CareFlight’s Post

Thank you to our friends at Know The Glow for releasing your own #OneRbWorld2024 recap blog! We couldn't be happier that Megan Webber, founder of #KnowTheGlow, participated in a panel titled “Know the Glow Around the Globe" during our conference, where she shared the stage with Dr. Andrew Blaikie and Karsten Paust from the Arclight Project and TanZanEye. You can read the blog here here: https://bit.ly/3Yp40xj "Earlier this month, Megan Webber attended the One #Retinoblastoma World Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii, and left feeling more hopeful than ever about the future of #EarlyDetection and global collaboration in retinoblastoma awareness. The event brought together an incredible array of voices—including parents, survivors, #oncologists, #ocularists, and researchers—united by a common goal: improving the detection, treatment, and support for retinoblastoma patients and their families worldwide. The conference was a resounding success, highlighting the unique challenges and achievements of people from across the world working to combat retinoblastoma, a rare form of #EyeCancer that typically affects young children. It created a platform for diverse perspectives, with participants sharing their experiences, challenges, and aspirations for the future of retinoblastoma care." #ChildhoodCancer #OcularOncology #PediatricOncology #Pediatrics #ChildhoodCancerResearch #ChildhoodCancerAwareness #IntegrativeMedicine #IntegrativeOncology

【Keep the Hearts Beating as Gift of Life -- Heart Transplant Team at Grantham Hospital / Queen Mary Hospital, HA #Outstanding #Team Award 2024】 Heart Transplant Team Grantham Hospital / Queen Mary Hospital #Heart #transplants shine a light of hope for patients with severe heart failure. Being the only heart transplant team in Hong Kong, the Department of #Cardiac #Medicine at Grantham Hospital and the #Cardiothoracic #Surgery Department at Queen Mary Hospital have performed more than 250 cases of heart transplants since their establishment in 1992. The long journey of waiting for a heart transplant may take years; in the meantime, the multidisciplinary heart transplant team has been collaborating closely. “Over the decades, the Team has built up a deep tacit understanding and inherited the spirit of patient-centered care with the common aspiration of safeguarding patients’ health,” says the Team. On the path to saving hearts, the Team always dares to break new ground. In 2010, the Team implanted the Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) in a patient for the first time to help the patient maintain heart function and buy time while waiting for a transplant. The technology has enabled some patients to live for 10 more years, and the number of heart transplant cases has increased every year. “Enhancing the quality of life of patients who are waiting for a transplant is an important issue. The LVAD helps patients improve their physical health, allowing them to lead a normal life and enjoy time with their loved ones.” One major challenge in heart transplant is the difficulty in finding suitable donors. To boost the chances of patients receiving a transplant, the Team introduced the Organ Care System (OCS) in 2020, which is the first of its kind in Asia. The OCS is a transformative technology designed to better preserve the cardiac function of a ‘marginal heart’ which would previously have been unsuitable for transplanting, so as to increase organ utilisation. There have been three successful cases to date. “Every donated heart is precious. We must save as many hearts as possible to manifest the selfless love of the donors and their families.” The Team hopes that more citizens will respond to the call for organ donation. “We would like to thank the organ donors, their families, and the media for lighting the flame of hope with their compassion. Many heart transplant patients have started a new life to actively serve others and make an impact on their lives. We hope to keep the love alive and continue to seek better technologies to treat patients.” [Video in Cantonese] #HA #HospitalAuthority #HelpingPeopleStayHealthy #awardsandrecognition #outstandingteam #HKWC #GH #QMH

A Powerful Story of Life, Science, and Unforeseen Blessings Having a baby is an extraordinary experience and an immense opportunity for growth. Yet, it can also bring unexpected challenges—particularly with advancements like Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (#NIPT), which can reveal more than what we anticipate. In the photo, Erica and her husband, Jordan, share their inspiring journey, as highlighted by #NHGRI News. Their story took an unexpected turn when Erica’s NIPT at just 10 weeks into her pregnancy flagged unusual chromosomal patterns. While initially alarming, this finding pointed not to their baby but to Erica herself. Through the #NIH IDENTIFY study, Erica was diagnosed early with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma—a silent and life-threatening condition. Remarkably, Erica felt completely healthy at the time, describing herself as in the best shape of her life. With timely intervention, she received treatment during her pregnancy and later welcomed a healthy baby boy, Teddy. His name, meaning “protector,” reflects the profound role he played in saving his mother’s life. As Erica shared, “He’s my protector,” reminding us of the unexpected blessings that can arise from life’s challenges. NIPT works by analyzing cell-free DNA in the blood of pregnant individuals, a mix of fetal (placental) and maternal fragments. In rare cases, as explored in the IDENTIFY study, abnormal DNA patterns signal underlying maternal conditions such as cancer. Dr. Diana Bianchi, the director of the study, explains that while NIPT is designed to screen for fetal conditions, it can also detect tumor DNA shed into the bloodstream. Findings published in The New England Journal of Medicine revealed that nearly half of individuals with abnormal NIPT results were diagnosed with cancer. Whole-body MRI, used in the study, proved 98% effective in identifying these silent cancers, demonstrating its critical role in early detection Dr. Christina Annunziata, the study’s oncologist, emphasizes the importance of early action: “Pregnancy is not a reason to delay being evaluated. Many cancer treatments can be safely administered during pregnancy, and early diagnosis significantly improves outcomes” Erica’s story is a powerful reminder of the life-saving potential of genetics and early detection. It underscores the importance of integrating genomics into routine care to address hidden health risks before they escalate. Sources: National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) News Release: What Not to Expect When Expecting: When Prenatal Screening Suggests Cancer  NEJM Group New England Journal of Medicine: Prenatal cfDNA Sequencing and Incidental Detection of Maternal Cancer Photo Credit: Chiachi Chang, The National Institutes of Health

Understanding DIPG Treatments: An Overview DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma) is a rare and aggressive pediatric brain tumor. Navigating treatment options can be overwhelming, but this guide helps break the options down: Steroids: Because there is limited space inside the skull, any growth or swelling in the brain puts pressure on sensitive structures, which needs to be addressed. Steroids can help decrease cerebral edema (inflammation of the brain), and they’re often one of the first agents used to treat children with DIPG. Radiation Therapy: The cornerstone of DIPG treatment, radiation therapy utilizes high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells and keep them from dividing. Photon radiation is the current standard treatment for DIPG. Radiation is considered palliative, not curative. About 80% of children respond to radiation, which prolongs life expectancy on average by 2-3 months. Radiation therapy comes with side effects, including radiation necrosis, which can be severe in some cases. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy works by either killing cancer cells directly or by interfering with their growth. No FDA-approved drugs exist specifically for DIPG; however, many children receive different chemotherapy agents, especially as part of clinical trials. Clinical Trials: Participating in clinical trials can offer access to novel treatments and contribute to advancing DIPG research. Our national tumor board, consisting of esteemed DIPG doctors, helps match patients to the appropriate clinical trials based on each child’s unique situation. Surgery to Place a Shunt: Some children with DIPG will require a shunt, a surgically placed device to help manage hydrocephalus—the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles of the brain from tumor growth and/or radiation necrosis, which causes increased intracranial pressure. Palliative Care: Integral to the treatment plan, palliative care focuses on enhancing quality of life through comprehensive physical, psychological, social, and spiritual support for the child and their family. Radiation and re-radiation are also considered palliative treatments. Why it matters? Understanding treatment options can empower families and caregivers to make informed decisions, ultimately leading to better care for children with DIPG. Call to Action: Please refer to the National Cancer Institute’s resources for detailed information. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against DIPG. #DIPG #ChildhoodCancer #CancerAwareness #PediatricCancer #ClinicalTrials #PalliativeCare #CancerResearch #NeevRonil #endDIPG #NKBR

This is the first of four posts that Valencia Nursing + Wellness is putting out across the month of September to help raise awareness of 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫, a disease that kills 700 men every year across New Zealand.   𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 ·       More than 4000 + men in New Zealand will be diagnosed with Prostate Cancer this year - that’s husbands, fathers, sons, uncles, grandpas, cousins, and friends. ·       700 will die. ·      Other than skin cancers, Prostate Cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in New Zealand. ·      It is the second highest cause of cancer death behind lung cancer. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫? ·       The prostate is a male sex gland located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. ·       It forms the male reproductive system along with the testicles and seminal vesicles. ·      The prostate gland is usually about the size of a walnut. It is normal for it to grow larger as men age. ·       Doctors do not know what causes prostate cancer. ·       In the early stages, there may be no signs or symptoms of prostate cancer. ·      Prostate cancer develops when abnormal cells form and grow in the prostate gland. Not all abnormal growths (tumours) are cancerous – some are benign and are not life threatening. ·       The growth of cancer cells in the prostate is stimulated by male hormones, especially testosterone.  ·       It is also more common in men who have a father or brother with prostate cancer, and in families who carry certain genes such as the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. ·      Māori men have a slightly lower incidence of prostate cancer but have a higher death rate than other New Zealand men. The reasons for this may be a later diagnosis or treatment choices offered to them. ·       Cancerous growths, such as prostate cancer, can spread to nearby organs and tissues such as the bladder or rectum, or to other parts of the body. 𝐓𝐲𝐩𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫 Prostate Cancer is described according to where it is located in the body. Most grow very slowly and about 95% of men survive at least 5 years after diagnosis, particularly if diagnosed with localised Prostate Cancer, and about 90% will survive 10 years beyond diagnosis. ·       Localised – Prostate Cancer that is confined to the prostate gland. ·       Locally advanced – Prostate Cancer that extends into the surrounding tissues near the prostate or into the pelvic lymph nodes. ·       Advanced or metastatic – Prostate Cancer that has spread to other parts of the body including other organs, lymph nodes (outside the pelvis) and bone. Prostate cancer can develop silently and remain undetected for some time, without causing symptoms. Valencia Nursing + Wellness promotes health and wellbeing at the workplace. We work onsite at your business, so for more information, please visit our website at https://valencia.co.nz/ #healthcare #wellness #wellbeing #productivity #businessowners #hr #ceo  

The Pediatrics Division at MD Anderson Cancer Center will be proud to welcome Ching-Hon Pui, M.D., co-leader of the Hematological Malignancies Program at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and director of the China Program at St. Jude Global, to our institution as the W.W. Sutow Visiting Lecturer in Pediatric Oncology on Friday, November 1, 2024. Dr. Pui's research centers on pinpointing the key factors that lead to successful treatment outcomes, exploring innovative therapies, and working to minimize long-term side effects. The leader of biologic studies of childhood leukemia and protocol development will present his lecture, “Refining Precision Therapies for Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemias,” from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., central time. MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital invites you to watch the talk live via Zoom: https://bit.ly/481kfoM. The passcode is sutow. W.W. Sutow, M.D., was a quiet revolutionary. This gentle, soft-spoken man combined a great compassion for human suffering with an unshakable commitment to scientific principles. His work helped establish the discipline of pediatric oncology. In doing so, he helped bring about a fundamental change in our approach to cancer treatment. By advocating chemotherapy as a viable alternative to radiation therapy and surgery, he produced some of the most dramatic results ever achieved in pediatric oncology. #StJude #PediatricCancerAwareness #ChildhoodCancerAwareness #PediatricCancerResearch #PediatricLeukemia #EndCancer

Debunk these common myths about breast cancer, else it may be devastating. Myths such as the belief that only women with a family history are at risk, that wearing bras or using deodorants causes cancer, and that all breast lumps are cancerous either make you anxious unnecessarily or stops you from taking right decision of check-up at the right time. Listen my experience on myths of Breast Cancer. I emphasize the importance of early detection through self-checks and regular screenings while addressing the dangers of misinformation. Please prioritize your health and spread awareness. 💡 Busting Myths About Breast Cancer: Awareness Saves Lives! 💡 Did you know that 85% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history? Yet, myths and misconceptions continue to cloud awareness, delaying diagnosis and treatment. Here are some common myths debunked: ❌ Only women with a family history are at risk. ✅ Reality: Most cases occur in women with no family history. ❌ Wearing a bra or using deodorants causes cancer. ✅ Reality: There’s no scientific evidence to back this claim. ❌ All breast lumps mean cancer. ✅ Reality: Not all lumps are malignant, but they should still be checked. The real challenge? Misinformation leads to late detection, worsening outcomes. The solution? Self-checks, regular screenings, and consulting healthcare professionals are essential steps toward prevention and early detection. Let’s fight the myths with facts and encourage proactive health measures. Together, we can make a difference! 🎗 What other myths have you heard about breast cancer? Let’s spread awareness and empower women with knowledge! 🔗 #BreastCancerAwareness #WomenHealthMatters #EarlyDetection #FightCancer #LinkedInCommunity #HealthForAll Consult for Trusted Pregnancy Care & Gynecological Treatment & Surgery. Dr Uma Mishra MD, Obstetrics & Gynecology Leading Gynecologist in Noida, High Risk Pregnancy Care Expert, Normal Baby Delivery Call clinic to Book Physical or online Consultation: 8130550269 Website: https://lnkd.in/gqUyvWzW  Online Consult Practo: https://lnkd.in/dT_CUs_g Motherhood Hospital: https://lnkd.in/gRSV9pEs Location of clinic in Noida: https://lnkd.in/gr65UHhS  Location of Motherhood Hospital: https://lnkd.in/gfinVA6v

Hi everyone. This is the first of our 4 posts on Prostate Cancer. This one covers statistics, nature, and types of Prostate Cancer. Please keep an eye out for the next post which will look at symptoms of this terrible disease.

It's #NationalNursesWeek! For children battling cancer, nurses play a central role in their day-to-day treatment. They are the managers of their care — whether it’s the critical hours around surgery or days at the oncology clinic. Here are five stories from nurses who are making a difference for children with cancer: https://lnkd.in/eUairbb6

These were my buddies that kept me company during my recent hospital stay after surgery 💕 I was away from work & social media, focusing on recovering. But I’ve started work & taking it slow & catching up with LinkedIn posts. The last 3 months has been a rollercoaster ride for me & my family. I wasn’t sure if I was ready to share. But I believe our experiences could help others. I was diagnosed with breast cancer. The words from the Dr that still play in my head - “I don’t have good news to share”shook me. The surgery is done & now going through recovery & waiting for test results to see what follow-on actions to take. Am praying for best scenario 🙏🏻 Interestingly, October is breast cancer awareness month 🎀 I believe everything happens for a reason & I wanted to share my learnings: 🌸 Gratitude. Grateful that it was caught early. That we have a good medical system & good, skilled, experienced Drs. Nurses who provide great bedside care. Family & friends who are there for me, checking up on me & praying for & with me 🙏🏻 🌸 Courage. There was a lot of fear & uncertainty. Fear of the unknown, of the treatment, of the future. If the diagnosis was correct. I used the knowledge, love, support & prayers from loved ones to carry me through. You don’t know how courageous you are until a situation like this happens. 🌸 Strength/Independence. We take things for granted until it’s taken away from us. Being the independent type, I felt frustrated of not being able to take care of myself, get around by myself, etc. It was a big wake up call that made me realize that it was ok not to be ok & that it is fine to get help 💟 🌸 Present. Being a perfectionist, I always wanted things done right & perfect. I worried about what people will think. This episode made me realise that everything has its time & place. Nothing is as urgent as it’s made out to be. We can’t control what’s beyond our control. We can only do our best & let everything else fall into place. It’s also taught me to be more intentional & not let little things affect me. 🌸 Understanding. Having first hand experience gives me a better understanding of the sensitivities & approach with others who are facing their health situations. What to say or not to say. Being present with a listening ear, a helping hand or a prayer 🙏🏻 🌸 Love. A family’s love knows no boundaries/distance. My hubby kept me company in hospital helping where possible. My parents came down from KL to help take care of me & my family. My kids accompany me on my weekly check ups. Friends sending messages, love, prayers & gifts. I am blessed ❤️ I will not let this episode define me & am looking forward to better & healthier days ahead! 🌸 A reminder to all my female friends, please go for your regular checks. I understand the uncomfortableness & fear, but it’s the best gift to give yourself. Finding out early is important. Happy Tuesday dear friends. Live, Love & Laugh ❤️