As October comes to a close, we recognize that the awareness continues. Somewhere, someone is hearing those words – you have cancer. This month is recognized globally as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, support research, and celebrate survivors. Over the years, significant strides have been made in the fight against breast cancer, leading to improved detection, treatment, and survival rates.
Early detection remains crucial in the battle against breast cancer. Regular mammograms and clinical breast exams can help identify cancer at its earliest stages, when treatment is most effective. Women of all ages, especially those with a family history of breast cancer, should prioritize regular screenings.
While significant progress has been made, disparities in breast cancer rates and outcomes persist among different racial and ethnic groups. It’s essential to address these disparities through targeted outreach, education, and access to quality healthcare.
Breast cancer treatment can be physically and emotionally demanding for both patients and their caregivers. Support groups, counseling services, and community resources can provide invaluable assistance during this challenging time.
Continued research is vital to developing new and improved treatments for breast cancer. By supporting research initiatives, we can help bring hope to millions of people affected by this disease.
Final Word:
Get Screened: Schedule regular mammograms and clinical breast exams.
Know Your Family History: Share your family health history with your doctor.
Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding tobacco use can reduce your risk.
Support Research: Donate to organizations dedicated to breast cancer research.
Raise Awareness: Spread the word about breast cancer prevention and early detection.
Let us continue to work together – we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by breast cancer and move closer to a future without this disease.
Life, it seems, is a relentless teacher. Over the years, the lessons etched into my soul have not come from textbooks, but from the raw experiences of serving within my community. My journey began with a fervent mission – to educate about the importance of early detection through cancer screenings and preventive measures. Countless workshops, community forums, and one-on-one conversations fueled my belief that knowledge was power in the fight against this relentless disease.
Yet, a stark reality emerged. Most encounters were with those already facing the storm, diagnosed with cancer, often at an advanced stage. This realization stung. The very people I aimed to empower were coming in when options dwindled. It ignited a new passion within me – to be the steadfast presence for families navigating the treacherous waters of diagnosis, treatment, and hospitalization.
My role is being the expert, the advocate, the one who deciphered medical jargon and guided through baffling bureaucratic hurdles. Yet, the weight of that role became painfully evident when my brother succumbed to cancer just four weeks and four days after his diagnosis. The feeling of failure, the helplessness, lingers to this day.
But grief, it turned out, was not the endpoint. Instead, it fueled a fierce determination in my approach to my sister, burdened by the same family history. Here, vigilance became my mantra. Early detection, constant monitoring, a proactive approach – these became the cornerstones of our fight. This journey emphasized the importance of empowering patients and families to be active participants in their own healthcare. It is not just about information; it is about ownership, about feeling heard and understood.
Despite advancements in research and treatment, the harsh truth remains – minority communities grapple with disproportionately high cancer mortality rates. This disparity is unacceptable. My voice echoes not only within the community, but also in the halls of research institutions and government offices. I am a bridge between the battlefield of disease and the architects of solutions. I advocate for affordable, accessible healthcare, for increased funding for research, and for a system that truly serves the needs of all.
The lessons continue to unfold. Serving my community isn’t just about offering knowledge or navigating the healthcare system. It’s about advocating for change, for a world where early detection truly empowers, where the advancements in research touch all lives, not just some. This is the fire that burns within me, a fire that compels me to be the voice for those who have not found theirs, a voice echoing in the halls of power and whispering alongside patients as they chart their course.
Today, I would like to share about a topic that may not be the most comfortable, but it’s undeniably important: Colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer.
Cancer, in any form, is a daunting word. But unlike many cancers, colorectal cancer is highly treatable – especially when caught early. Early detection is truly our weapon of choice in this battle.
Let us begin with understanding or at least explaining what colon cancer is. It starts with polyps, small growths that form on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. While most polyps are benign, some can develop into cancer over time. That’s why screening is crucial.
You may be wondering, what does the screening process looks like? There are several effective options, including colonoscopies, stool tests, and sigmoidoscopies. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about the best option for you.
The American Cancer Society recommends starting regular screenings at age 45 for people at average risk. However, certain factors like family history or inflammatory bowel disease may necessitate earlier screenings.
Photo by Tara Winstead
While it doesn’t discriminate, African Americans are more likely to be diagnosed at a younger age and have higher mortality rates. Additionally, people with a family history of the disease are at an increased risk.
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. However, there’s a silver lining. When detected early, the five-year survival rate for colorectal cancer is over 90%. Early detection truly makes a world of difference.
Imagine a loved one – a parent, a sibling, a friend. Early detection could be the difference between saying goodbye and celebrating many more years together.
The Point Is….
Know your risk factors. Talk to your doctor about your family history and any personal health concerns.
Don’t ignore symptoms. While some people may not have any symptoms initially, persistent changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, or rectal bleeding can be red flags.
Schedule your screening. Don’t let fear or embarrassment stand in the way. This simple step could save your life.
Spread the word. Talk to your family and friends about the importance of colorectal cancer awareness and early detection.
We all have a role to play in being vigilant as it relates to our health and well-being. By taking action, by getting screened, we can turn the tide on colorectal cancer. Let’s make every step count – together.
In the grand orchestra of life, their instruments are often silent, their melodies subtle, yet their impact resonates through the ages. They are the caregivers, the quiet warriors who stand beside us, holding hands and whispering encouragement through life’s storms. Today, we raise our voices in appreciation, singing a hymn to their unwavering dedication.
Caregivers are not defined by a title or a profession. They are mothers and fathers, daughters and sons, spouses and friends, neighbors and strangers. They are the lighthouse keepers in the storms of illness, the steady hands guiding through darkness, the unwavering hearts offering solace in despair.
Their days are rarely filled with applause or accolades. They rise before dawn, their bodies heavy with the weight of responsibility, yet their spirits kindled by a love that knows no bounds. They bathe, feed, and comfort, offering not just physical care but also emotional support, a listening ear, and a quiet strength that whispers, “You are not alone.”
Their nights are often fragmented, punctuated by the cries of need, the anxieties of their loved ones mirrored in their own hearts. Yet, they rise again, fueled by an unwavering dedication, their exhaustion a badge of honor worn silently, their love a shield against fatigue.
Caregivers are witnesses to the fragility of life, the bittersweet dance of joy and sorrow. They hold hands with those who walk through the valley of the shadow, their presence a beacon in the darkness, their love a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit.
But caregivers are not just givers; they are also receivers. They receive the love and gratitude that shines through the eyes of their loved ones, the unspoken words that speak volumes of appreciation. They receive the strength that comes from knowing they are making a difference, that they are weaving threads of hope into the lives they touch.
So, today, let us pause and celebrate these unsung heroes. Let us acknowledge the sacrifices they make, the burdens they carry, and the love they pour out so generously. Let us offer our thanks, our support, and our understanding, for they are the silent anchors in our lives, the quiet heroes who remind us of the true meaning of love and compassion.
This hymn is for them, the unsung heroes who walk beside us, reminding us that even in the darkest hours, the human spirit can shine brightly. Thank you, caregivers. You are the light that guides us through life’s journey.
November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, and out comes the bullhorn as I take this opportunity to be a part of the campaign. True to form, like a broken record, I share my very personal experience with the disease. It was summer, August of 2018, three days after his birthday, my brother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Four weeks and four days later, he was gone.
So, what is pancreatic cancer? Pancreatic cancer is a cancer that starts in the pancreas, a gland that produces digestive enzymes and hormones. It is one of the most aggressive and deadly cancers, with a five-year survival rate of just 10%. However, early detection can improve survival rates significantly.
Early Detection
There is no specific screening test for pancreatic cancer, but there are some things that people can do to increase their chances of early detection, such as:
Knowing their risk factors for pancreatic cancer, which include smoking, obesity, and diabetes.
Being aware of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer, such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and back pain.
Seeing a doctor regularly for checkups.
Symptoms
The symptoms of pancreatic cancer can be vague and often mimic other conditions, such as gastritis or pancreatitis. This can make it difficult to diagnose early on. However, some of the most common symptoms of pancreatic cancer include:
Jaundice
Abdominal pain
Unexplained weight loss
Back pain
Nausea and vomiting
Difficulty swallowing
Fatigue
Dark urine
Light-colored stools
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away.
Diagnosis
If a doctor suspects that you may have pancreatic cancer, they will likely order a number of tests, including blood tests, imaging tests, and a biopsy.
Blood tests can check for elevated levels of certain tumor markers, which can be a sign of pancreatic cancer.
Imaging tests, such as CT scans and MRIs, can create pictures of the pancreas and surrounding organs. This can help doctors to locate any tumors and assess their size and location.
A biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed from the pancreas and examined under a microscope for cancer cells.
Treatment Options
The treatment options for pancreatic cancer depend on the stage of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, and their personal preferences. Some of the most common treatment options include:
Surgery is the only curative treatment for pancreatic cancer. However, not all tumors are resectable (meaning that they can be safely removed).
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It can be used before or after surgery, or as a standalone treatment for patients who are not eligible for surgery.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. It can be used before or after surgery, or as a standalone treatment for patients who are not eligible for surgery.
Progress in Research
There has been significant progress in pancreatic cancer research in recent years. For example, scientists have identified new genetic markers that can help to diagnose pancreatic cancer earlier. They have also developed new drugs and treatment strategies that are showing promise in clinical trials.
Targeted therapy drugs target specific molecules that are involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells. This type of therapy is often more effective and has fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy drugs. Furthermore, immunotherapy drugs help the body’s own immune system fight cancer cells. Immunotherapy is a relatively new type of treatment for pancreatic cancer, but it has shown promising results in clinical trials.
Resources for Patients and Families
There are a number of resources available to support patients with pancreatic cancer and their families. Some of these resources include:
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN): PanCAN is a national organization that provides support and information to patients with pancreatic cancer and their families. PanCAN also advocates for increased research funding and awareness of pancreatic cancer https://pancan.org/
American Cancer Society: The American Cancer Society provides a variety of resources to patients with cancer and their families, including information about cancer, treatment options, and support services https://www.cancer.org/
National Institute of Cancer (NCI): The NCI is a division of the National Institutes of Health that provides information and resources about cancer research and prevention https://www.cancer.gov/
Pancreatic cancer is a challenging disease, but there is hope. With early detection and treatment, more and more people are surviving pancreatic cancer. Cheers to the survivors. Prayers of hope for those who are diagnosed and are currently in treatment. Prayers of comfort for the families who have lost a loved one.
SOLUTIONS Cancer Resource Center is proud to announce its partnership with the National Institutes of Health (NIH)’s All of Us Research Program through its Community Advocate Network (CAN).
All of Us is a large research program working to enroll one million or more participants across the U.S., including people and communities who have historically been left out of medical research. The goal is to collect and share data to fuel new insights into human health, thereby accelerating health and medical research that enables individualized prevention, treatment, and care.
Community Advocate Network organizations support All of Us by:
helping advance the overall All of Us mission;
advocating for diversity in biomedical research and describing how All of Us accomplishes that goal;
encouraging enrollment into the program where appropriate within their respective member communities to help create diverse representation in All of Us; and
making investigators aware of opportunities to use All of Us data in their research.
At SOLUTIONS we heartily support the All of Us mission. We are committed to being a strong advocate for under-served communities, focusing on educating and empowering others with information aimed at prevention, early detection and assistance. We also act as a liaison to bridge the communication gap between the doctor and patient. With our participation in supporting All of Us, we are able to bring this important message to members of our community and to ensure individuals have access to this source of empowerment. Learn more about more about All of Us and how you too can support this program at joinallofus.org/NYadvocates
A few days ago, while I was speaking at a conference, I told the attendees that it was time to talk dirty. Cancer disparities remains high, especially within the minority and underserved populations – we have no time to waste. My topic is urgent and I am on a mission to bring cancer awareness to as many people as possible. Therefore, I shared my own journey.
Although I was not 50 years old, I knew that I had to be cautious and diligent as my father had colon cancer. Colon cancer is cancer that is found in the large intestine which is in the lower section of the digestive system. When you hear the term colorectal cancer, it refers to the last few inches of the colon known as the rectal area. Colon cancer on it’s own is mainly found in the upper area of the large intestine.Â
I was prompted to have a colonoscopy after moving my bowels and seeing some blood in the toilet. It was a shocking and scary moment. I had never seen anything like that in my entire bowel life. Needless to say, I had to make some calls. Thank God for cell phones, I took pictures and shared them with my Internist and of course my King (husband/best friend/partner in life). The concern here was that by the time one experiences symptoms of colon cancer, it may present a huge problem.Â
In preparing for the procedure, I took my prescription of Golytely to the pharmacy. In addition, I purchased a 10 oz. bottle of Magnesium Citrate (Lemon Flavor) and a box of Dulcolax. The instructions to prepare for the procedure begins as early as seven days in advance. It is generally advised that one should stop taking any arthritic pain medications, Advil, Motrin and Coumadin, Plavix and other blood thinners – all of which would be discussed with your personal doctor to see if it applies to in your case when preparing for the colonoscopy. There are foods that you should avoid five days prior to the procedure – celery, corn, peas and tomatoes. The day before, you should not eat milk, ice cream, nuts, seeds or raw vegetables.
The Day Before
I enjoyed a light breakfast and a light lunch. I filled the powder mix of the Golytely bottle with water to the 4 liter mark and shook it like a martini mix. At 4:00PM, I took 4 Dulcolax tablets with water and then at 6:00PM it was time to drink up. This was the point of no return, you could only drink clear liquids and nothing at all after midnight except for the Golytely mix as directed. The rest of the evening was not for the faint at heart, it was a thorough cleansing of the digestive system.
The Day is Here
Up early, raring and ready to get it done. I arrived ahead of time and before you know it, I was in and out. My King and I went out for lunch and then home. At times all was normal, we laughed and talked but my mind would wander off into the questions of the results. After a colonoscopy, it is advised that one should take it easy in resuming their meals.
The Results
Off to the doctors two days later for my physical. I was anxious to hear the results of my colonoscopy. Needless to say, I was bracing myself – whatever the results, I will accept it and then I will move accordingly. Here it goes: “The good news is that you were a great read (referring to the colonoscopy), we were able to see everything clearly which is very important. At this statement, I felt myself shifting in the chair, crossing my legs and holding on firmly to the arms of the chair and for some reason, a smile was on my face. I knew there was more to come, seeing that the good news had already been shared. He continued: “We found a polyp, we took it out and sent it to the lab for testing. The results shows that it tested positive for cancer, it was very small and we caught it early.” As it would just happen, I remained calm, my smile still placed on my face as though I felt that all was well. I was alone hearing that I had tested positive for cancer. The smile was my way of soothing myself. My King, my children were all at work. After a thorough review of my results and my health regimen, the physical began. I could not wait to call my King. Should I wait until he gets home? I just couldn’t keep it to myself, I called. I shared the news as calmly and as positive as possible. After all, it was caught early. The King was just as calm and encouraging as expected. Shortly after our conversation, I received an email, it was my King expressing how the news of my results was like a punch. I knew that my children would not be able to handle the news very well but it was important for them to know – family health history is extremely important. This was a NEED to KNOW. My children cried, it’s just unnerving hearing the results. They understood and were relieved to know that it was caught early and now they too have to be on the alert for their own health. Next up calling my siblings.
Background
In many cases there are small polyps that are often benign/noncancerous. In some cases, the polyps develop into colon cancer. There may be few or no symptoms. Fortunately for me, the source of the bleeding was from an internal hemorrhoid. If I could give it a hug and a kiss I would, that hemorrhoid was responsible for the early catch of my cancer. On the other hand, I am still processing the fact that it was positively identified as cancer. Now when I speak on the importance of early detection, I speak from experience.
If you notice any of the following, you may need to call your doctor: *When you notice a change in your bowel habits such as an incomplete bowel movement, constipation, diarrhea or a change in the consistency of your stool *Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool *Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain *Tired or weak *Weight loss without trying
SOLUTIONS Cancer Resource Center, Inc. 