ever and happy till the last day but only if she had known better, she would be alive spreading the word of awareness!

 Make no mistake esteemed readers...tell someone to tell someone else, who must tell more people that, prevention is better than cure for cancer otherwise,"EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES"! The above story is a fictional illustration of how Mrs. Imafidon got it all wrong but the most important lesson today is, how you must not. Every cancer death is one too many, so we must all join hands and lend our voices to spreading the message. Look out for recent statistical infographics and preventive measures in the next article.

 By: Dr. Wisdom Aziegbe















https://twitter.com/wisibord (@wisibord) is a Nigerian Medical Doctor with interests in Cardiology and Psychiatry. He loves writing medical fiction for Health Promotion purposes in his free time.

SPONSORED: Pink October Breast Screening At Warri, Nigeria- Why You Should Be Part Of It



As part of activities lined up to conclude the Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, The Coastal and Marine Areas Development Initiative (CMADI) in Partnership with Kaizen Pharmacy is organising a "Breast Screening" Event in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria - details as stated in the poster above. The event is ably sponsored by: The Yali Network; New Warri and Dr. Kevwe's Blog. You can also be a sponsor and this  why.....↓
In developing nations like Nigeria, one of the major causes of continuous increased rate of disease is due to lack of adequate knowledge concerning such ailment. 

Today, in our Nigerian setting, some women are yet to hear the words "breast and cervical cancer". Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women worldwide, while breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting and causing deaths among women in the world; even in Nigeria. 

In Nigeria, breast cancer has been recorded as the most common cancer in the female and a principal course of death in women. In the North-Western geopolitical zone of Nigeria, cancer of the breast was second to cancer of the cervix, while in the South-Western geopolitical zone of Nigeria, it was the most common cancer among women



It is said that regular self, clinical and mammography examination of the breast can help with early detection of cancer in women who do not show any symptoms, therefore reducing the rate of women having breast cancer and also reduces the deaths relating to breast cancer. 

Early detection and management of breast cancer have been linked to better outcomes in many developed countries but in Nigeria, most women affected present themselves late for treatment. This is when things have become really worse and it's a life and death issue. It is found that this happens as a result of poor knowledge and laid-back  attitude among women concerning breast cancer. We know this is due to poor education or misinformation available to the general population and the women in particular.

The idea that, "disease no dey kill African man" and "God forbid, cancer is not my portion" plays a significant role in the attitude and reception of the information regarding cancer among the people especially women. 

As a woman, there are risk factors (potential harm) that can lead to developing breast cancer. Some of these potential harm is either natural or you put yourself at risk through some lifestyle behaviours.

These risk factors include:
1. Being a woman (obviously you cannot change that or blame yourself for being a woman)

2. Increasing age (as you get older, the risk gets higher)

3.  family history of first-degree relative with breast cancer

4. previous breast cancers or lumps

5. early start of menstruation; perhaps below  12 years of age

6. first childbirth after 30 years of age

7. late menopause i.e. when you finally stop seeing your period as a woman say at 55 years. 

If you want to learn more about breast cancer and also get an opportunity to be screened for free; there is an event in Warri, Delta State. 
Register now for a free breast screening.

ANNOUNCER: 

Dr. Weyinmi Orighoye (Dr Weyoms)


Dr Weyinmi Orighoye (Dr Weyoms) is a Paediatrician, Community Development Worker and Women Health Advocate. She enjoys simplifying health matters for African women and children with the use of social media. 
She is the Initiator of The Community Girl Project under Coastal and Marine Areas Development Initiative in Warri, Delta State. The project provides girls in suburban and rural communities with tools to make positive life choices in the areas of health, education, environment and wellbeing.

She has a passion for research. She is currently a Post-Graduate Research Student at the Leeds Beckett University, United Kingdom.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Tales Of A British Survivor - POEM

This Breast Cancer awareness month, we bring you the breathe taking tales of how a British Nurse with over 30 years of working experience remembers her ordeal. Having been described by The World Health Organisation as the most frequent cancer amongst women, impacting 2.1million each year with an estimate of 627,000 deaths in 2018 thus far, only a survivor can truly explain the horrible feeling experienced during the period of travail and this poem by Rachel McMacrone captures it all. I couldn't help sharing it with you all, after getting her express consent.


I can feel you looking,
I know your eyes are there,
You are looking for an opening,
I can tell you want your share.

 Seven years have gone,
Since I stared you in the eye,
Just needed to remind you,
It's not my time to die.

 But once seen, you are not forgotten,
I feel your breath upon my back,
I've seen the ones you have taken,
I know you are keeping track.

 I will never know again,
How to live without you by,
You lurk around the corners,
You don't even have to try.

 I know someday that you will smile,
And you will think you've won,
I shall lay upon that day,
Broken, diseased and done.

 Today is not that day though,
I do not see you here,
And you no longer scare me,
I cannot live with fear.


By: Rachael McCrone

 British Registered Nurse & Breast Cancer Survivor

 REFERENCE:
* WHO|Breast Cancer

October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month:Why Do Victims Wait Till It Is Too Late?What You Should Know

This October like every other previous one is "Breast Cancer Awareness Month" but unlike others, this particular month floods my heart with grief from the loss of a friend and all I can think about with regards to this matter is the very pressing but unanswered question- Why do majority of victims wait till it is too late? "I'm not feeling too well Kevwe but I am believing God for a miracle", she told me. "What is the issue?", I asked with the voice of one eager to help;"I'll rather not discuss it but you will know in due time". These were her last words to me over a phone called I placed with the intention of inviting her to a planned University Class mini-reunion. Little did I know that, those words would be her last to me or any other friend/classmate we shared in common. She was barely over 35 years of age but it was far gone and it was breast cancer. How did my friend or the many other fallen victims get to that point of no return? If the answer is lack of awareness, then this month has been set aside to ensure that moving forwards, adequate information is circulated all around the world to prevent other ladies or even men from dying as a result of Breast Cancer.

If you still don't know, breast cancer is the uncontrolled multiplication of cells in the breast or abnormal growth of breast tissue. It is said to be the most common cancer in women and the number three cause of cancer deaths amongst women worldwide. The various types depend on what part of the breast is being affected. For reasons not very well understood by Medical Scientists yet, just like every other cancer, some of the cells that make up the affected part of the breast tissue just lose their normal programming and uncontrollably go haywire, even spreading to other parts of the body to cause havoc - in advanced cases. In the mist of all the frustration, Scientists have identified risk factors to include: a family history of breast cancer/genetic predisposition; alcohol abuse; obesity/ morbid over weight; tobacco smoking; the use of combined contraceptive medications; old age; early onset of menstruation and late onset of menopause; radiation therapy for other chest conditions etc. Even women who choose not to breast feed after child birth have been identified as having a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Whilst there is nothing anyone can do about some of these risk factors but to be on the lookout vigilantly, luckily there's a lot that can be done about others (modifiable risk factors). Before we enumerate these preventive measures, permit me to however touch on what  the symptoms/ red flag signs are that indicate the need for quick action to be taken towards early diagnosis of perhaps pre-cancerous or even cancerous lesions and prompt treatment in the early stages.
Normal Breast tissue - 👀: free vector images
"Doctor, first I thought the nipple discharge was normal but then I began to notice that the particular breast was growing bigger from the growth of what felt like a seed(lump) with my changing skin beginning to drag the nipple to one side". "I noticed something like a pimple on my breast so I pierced and squeezed it out but it is refusing to heal and now I have swellings in my armpit; well my attempts at weight loss are beginning to pay off very well so I'll take that as a consolation- 20 kg/ approximately 3 stones in one month, fantastic". "I hate to visit the hospital, so I'll just pray, try to eat healthy, drink alkaline water and I'm sure my breast will spontaneously return to normal". If you know anyone in this shoe, tell them to visit their primary healthcare provider as a matter of urgency. You are making a big mistake. Your breast might only get worse. Anyone presenting with these symptoms are showing classical red flags for breast cancer. Might not be eventually until proven otherwise but whatever it is, best to sort it out medically sooner than "as soon as possible. Any life lost is one too many.

👀: slideshare.net
Just like with any other cancer or avoidable disease condition, PREVENTION IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN CURE! In this regard, life saving prevention strategies will include but are not limited to:

  • tobacco smoking cessation 
  • drastic reduction of alcohol intake to the medically accepted limits per week and well spaced out....
  • eating a healthy diet and leading an active life with compulsory periods of exercise
  • avoiding unnecessary use of implicated contraceptives or Hormone Replacement Therapy; if possible...
  • considering to breast feed as much as possible instead of breast preservation and substitution with formula feeds...
  • having an annual mammogram (special imaging) of your breast done for those over 50...
  • and very importantly, making it a habit to do your self-breast examination as illustrated below... so on and so forth


Breast Self Examination- 👀: Royalty Free

You can access more information from the references below and from other sources as well.  Take advantage of the month and get adequately informed. Whatever you choose to do moving forwards, never forget that.....↓↓↓.

Do well to keep a tab with us but most importantly, never lose sight of your wellness goals. Health is certainly wealth....all day,everyday. Cheers.

 REFERENCES:
* CDC|What Is Breast Cancer

* NHS|Breast Cancer In Women

* UICC|Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2018

Senator John McCain Dies From Brain Tumor


Senator John McCain's long battle with brain cancer ended on Saturday, with his office announcing he passed away at 4:28 pm at his home in Arizona.

His family had announced Friday that McCain was no longer receiving treatment for glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive of brain tumors.

The 81-year-old Republican Arizona senator and hero of the Vietnam War had been undergoing treatment for the glioblastoma since July of 2017, The New York Times reported.

"Last summer, Senator John McCain shared with Americans the news our family already knew: He had been diagnosed with an aggressive glioblastoma, and the prognosis was serious," his family said in a statement on Friday. "In the year since, John has surpassed expectations for his survival. But the progress of disease and the inexorable advance of age render their verdict. With his usual strength of will, he has now chosen to discontinue medical treatment."

One brain cancer expert who's not involved in McCain's care outlined the senator's likely condition in his last days.

"If there is any silver lining in this cloud, it is that patients who die from [glioblastoma] rarely have severe pain," said Dr. Michael Schulder, who helps direct neurosurgery at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, N.Y. "They gradually become less alert and most often die from pneumonia or sometimes from the direct effect of increased pressure on the brain. Palliative care can alleviate any discomfort that patients do feel."

McCain had been largely absent from Congress and Washington, D.C., since December, and sources told the Times that his family had gathered in Arizona, anticipating that death might be near.

His illness had't stopped McCain from being a political force, however. Earlier this year he criticized President Donald Trump after a summit meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, for example.

McCain is the son and grandson of four-star Navy admirals and as a soldier spent five years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. Over the past few decades he charted a swift rise in politics, both as Arizona senator and as the 2008 Republican nominee for the Presidency against Barack Obama.

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), glioblastomas "are the fastest growing" of a subcategory of brain tumor known as gliomas. "These tumors make up more than half of all gliomas and are the most common malignant brain tumors in adults."

Each year, almost 24,000 Americans will be diagnosed with a brain or spinal cord tumor, and nearly 17,000 die from these tumors each year, the ACS said.

Schulder explained that "the course of glioblastoma progression is very different from patient to patient. Based on the tumor biology, some patients succumb to the disease within months, most live between one and two years, and some live for many years in good condition after diagnosis and treatment."

More information

There's more on brain tumors at the U.S. National Cancer Institute.