Adventist Health’s Post

World Cancer Day, observed on February 4th every year, stands as a poignant reminder of the global battle against one of the most formidable adversaries humanity faces – cancer. This day serves as a platform to raise awareness, foster understanding, and unite individuals and communities in the fight against this relentless disease. In the face of adversity, the world comes together on World Cancer Day to emphasize the importance of prevention, early detection, and treatment. It is a day to honor the courage of survivors, remember those we have lost, and acknowledge the tireless efforts of healthcare professionals, researchers, and support networks worldwide. This year's theme, "I Am and I Will," echoes the empowering message that every action, no matter how small, contributes to the collective effort in combating cancer. It encourages individuals to take responsibility for their health, support loved ones, and advocate for policies that promote cancer prevention and access to quality care. As we reflect on the progress made in cancer research and treatment, we also recognize the challenges that persist. World Cancer Day serves as a catalyst for renewed commitment to invest in groundbreaking research, innovative therapies, and accessible healthcare for all. It is a day to amplify the voices of those affected by cancer and to ensure that their stories inspire positive change. In the spirit of solidarity, let us join hands globally to raise awareness, dispel myths, and champion a future where cancer is preventable and treatable. On this World Cancer Day, let us affirm our commitment to creating a world where no one has to face the journey of cancer alone. Together, we stand united against cancer, fostering a world filled with hope, resilience, and the unwavering belief that, collectively, we can overcome the challenges posed by this formidable foe.

As many of you know my wife Jackie Acho was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer in February 2020 and until her passing in December 2022 she shared her journey through a series of beautifully written blog posts. The reaction to the blog was very positive and she chose to compile her writing into a draft book before her passing. I am very pleased to share that the book, Cancer Culture: Transforming the Landscape Through Empathy, is being released today (please see below for an overview). She hoped that by sharing her experience she would help others impacted by cancer and we hope this book can be another wonderful part of her legacy. If you'd like to learn more about the book you can find further information here:  www.cancerculturebook.com. The book is available on Amazon at https://lnkd.in/gHFpPCHB and the eBook is available during launch week for $1.99.  All proceeds from book sales will be donated to the Jackie Acho Fund for Empathetic Cancer Care and will be used to support others who are on a cancer journey. Thank you for reading this post and sharing this with people that might benefit from reading the book. With gratitude John Book Overview This book is many things are once. It is a guide to: avoiding cancer; managing side effects and thriving during cancer treatment; complementary treatments that can supplement and make traditional Western treatments more effective; staying sane, alive, and positive during the journey; and facing the end of life with an open, positive frame of mind. How we prevent and treat cancer falls woefully short of what we need as humans. This book is a manifesto on rethinking cancer care to make it more effective and sheds light on how empathy is the compass we need to turn the situation around.

"On this World Cancer Day, February 4th, I stand with my fellow survivors, the brave souls we've lost, and the tireless caregivers who have journeyed through the darkness of cancer alongside us. As a lymphoma survivor, I've felt the cold touch of fear, the warmth of hope, and the bittersweet moments of victory. Today, I want to underscore the critical importance of research funding, public healthcare accessibility, and heightened awareness of cancer symptoms. Research funding is not just an investment in science; it's an investment in human lives. It fuels the discoveries that lead to more effective treatments, and possibly, one day, a cure. Public healthcare plays a pivotal role in providing timely and equitable care to everyone, regardless of their background or financial status. Early detection and symptom awareness can significantly impact outcomes, making education and open conversations about cancer signs crucial. As we reflect on today, let's remember the survivors who embody resilience and hope, honor those who have lost their lives to this relentless disease, and appreciate the caregivers who give their all. Their stories and sacrifices underline the urgent need for a unified fight against cancer. Together, we can strive for a world where cancer no longer steals lives, but where every diagnosis is met with a promise of effective treatment and hope for a future. Let's continue to support research, advocate for comprehensive public healthcare, and educate ourselves and others about the symptoms of cancer. Together, we are stronger."

Let’s Make 2024 Lung Cancer Awareness Year! As November comes to a close and we wrap up Lung Cancer Awareness Month, let’s remember that more than 30,000 Canadians are confronted each with a harsh reality – a diagnosis of lung cancer. Let’s remember that It’s a disease that strikes, not only the body, but also the spirit of thousands of individuals, families, and communities. Let’s remember it’s a disease that doesn’t discriminate. And let’s remember that anyone can be at risk. This month, we came together as a community to generate support and raise awareness about lung cancer, and to address the misconceptions and stigma that continue to stand in the way. But as we leave November, the thousands of Canadians who have been diagnosed this year will continue to need our help – information, support, treatment, and community. That’s why we need to build on the momentum we’ve generated this month and make lung cancer awareness something we celebrate and promote twelve months a year. At Lung Cancer Canada, we’re committed to helping patients, families and caregivers across this country. Everywhere. But we can’t do it alone. Join us, and let’s use every day of the year to advocate for change, to spread awareness, to extend compassion – and to bring hope for a brighter, healthier future. Together, we can make a real difference. To learn more, visit https://bit.ly/40Eilqn.

Webinar for cancer survivors! The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) presents "Reconnecting to Life After Cancer: Permission to Feel," a webinar featuring Kathy Washburn, a certified holistic cancer coach and cancer survivor. In this webinar you will learn about the evolutionary function of both positive and negative emotions, understand that emotions offer data, and begin to practice awareness to empower you to respond—instead of react—to life. As humans, we experience a constant inner stream of thoughts and feelings that serve a purpose—gauge safety and danger and set off reactions to both. Positive and negative emotions are not good or bad. They offer us unique data that we can learn to use in order to live with more ease and joy. Many of us learned to suppress our feelings, needs, and desires in service to others as a way that, at one time in our life, kept us safe, allowed us to cope with our surroundings. As we move through life, these old coping ways become maladaptive. Repression as a behavioral pattern is one of many factors in cancer risk and cancer recovery. Chronically suppressing needs and feelings to accommodate others weakens our immune system leaving us vulnerable to dis-ease. Note: This webinar is life coaching, not therapy, and may not be appropriate for those experiencing significant and persistent emotional challenges. This webinar is presented by NCCS as part of its Cancer Policy and Advocacy Team (CPAT) program. Learn more and join CPAT here: https://lnkd.in/guUSwyYe For more on Kathy Washburn's bio and experience: click link to read more. https://lnkd.in/ghr3kyB9

Embracing Hope and Unity: A Message on World Cancer Day Dear Linked In Network , I hope this Message finds you well. As we approach World Cancer Day on the 4th of February, I find myself reflecting on my own journey as a cancer survivor and the importance of raising awareness within our community. It is with gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose that I share my story with you today. As someone who has faced the challenges of a cancer diagnosis, I understand the profound impact it can have on individuals, families, and the community as a whole. World Cancer Day serves as a poignant reminder of the collective strength and resilience we possess when faced with adversity. My journey has been marked by both struggles and triumphs, and through it all, I have come to realize the power of awareness and support. It is crucial that we, as a community, come together to increase understanding about cancer, dispel myths, and encourage regular screenings for early detection. This World Cancer Day, let us unite in the fight against cancer by: Spreading Awareness: Educate those around you about the importance of early detection, healthy lifestyle choices, and the available support systems for individuals and families affected by cancer. Supporting Each Other: Create a network of compassion within our community. Offer a helping hand, lend a listening ear, and be there for those who are navigating the challenges of a cancer diagnosis. Celebrating Survivorship: Acknowledge and celebrate the stories of triumph within our community. Each survivor's journey is a testament to strength, courage, and the unwavering human spirit. Promoting Healthy Living: Encourage and adopt healthy lifestyle practices that can reduce the risk of cancer. From maintaining a balanced diet to engaging in regular physical activity, these choices can contribute to overall well-being. Let us come together on World Cancer Day to honor those who have faced this formidable foe and to pledge our commitment to creating a community where support, understanding, and awareness prevail. If you or someone you know is currently facing a cancer diagnosis, please know that there is a community of support around you. Reach out, share your story, and let us stand together in solidarity. Thank you for taking the time to read this message. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer. Wishing you all strength, hope, and good health. Warm regards, suman singh [Cancer Survivor]

I2L: MUCH MORE THAN A CANCER PATIENT ADVOCY GROUP Last week was my second participation in #Inspire2Live (I2L) and it felt like I always was there. I find my friends, I knew new friends all with the same vocation. In the world of cancer #patientadvocacy, there shines a beacon of hope and compassion, and that beacon is none other than I2L. This organization, dedicated to empowering and uplifting #cancer patients, embodies the very essence of what it means to stand beside those facing the formidable challenges of this relentless disease. In the face of adversity, I2L stands tall, a steadfast ally to all those whose lives have been touched by cancer. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there exists a network of individuals and advocates who refuse to surrender to despair. I2L is a testament to the unbreakable human spirit, a testament that declares, "We are in this fight together, and together, we shall overcome." Through tireless advocacy, unwavering support, and a commitment to raising awareness, I2L shines a light on the path forward for cancer patients and their families. It serves as a voice for those who may be silenced by their illness, a lifeline for those who may feel adrift, and a source of inspiration for all who are touched by its mission. In the words of Helen Keller, "Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much." I2L exemplifies this truth, rallying individuals and communities to join forces in the battle against cancer. It is a reminder that, no matter how daunting the journey may seem, there is strength in unity, power in knowledge, and solace in the embrace of a compassionate community. As we look to the future, let us draw inspiration from the unwavering dedication of I2L. Let us remember that, even in the face of adversity, we have the capacity to make a profound difference in the lives of those affected by cancer. Together with organizations like I2L, we can aspire to a world where cancer is not just a diagnosis but a chapter in a story of resilience, hope, and triumph. Let us take a moment to honor the warriors who have fought and are still fighting this battle. Their courage inspires us, their stories move us, and their resilience humble us. Today, let's pladge to support every individual facing this battle. Let's work together to ensure that every cancer patient feel supported, every survivor celebrated and every memory honored. Our commitment must be unwavering, our support unconditional, and our effort tireless. In the words of Tennyson: "Although much has been spent, much remains; and if well we do not have now that strength that in the old days moved earth and sky, we are what we are: heroic hearts of equal temper, weakened by time and destiny, stronger in will to strive, search, find and never, NEVER give up".

Webinar for cancer survivors! The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) presents "Reconnecting to Life After Cancer: Permission to Feel," a webinar featuring Kathy Washburn, a certified holistic cancer coach and cancer survivor. In this webinar you will learn about the evolutionary function of both positive and negative emotions, understand that emotions offer data, and begin to practice awareness to empower you to respond—instead of react—to life. As humans, we experience a constant inner stream of thoughts and feelings that serve a purpose—gauge safety and danger and set off reactions to both. Positive and negative emotions are not good or bad. They offer us unique data that we can learn to use in order to live with more ease and joy. Many of us learned to suppress our feelings, needs, and desires in service to others as a way that, at one time in our life, kept us safe, allowed us to cope with our surroundings. As we move through life, these old coping ways become maladaptive. Repression as a behavioral pattern is one of many factors in cancer risk and cancer recovery. Chronically suppressing needs and feelings to accommodate others weakens our immune system leaving us vulnerable to dis-ease. Note: This webinar is life coaching, not therapy, and may not be appropriate for those experiencing significant and persistent emotional challenges. This webinar is presented by NCCS as part of its Cancer Policy and Advocacy Team (CPAT) program. Learn more and join CPAT here: https://lnkd.in/guUSwyYe

A cancer diagnosis is devastating, and far-reaching. For every person given that terrible news, there are others — family, loved ones — dragged into the arena also. Then there are the professionals, the consultants and researchers whose work makes life — and quality of life — possible for those diagnosed. Here, we take a broad look at the different strands to one person’s experience. Recent figures from Breast Cancer Ireland, the country’s leading breast cancer charity, show there are about 950 women in Ireland living with metastatic breast cancer. Metastatic disease occurs when, after the primary cancer has been treated, some rogue cancer cells that lay dormant during initial treatment reactivate and travel to other major organs and thrive. It is the most challenging area from a scientific research and treatment perspective. Although rates of recovery from metastatic breast cancer are lower than for other forms of cancer, the number of women living in Ireland with the disease is steadily growing, and new figures show a substantial increase in survival rates beyond five years of those living with metastatic breast cancer, from 19pc to 32pc. Ten years on from her diagnosis, Marion Egan talks of how breast cancer has changed her life. Read her story: https://buff.ly/487APCS

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in women in the United States and accounts for 30% of newly diagnosed invasive cancers in women. It’s the second leading cause of cancer death among women behind lung cancer, and the leading cause of cancer death among Black and Hispanic women. In fact, Black women continue to be 40% more likely to die from the disease, despite lower incidence than White women. Here is some of the important work the American Cancer Society is doing to improve the lives of breast cancer patients and their families: ·   Currently, we are funding 160 grants related to breast cancer, worth nearly $123 million. ·   To further address the cancer disparities that exist amongst Black women, particularly those diagnosed with breast cancer, we’ve also launched VOICES of Black Women, a long-term study aimed at better understanding how the unique, lived experiences of Black women impact overall health and cancer risk. ·   Our American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) team is continuing to advocate for increased funding at the federal and state levels for the Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, which provides uninsured and underinsured individuals access to early detection breast and cervical cancer screenings, diagnostic tests, and treatment referral services. ·   The ACS National Breast Cancer Roundtable remains dedicated to accelerating progress across the breast cancer continuum through strategic partnerships to eliminate disparities and reduce mortality.