Prostate cancer is a disease found in men that develops in the prostate gland. 

One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS), with older men more likely to develop the disease. 

Prostate cancer is second only to skin cancer as the most common cancer diagnosed in men, according to the source. 

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Symptoms of prostate cancer are typically very minimal, or not experienced at all. 

Below is all you need to know about prostate cancer.

Any type of cancer starts when cells grow out of control in certain parts of the body. 

Nearly every part of the body can be affected by cancerous cells, and they can then spread to other areas. 

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Prostate cancer is a type of cancer found in men that begins in the prostate gland and can then grow beyond that in more severe cases. 

"The most common symptom is no symptom at all," Dr. Christopher Anderson, a urologist with New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, previously told Fox News Digital in 2017.

Some men may experience symptoms such as pain in their bones and weight loss when the cancer has already spread, Anderson said.

Dr. Philip Kantoff, a medical oncologist and chair of the department of medicine at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, reiterated that the disease does not typically cause symptoms. 

Symptoms could instead be due to an enlarged or inflamed prostate, neither of which are cancerous.

Dr. Ketan Badani, vice chairman of urology at Mount Sinai Health System, said that "some patients may have vague urinary complaints," like having to urinate more frequently, and that there are no symptoms until the disease is advanced. 

The majority of men who have urinary issues do not have prostate cancer, he noted.

Men ages 60 to 74 are considered more at risk, according to the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program. 

Family history, "especially a first-degree relative like a father or brother" who has been diagnosed, is another concern, Badani added.

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African, Afro-Caribbean, South Asian and Hispanic men are more at risk for "more aggressive" forms of prostate cancer, he said.

For men of African descent, there is an increased risk of both prostate cancer diagnosis and dying from prostate cancer, Anderson said.

There are several lifestyle changes men can implement into their lives to potentially reduce their risk of prostate cancer. This includes maintaining a healthy weight, staying active and having a healthy diet, according to the ACS, such as one including very little red and processed meat and processed foods, but filled with lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. 

Most commonly, prostate cancer is adenocarcinomas, meaning it develops in the gland cells, according to ACS.

There are other types of prostate cancer, according to the source, but these are rare. 

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Other types are small cell carcinoma, neuroendocrine tumors, transitional cell carcinomas and sarcomas.

In general, prostate cancer grows very slowly. 

Many people who have it die from other causes without ever knowing that they had the cancer, according to the ACS.

Prostate cancer is curable, so long as it's diagnosed early enough, according to Mayo Clinic.

Treatment options will depend on the stage of the cancer and the overall health of the individual. For early prostate cancer, immediate treatment may not be needed, per the source. 

More severe cases of cancer are usually treated through radiation or surgery.

"A discussion with your physician is warranted before symptoms occur," Kantoff advised, adding that men should decide with their doctors if a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, which looks at the level of PSA in blood, is right for them.

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Badani recommended that men receive both annual digital rectal exams and PSA tests. Multiple PSA tests over time are a better indicator of potential concerns as opposed to a single test result, he explained.

If you are concerned you might have prostate cancer, speak to an internal medicine doctor or a urologist, Anderson recommended. He stressed that all patients with blood in their urine should see a urologist.

PSA screening has been a controversial topic in the past. In 2012, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommended against PSA screening when it said "there is moderate certainty that the benefits of PSA-based screening for prostate cancer do not outweigh the harms." 

In 2018, the task force said in its final recommendation that men ages 55 to 69 should discuss potential benefits and negatives of a PSA screening with their physician before undergoing the test. 

While a PSA screening has the potential to reduce the risk of death, negatives listed by the task force include "false-positive results that require additional testing and possible prostate biopsy; overdiagnosis and overtreatment; and treatment complications, such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction."

They do not recommend PSA screening in men ages 70 and above.

"Proper use of PSA is what I recommend from an early detection standpoint," Kantoff said.

Symptoms should not be the motivating factor for screening, he said, saying it should instead be a decision in one’s 40s about whether PSA testing should be done. He recommended that those with a family history or people of African American descent think about early detection.

An analysis of previous clinical trials published in 2017 said screening lessened the risk of dying from prostate cancer by 25 to 32% compared to men who did not get screened, a summary for patients explains online. 

The Associated Press contributed reporting, as did Andy Sahadeo and Zoe Szathmary. 

Influenza viruses are constantly changing; for this reason, every year, the composition of influenza vaccines is reviewed in the United States and updated as necessary to match as best as possible with the viruses, which, according to research, will be the most circulating in the season that is starting.

A detail
Dr. Jhan Gonzalez, a pulmonologist, indicates that the suggestions regarding the annual vaccination against influenza have some modifications, such as, for example, a change in the vaccination recommendations for people with egg allergy.

The specialist explains that the timing of influenza vaccination has not been modified; September and October are the best months for most people to get vaccinated. Vaccination is not recommended in July and August in most cases, but there are some considerations for certain groups of people in July and August.

Over 65 and pregnant women
For adults (especially those 65 years and older) and pregnant women in their first or second trimester, vaccination should be avoided in July and August unless they are not likely to be vaccinated in September or October.

Pregnant women in their third trimester can be vaccinated in July or August to ensure that their babies are protected against influenza at birth.

Children
Children who need two doses of influenza vaccine should receive their first dose as soon as it becomes available. The second dose should be given at least four weeks after the first dose. Vaccination in July or August may be considered for children who have medical appointments in these months if there will not be another opportunity. The physician from Centros de Diagnóstico y Medicina Avanzada y Telemedicina (CEDIMAT) assures that vaccination is still recommended as long as there is circulation of influenza viruses that pose a risk. In some seasons, this period may extend until the end of May or June. Gonzalez points out that the effectiveness of the influenza vaccine may depend in part on the coincidence between the vaccine’s viruses and those circulating.

Estimates
According to preliminary estimates, last season, people vaccinated against this disease had between 40% and 70% less risk of hospitalization due to influenza or its associated complications.

People with egg allergy
The significant change in influenza vaccination recommendations for 2023-2024 relates to administering the vaccine to egg-allergic persons. The physician says most current vaccines are still produced with an egg protein culture process and, therefore, contain a small amount of egg proteins, such as ovalbumin.

Recommendation
The CDC advises that the best way to reduce your risk of seasonal influenza and its potentially serious complications is to get vaccinated every year, this October.

The Barbados Childhood Obesity Prevention Coalition (B-COP Coalition) continues its drive to prioritising children’s health. This time, it has donated 120 healthy hampers, filled with nutritious snacks for a week.

The recent implementation of the national school nutrition policy by the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training in April has sparked national attention and debate regarding access to affordable healthy food. B-COP Coalition, a leading advocate for this policy, has partnered with key sponsors to ensure these hampers are available, recognising that the back-to-school period can be both busy and costly for parents and guardians.

Dr Kia Lewis, the outgoing Chairperson of the B-COP Coalition, said: “In light of the new National School Nutrition Policy, the Coalition is very happy to roll out this Healthy Hamper: Back to School Edition, which is both healthy and cost-effective. We are targeting children in our childrens’ homes, at-risk youth, and our children in the Yute Gym of the Heart & Stroke Foundation.”

Dr Lewis further explained the initiative’s purpose, saying: “With this drive we wanted to show parents that it is possible to eat healthy on a budget. We know our schools have at least three water days, so the hampers have at least three bottles of water, an even cheaper way would be to buy a water bottle, you will also see several fruits in the hampers, given schools will be having two fruit days. Also, we have packed snacks as well, these are very reasonably priced and they would be compliant to the Alternative Snack and Beverage list, which shows the list of products on the market, which can be bought and given to our children for school.

“We are excited to launch this initiative and hope it assists Barbadian parents in making healthy choices for their children during school hours.”

This marks the B-COP Coalition’s second hamper drive, with the first taking place in 2020 during the COVID-19 Pandemic, targeting Barbadians with Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) who were more susceptible to the virus.

Several partners and sponsors made this initiative possible, including Signia Globe, Supreme Distributors, Guardian General, and the Church of the Latter Day Saints in Rendevous, where the hamper packing took place.

Marketing Officer of Signia Globe Richelle Lucas, commented: “We got a request and it was absolutely a no brainer for us to join with the Coalition. We know people think it is expensive to eat healthily, so we want to thank the Coalition for using these excellent examples of fruit and water. We are not saying that there are no snacks, yes there is a snack in the hampers but moderation is the key. Additionally, being able to work with the Heart and Stroke Foundation and get our children active and getting them active from young, so it sticks with them is important.” We are very happy to partner along with the Coalition and the other sponsors who have jumped on board for this worthy cause.

Meanwhile, Rhiyad Juman of Supreme Distributors said his firm was happy to give back to the community “by providing our 100 per cent natural Juices, our Fan juices and our Crystal Waters in order to provide for those children who may not know about the healthy options in Barbados. We are happy to help those who need the help” .

Expressing gratitude to the sponsors and partners for the initiative, Dr Lewis said: “We encourage corporate Barbados and other service groups to join us in supporting less fortunate children and fellow Barbadians as we collectively work towards a healthier way of life,’ she said. (PR)

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By Anesta Henry

Style met substance on Friday, as young males and the young at heart descended on the corner of Villa Road and Warner’s Road, Brittons Hill, for a fresh haircut and a healthy perspective on life. 

Amid the celebration of style and camaraderie, there was a poignant reminder of the ongoing prevalence of HIV/AIDS in society.

Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Kirk Humphrey, took centre stage at the annual “Man Aware (Free Haircuts)” event. With his own close-cropped coiffure setting the tone, made an impassioned appeal to citizens to embrace safe sexual practices as a way of life. As he stood at a popular community junction, his message echoed: “HIV is still very real. It is still very prevalent.”

The event attracted children to get a fresh trim for back to school. But beyond the cool haircuts, it was a chance to interact with professionals who shared age-appropriate information about HIV/AIDS. It was a unique opportunity for the younger generation to learn about responsible living in a fun and engaging way.

While the Ministry of Health and Wellness is yet to reveal the latest statistics on Barbados’ HIV/AIDS prevalence, Humphrey said the Ministry of People Empowerment was playing its role as it relates to educating Barbadians about the importance of engaging in healthy sexual practices.

He said: “The numbers we have are from 2020. But I do think that regardless of the numbers, the truth is that it is clear to me that we have to be able to engage in sexual practices that are healthy.

“I think that a lot of people think that HIV is no longer there, and a lot of people are behaving as if HIV is no longer real. In many cases, because of the medication that you now have, it has gone from being a life-depriving illness to almost a chronic illness; it is still very prevalent.”

Encouraging Barbadians to get tested to know their HIV/AIDS status,  Humphrey suggested that a person who knows they have a clean bill of health would refrain from engaging in unhealthy sexual practices.

People who have tested positive for HIV/AIDS would be aware that they must make the move to access medication, he added.

The Man Aware event went beyond haircuts by offering health check-ups, including blood pressure and sugar level assessments, in partnership with the Livewell Clinic. Humphrey highlighted the significance of these tests, emphasising that early detection can prevent life-altering non-communicable diseases.

“We are also working with the Livewell Clinic to be able to do health checks so that people can get their blood pressure checks and their sugar level checks to see if they are pre-diabetic or diabetic. This health check is one of the things that I think is going to be very important for the ministry.

“I think it is very important because a number of Barbadians are dealing with non-communicable issues, some of them becoming life-depriving in circumstances where they could be avoided if we get early testing and if we continue to do the things we are supposed to do, like eat right and make healthy choices. So, I want to thank the HIV/AIDS Commission for this work. I want to thank them for their constant advocacy, but I also feel like the time has come for Barbadians to recognise that the health choices we make in terms of what we eat also have consequences.”

The “Man Aware (Free Haircuts)” event, a blend of fashion and substance, continues to make its mark – one stylish haircut at a time – on Saturday at the Child Care Board, Cheapside, The City. 

anestahenry@barbadostoday.bb

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Again, the Hugo Mendoza pediatric hospital had an admission of 92 children under 15 years of age, and the Robert Reid Cabral hospital had 65 admitted. This is happening while the flow through the emergencies is being maintained.

Dr. Yocasta Lara, director of the National Health Service hospital network, offered the information. She assures that most of the provinces are without admissions. As the authorities call it, the epidemic is concentrated in Greater Santo Domingo, the National District, La Vega, Santiago, and Barahona.

The Marcelino Velez hospital yesterday had 17 patients admitted for dengue fever, the Jacinto Mañon, 07,5, and the Arturo Grullon hospital in Santiago had 18 patients admitted.

Situation
More than 7,000 cases of the disease have been registered in the country, but a high underreporting suggests a higher number of people affected. Authorities are investigating ten deaths due to dengue, and six have been confirmed. The population is urged to avoid mosquito breeding sites.

The disease
Dengue is a viral disease transmitted by the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito.

The mosquito lays its eggs, which develop into larvae and reproduce. Entomologists study its behavior.

This is an epidemic year, so authorities have called the population to avoid mosquito breeding sites. They are asking people to clean gardens and areas with trees.

This week, Dr. Eladio Perez, Vice Minister of Collective Health, said that the indicators in the country remain well below those of other countries in the Americas region, thanks to the interventions being carried out.

He also presented the behavior of dengue to the 35th Epidemiological Week, where he detailed that currently, 3,123 cases were reported as suspected, and in the last week, they reported 1,093 six deaths.

President of the Barbados Alzheimer’s Association Pamelia Brereton has suggested that Barbadians need to be more proactive and vigilant when placing their elderly family members in senior citizens’ homes.

Noting that she has received complaints from some people about bad treatment of their elderly relatives at nursing homes, Brereton said relatives had a responsibility to check out these facilities before admission and to check on their family members often after they got in.

“Check out the care home properly; don’t just decide to drop mom or dad off at any old care home. You have the right to check to make sure that the facility or institution is going to be able to provide the care that you are paying for,” she said at the Alzheimer’s Month seminar at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre (LESC) on Wednesday.

“A lot of people would call me sometimes and say, ‘I put them there, but yet they are not doing this, or they are not doing that’. But sometimes, I want to remind you, that is your fault because if you are putting someone in a care home and sometimes you are only going to visit that person once or twice a week or sometimes never, you expect them to get the care that you want them to get? So it’s important to make sure that when you put mom or dad in a home, you visit.”

Brereton said it was important for families caring for persons diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia to know what resources are available to them. Additionally, she said, caregivers should let their neighbours and people in their communities know if someone living in their household has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

“Don’t be afraid, don’t be shy, don’t hide it. I always say that people tend to hide their diseases, but in the end, you can’t hide death. So cut that out and start facing reality. Friends need to know; health facilities need to know; our polyclinics need to know; the hospitals need to know; the nursing homes need to know; the National Assistance Board, the Welfare Department, all these people need to know. 

“Family members also need to realise that . . . they will need a break; they will need some home help – a good daycare – for persons they are caring for; they would need trained personnel. Some people with Alzheimer’s go through seven stages, and we need to be aware of how the disease unfolds, which will help persons who are caregivers,” Brereton said.

She shared that dementia is now an epidemic worldwide, with 55 million people affected and experts predicting that number will increase to 155 million by 2050.

“The region itself has about 328 000, and by 2050 that is going to triple. More doctors will be needed and more nurses will be needed. This is one of the most heartbreaking diseases that I have ever witnessed,” she said.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Jehu Wiltshire highlighted the reality that the older people live, the greater their chance of developing dementia.

He said this was the reason behind the Government’s commitment to providing the necessary resources to meet the needs of an ageing population. 

(AH)

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View the full post Sandals Foundation and Great Shape! Inc. surpass 1,000 Smiles Target on NOW Grenada.

A name synonymous with children’s health in Barbados for more than three decades is now attached to the post of chairperson of the Barbados Childhood Obesity Prevention Coalition (BCOP Coalition).

Professor Anne St John, a consultant paediatrician, children’s health advocate, and the lead policy champion for the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Barbados (HSFB) and the BCOP Coalition, will be at the helm of the organisation for the 2023-2024 period.

She was elected at a BCOP Coalition Workshop last Wednesday.

“I am humbled to have been elected to the position of Chair of the BCOP Coalition, being quite aware that it carries a tremendous sense of purpose, with high expectations towards the accomplishment of the goals set by the organisation in relation to healthy nutrition and lifestyles, especially related to children of the nation,” Professor St John said after her election.

The BCOP Coalition has a membership of 30 civil society organisations, in addition to individual members and youth advocates, all with the singular goal of advocating for the suite of policies identified by the World Health Organisation to decrease the alarming levels of childhood obesity in countries like Barbados. About 31 per cent of children in Barbados are obese or overweight.

BCOP Coalition pointed out that Professor St John has been a very hands-on advocate and champion for childhood obesity prevention from the beginning of the Childhood Obesity Prevention Project in 2018, sensitising policymakers, parents, children, principals, teachers and staff at various schools around the island. 

It added that especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, her voice and reasoning became linked to the School Nutrition Policy which has generated much interest across Barbados. 

Now, looking forward to the implementation of other evidence-based policies like the use of octagonal front-of-package warning labels, which can simultaneously assist in reducing the levels of childhood obesity in Barbados, she said: “The right to know what are the ingredients in what we consume goes hand in hand with the adaptation, intervention and use of octagonal front-of-package warning labels (O-FOPWL) on consumables, assisting consumers in making healthy choices of food and drink.”

Programme Manager of the Childhood Obesity Prevention Project for HSFB Francine Charles said it was an honour for the BCOP Coalition to be led by one of the most ardent voices for children’s health in Barbados.

She said Professor St John “has a passion and a voice to ensure children in Barbados have optimal health and we have watched her advocate effectively to every possible audience, so we are heartened to work with her as chair of the Coalition”. (PR)

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Black Knight Bikers and other bikers in Barbados joined forces on the weekend to assist Joann Hall, a social worker at the Ministry of Education, as she continues her battle with rheumatoid arthritis which has already caused her to have knee replacement and be under medication for pain relief.

The group of bikers joined a charity walk that began at Esso in Paynes Bay, St James and ended at Folkestone Marine Park in the same parish, where they socialised with other people who walked in honour of Hall.

She has dedicated 20-plus years of her life to ensuring that children under her charge receive the best level of education possible.

President of the Black Knight Bikers Fabian Reeves said club members were pleased to lend support to the initiative, noting that when Hall was fully on her feet, she worked with various agencies to get financial support and placement for children at schools that cater to their learning styles, and advocated for abused and underprivileged students.

“When we heard of this walk, we immediately said this is something we need to affiliate ourselves with since we value the work of people in the education system who advocate for children who are abused, especially if they are bullied,” Reeves said.

Vice president of the bikers group, Kevin Wickham echoed those sentiments and said he wanted to see more charities give back to causes like this.

In accepting the monetary donation from the bikers, Hall said because the condition has now affected her hip, she needs to raise as much money as she can to assist with surgery. Her initial target is $50 000. (PR)

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Caribbean Wellness Day 2023 will be commemorated with a month-long celebration under the overall theme for the 5 year period, “Power Through Collective Action”

View the full post Caribbean Wellness Day 2023 on NOW Grenada.