MUSC Hollings Cancer Center’s Post

🎉I’ve “survived” cancer… now what? 🔥Empowering patients (especially pediatric patients and their parents) are what I thrive to do. Many children are now “surviving” cancer, but we need to get them and their families to the point of thriving post-treatment. The current treatments may be increasing survival outcomes for some childhood cancers, but are we truly allowing for quality years of life free of long-term effects? Here’s how I personally believe we give children AND their families opportunities to thrive during and post-treatment. 🧠Mindfulness, meditation, and talking to a mental health professional. 🥩🥚🥦 Nutrition. 🏃🧘♀️Exercise. 🏔️🏖️Nature. Just as chemotherapy, radiation, surgery is part of “standard of care.” The same should be true about physicians prescribing nutrition, exercise, nature, mindfulness, meditation, and the list goes on. 💫I’m by no means a physician or medical provider, but I have anecdotally made the changes in long-term survivorship to focus on metabolic health. The changes have allowed me to live a life minimizing the laundry list of side effects I deal alongside. ☀️As someone who was given less than a 50% of living, feels amazing to be alive 13.5 years later. Remember you are beautiful. Thriving starts with YOU❤️ #smilesmaketheworldgoround #cancer #nationalcancersurvivormonth #metabolichealth #nutrition #grow Penn State Health Cancer Today magazine National Cancer Institute (NCI) NMDP

1 in 5 people who are newly diagnosed with cancer will be diagnosed with a rare type of cancer. Professor Michael Seckl is a consultant oncologist at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, director of our national Gestational Trophoblastic Disease Service, and the lead for our germ cell tumour service. He is also a Professor of Molecular Cancer Medicine at Imperial College London. He told us, “Gestational trophoblastic diseases occur during or following pregnancy. People often assume that molar pregnancies (a type of GTD) are not that uncommon because they affect between one and three of every 1,000 pregnancies. But the cancers associated with these pregnancies are rare and terribly important to identify because, if caught early, we can achieve a 100 per cent cure rate in the UK. Our Gestational Trophoblastic Disease Service, based at Charing Cross Hospital, is one of only two hospitals in the UK designated to treat GTD. Today, our survival figures for patients with advanced gestational trophoblastic cancers are now close to 100 per cent, having previously been 85 per cent in 1995. We have also shown that women who have twin pregnancies – where one baby is healthy and the other is a molar pregnancy – can be allowed to progress with careful monitoring. About 51 per cent now result in healthy babies.” Read Michael’s blog ➡️ https://lnkd.in/ef4x4bj2 #RareDiseasesDay #Cancer #RareCancers NHS England NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research) NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: Let’s Raise Awareness Together Childhood cancer is often difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are subtle and can easily be mistaken for other common illnesses. However, cancer in children is potentially curable, especially when caught early. To ensure the best outcomes, we must all work together to recognize the signs and take action. Here are a few important points to keep in mind: 👶 Symptoms are subtle: Early signs of childhood cancer, such as fatigue, persistent fevers, or unexplained weight loss, can be attributed to many other illnesses. However, it's crucial to keep an open mind and consult a specialist if these symptoms persist. 👶 Potentially curable: Unlike many adult cancers, childhood cancers have a higher chance of being cured when detected and treated in time. Advances in medical technology and treatment options offer hope to many families. 👶 The role of caregivers and physicians: Parents, teachers, guardians, extended family members, and primary caregivers all play an essential role in spotting the signs early. Their vigilance can make all the difference in detecting cancer early and ensuring quick intervention. 👶 Early investigation: If there's even a slight suspicion, it’s better to investigate early. Timely action can significantly improve recovery rates and overall outcomes. Early detection is the key to successfully treating childhood cancer. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and work together to ensure the best care for our children. #ChildhoodCancerAwareness #EarlyDetectionSavesLives #VigilanceIsKey #HopeForHealing #PediatricCare #CansurVive #TumorTamer #Oncology #Cancer #DrRajeeVijayakumar #PediatricCancer

1 in 5 people who are newly diagnosed with cancer will be diagnosed with a rare type of cancer. Professor Michael Seckl is a consultant oncologist at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, director of our national Gestational Trophoblastic Disease Service, and the lead for our germ cell tumour service. He is also a Professor of Molecular Cancer Medicine at Imperial College London. He told us, “Gestational trophoblastic diseases occur during or following pregnancy. People often assume that molar pregnancies (a type of GTD) are not that uncommon because they affect between one and three of every 1,000 pregnancies. But the cancers associated with these pregnancies are rare and terribly important to identify because, if caught early, we can achieve a 100 per cent cure rate in the UK. Our Gestational Trophoblastic Disease Service, based at Charing Cross Hospital, is one of only two hospitals in the UK designated to treat GTD. Today, our survival figures for patients with advanced gestational trophoblastic cancers are now close to 100 per cent, having previously been 85 per cent in 1995. We have also shown that women who have twin pregnancies – where one baby is healthy and the other is a molar pregnancy – can be allowed to progress with careful monitoring. About 51 per cent now result in healthy babies.” Read Michael’s blog ➡️ https://lnkd.in/ef4x4bj2 #RareDiseasesDay #Cancer #RareCancers NHS England NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research) NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre

Around 1 in 7 women are diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime, and detecting it at an early stage helps give people the best chance of successful treatment. The task - if you have female loved ones aged 50-70, ask them if they've attended their breast screening appointments. A great opportunity for a loving, supportive conversation. NHS England just published figures - in 2022-23, a total of 1.93 million women aged 50 to 70 (64.6%) attended screening appointments (within six months of invitation) out of the 2.98 million invited to book a check-up – an increase in uptake on 2021-22 (62.3%). However 35.4% of women did not attend their appointments following an invitation, increasing to 46.3% of women who were being invited for the first time. https://lnkd.in/eaYGCGN9

Early screening for cervical cancer is a life-saving measure that can ensure health, wellness and quality of life for countless women. Finding cancer early is

𝙊𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙗𝙚𝙧: 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙋𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙈𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙝 October is the Pink Month, a time to spotlight breast cancer and the importance of early detection. But let’s not make this a conversation only for women—men, you’re included too. Breast cancer is one of the leading cancers affecting women, and while it’s less common in men, it’s still possible. Let’s break it down together. Here are some key reminders we should all be aware of: 📌 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 – Every woman should know how to check her breasts regularly. It’s simple, quick, and could make all the difference. Men, although rare, breast cancer can still occur. Pay attention to any unusual lumps or changes in your chest. 📌 𝐎𝐛𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐤𝐞𝐲 – Whether it’s a new lump, swelling, skin dimpling, or anything out of the ordinary, be alert. No change is too small to take seriously. 📌 𝐀𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 – If something feels off, visit your doctor. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and early detection can save your life. Don’t ignore even the slightest change! Prioritizing your health isn’t just about self-exams or doctor visits. It’s about making health checks a routine part of your life. Whether you’re doing it for yourself or encouraging a loved one, we all need to stay proactive. Breast cancer awareness is everyone’s responsibility—let’s act on it. Let’s use our voices and actions to remind those around us to stay vigilant. Share this post with your friends, family, and colleagues. You never know whose life you might impact. Wishing you all a healthy and strong week ahead 🌸 🔴𝗣.𝗦: 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗮 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗲𝘅𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻? 𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝘀𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀. 𝗟𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿! If you’re in need of a health writer to help increase your visibility and create engaging content, I’m just a DM away. Let’s build something amazing together! #DocXplorer #LinkedInNurses #nursing #Linkedln #Breastcancer

🌸 Day 9: The Psychological Impact of Breast Cancer at the Grassroots 🌸 Breast cancer doesn’t just attack the body—it deeply affects the mind and emotions, especially for women in our grassroots communities. Beyond the physical pain of treatments, the emotional toll can be overwhelming. Surgery, for instance, like cutting off one or both breasts (unilateral or bilateral mastectomy) or even a lumpectomy can change how a woman sees herself.The loss of a breast, which is so closely tied to femininity, often leads to depression, body image issues, and in many cases, stigmatization within the community. In rural and underserved areas, this emotional burden can be even heavier. Resources for mental health care are scarce, and support for those battling the mental effects of breast cancer is often missing. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO, 2022) stresses how important psychological care is, especially when dealing with the effects of treatments that change the body. Yet, in many grassroots communities, there’s little to no access to counseling or mental health services, leaving women to face these challenges alone. Here in our communities, breast cancer survivors may experience isolation or rejection, which can lead to intense feelings of shame or depression. As the saying goes, "Heart wey e dey cry no fit heal fast," meaning "A heart that cries cannot heal quickly." This reminds us that emotional well-being is just as critical as physical recovery. We are committed to not only raising awareness about breast cancer but also advocating for mental and emotional support to help women heal fully—both inside and out. By creating safe spaces where breast cancer survivors can share their stories, find peer support, and access counseling, we believe it will reduce the stigma and improve mental health outcomes in our grassroots communities. 💡 True healing comes when we care for both the body and the mind. #PBOHI Reconciliation and Development Association -RADA UICC- Union for International Cancer Control World Health Organization (WHO) Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre Breast Cancer Now

Heart disease affects the lives of women across the globe. While many campaigns exist to bring awareness to breast cancer screening and testing, the truth is heart disease poses a much greater threat to women. On the occasion of #InternationalWomensDay check this #ClinicalView article for more information. #ECG #PatientMonitoring #IWD22

Read Katy’s story & her commitment to ‘Raising Awareness for Early Signs of Ovarian Cancer’ Ovarian cancer is a silent threat, but early detection can save lives. Know the signs, act early. Early Signs to Watch For: - Abdominal Bloating: Persistent bloating or swelling of the abdomen. - Pelvic Pain:Discomfort or pain in the pelvic region. - Eating Difficulties:Feeling full quickly or loss of appetite. - Urinary Symptoms:Urgency or frequency in urination without a clear cause. - Fatigue:Unusual tiredness or lack of energy. - Back Pain: Lower back pain not related to physical activity. - Changes in Bowel Habits: Constipation or diarrhea. - Menstrual Changes: Abnormal bleeding or changes in menstrual cycles. What You Can Do: - Pay Attention: Notice any persistent symptoms and track their frequency. - See a Doctor:If symptoms persist for more than two weeks, consult your healthcare provider and explain your concerns. - Know Your Risk: Family history and genetics can play a role. Discuss your risk factors with your doctor. Spread the Word: - Share Information:Talk to friends and family about the importance of recognising early signs. - Social Media: Use your platforms to educate others, you could start by reposting this to your network. - Support Research:Donate to organisation’s dedicated to ovarian cancer research and support. Your awareness can make a difference. Early detection is key.