-PATIENT EMPOWERMENT CONFERENCE

APRIL/MAY 2012
Magnusson from Iceland during the Conference. Participants made it clear that involving patients as qualified partners in co-producing health care is a positive development that health services need to embrace. Is there not a danger that patients will just demand more and more as they become empowered? was one of the concerns raised in the debate. Several participants countered this worry and explained their experiences. Patients who are engaged in their treatment and in decision-making are far more responsive to treatment, and it is more effective. Moreover, when presented with various options, patients tend to choose those that are less invasive and thus not necessarily more expensive. New technology allows patients to get and share information easily and gives them access to knowledge traditionally held by doctors, but this change does not inherently empower patients, participants agreed. Technology can be used to build a healthy scepticism among the public and make them aware of the choices they have and participants generally agreed that technology is a useful tool, but what really needs to be addressed is how to change the health system. Presentation: Patient empowerment in the European Region First European Conference on Patient Empowerment

Doctors have to change . . .

What needs to happen is for doctors to come down off their pedestal and for patients to get up off their knees, said Robert Johnstone of the International Alliance of Patient Organizations at the First European Conference on Patient Empowerment held in Copenhagen, Denmark during April 2012. The Conference was attended by 260 participants from 35 countries and supported a key agenda item of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Technological advances such as greater access to information and knowledge (in part because of increasing use of social media and social changes), experience with self-management programmes and new legal requirements for patient involvement have also contributed to creating a new dynamic through which patients and citizens are redefining their roles in relation to health and social care. Doctors have to change the role of the general practitioner has never been more important, but the training is oldfashioned, commented Sven

CONTRIBUTIONS FOR PUBLICATION IN VISION NEWSLETTER

Articles, letters and events submitted for publication in VISION are welcomed and can be sent to: cansurvive@icon.co.za

Three South Africans recently represented the country as LIVESTRONG Leaders at the annual LIVESTRONG Assembly in Austin, Texas. The 200 LIVESTRONG Leaders from 26 countries are highly engaged constituents identified by the Lance Armstrong Foundation to be representatives within their communities where they support and promote the Foundation's mission to serve people affected by cancer and empower communities to take action against the worlds leading cause of death. During the Assembly, they were trained and educated on the goals and priorities of the Foundation and learned about the organisations future plans. They were also able to meet and share best practices with other LIVESTRONG partners who run programmes in cities around the world.

Our South African delegates to the Assembly, Johan Van Staden, Nokuthula Mngadi and Cameron Green.

VISION, APRIL/MAY 2012

Alnet is helping Can-Sir to make a difference

Alnet (Pty) Ltd is a proud sponsor of Can-Sir, which is a non-profit organisation and they hope to continue this venture and journey together. Director and CEO, Martijn Appelo, has a deep connection with Can-Sir as some members of his staff have been affected by prostate, breast and other forms of cancer. Mr. Martijn Appelo had this to say; Alnet is proud to be a member of the broader cancer community and we are looking forward to sharing events in and around our community with Can-Sir. Sponsoring Can-Sir is more than just getting our name on t-shirts it is being an active, involved member of this great community and letting the city know who you are, through the charities that you support. Alnet is unique in that we are people driven we have no agenda except to improve and help educate our staff and communities. We sponsor Can-Sir because they are focused on raising awareness and educating our youth and older citizens to the dangers of cancer. All the money they raise is ploughed back into their projects, giving assistance to families in our community who need their support most. We realise that through our companys sponsorship, we help to make a difference. Mr. Martijn Appelo, CEO (Left) Ms. Elize ONeil, CFO (Cntr) Mr. Ismail-Ian Fife Can-Sir CEO (Right)

New support groups for Kleinvlei

Can-Sir has just concluded fruitful discussions with the medical staff of Kleinvlei Community Health Centre. At the invitation of Sister-in-charge, Sister Virgotienie, Can-Sir joined various members of the Centre and members of the community to discuss the topic of cancer support. In the discussion, there was an overwhelming support for a cancer support group to be started in the area and particularly for men as the numbers of men with cancer are staggering. It was also requested that a general cancer support group be established and that they be held on the same day, but split up into two groups as the men felt they wanted to be on their own this seems to be a general trend. Can-Sir will be meeting with them again after they have consulted all parties, to finalise this process of setting up of the two groups. Can-Sir was also requested to do a presentation for men, to raise prostate cancer awareness. Once again, Can-Sir is making inroads into the communities that need their support the most.

You dont need to face cancer alone!

You are invited to join us at our Cape Town Cancer Support Groups: Vincent Pallotti Hospital in the GVI Oncology unit: Contact Linda Greeff 0219494060 Panorama Support Groups (morning and evening): Contact Emerentia Esterhuyse 021 944 3850
See the calendar on page 7 for dates or contact the PLWC helpline on 076 775 6099

WE LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU

New prostate cancer alliance

Mr Darryl Mitteldorf is the Organising Secretary of the newly formed Global Prostate Cancer Alliance, People Living With Cancer have joined this new international body. Their website is www.prostatecanceralliance.org

We are here to help

2

VISION, APRIL/MAY 2012

Can-Sir supporters at the Two Oceans Marathon

The Cape of storms lived up to its name at the 2012 Two Oceans Marathon, causing havoc at many refreshment stations. Can-Sirs station did not escape the storm without any drama but its members and volunteers stood steadfast. Can-Sir CEO, Ismail-Ian Fife, had this to say: This weather is childs play compared to what cancer patients and survivors have to go through in their daily lives, for me and the survivors who turned up, it was just another fun day at the office, an outing if you will. However, I have to admit, being the first refreshment station and seeing around 16 500 runners approaching you, all still very fresh, now that is scary! It felt as though we were being charged by an army on a battlefield. The Can-Sir members and volunteers who came out to lend a hand and their support to our cause, that of raising awareness and education for cancer, have shown that our communities really care about the plight of cancer sufferers and that not even the Cape of Storms could keep them in their warms beds but that they chose to come out on a bitterly cold day in support of Can-Sirs goals and in support of those men, woman and children suffering of cancer. He continued: This was our first ever attempt at a refreshment station and the thought of being part of the Two Oceans Marathon was a bit daunting, but I was silently confident the we would pull it off. After a shaky start at the setup of the station just before the official start we got into the swing of things pretty fast and boy. Did our people pull it off!!! I am so proud of them. Unfortunately there are not many pictures as 95% of the runners passed the station while it was still dark, and during that time everyone was too busy handing out refreshments and really had no time to take pictures but the enthusiasm shown by Can-Sir supporters in cheering on all the runners was phenomenal, with some even running with them and cheering them on.

LETTER

A soft place to land

I have always had a special place in my heart for anyone who suffers. I believe we are all on some type of island, lonely and scary at times, until we find a way off. Perhaps we isolate ourselves unwittingly when we are told we have cancer. Perhaps we are both the prisoner and the warden on our island. The assault on your body and especially your mind when you become aware of your cancer is a shock, and you are suddenly quite aware of your own mortality, and your instant closeness to your own demise. It's a reality check, raw without window dressing and the rush of emotions can be overwhelming to the strongest soul. Since we are all only human our response to this assault is limited to our simple pallet of emotions. Far easier it would be if we were super humans with super human capabilities. But we are left alone with our fears and thoughts occupied with uncertainty and doubts.. Into this abyss comes the soft place to land, a support group. Others share their experiences, like pioneers trailblazing the new frontier, providing all that follow with a clearer path. A path more familiar since we have spoken of it in the group with hardy souls that have traversed its ruts and ridges, smoothing them out for whoever follows. We become more able to accept our malady and continue with our lives, enjoying the good and the not so good, with a sense of appreciation and clarity, that only someone with cancer or some other life threatening disease can know. As long as we can share our experiences we will never be alone. Lonely maybe, but never alone. - APPLE

Live your life

Live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about his religion. Respect others in their views and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and of service to your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide. Always give a word or sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, or even a stranger, if in a lonely place. Show respect to all people, but grovel to none. When you rise in the morning, give thanks for the light, for your life, for your strength. Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself. Touch not the poisonous firewater that makes wise ones turn to fools and robs the spirit of its vision. When your time comes to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song, and die like a hero going home. - The Teaching of Tecumseh

VISION, APRIL/MAY 2012

Tobacco - the most preventable cause of death

The Fourth Edition of the Tobacco Atlas, and its companion website TobaccoAtlas.org, were unveiled in March by the American Cancer Society and World Lung Foundation at the 15th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health. The Atlas graphically details the scale of the tobacco epidemic, progress that has been made in tobacco control, and the latest products and tactics being deployed by the highly profitable tobacco industry such as the use of new media, trade litigation, and aggressive development of smokeless products. In 2011, according to The Tobacco Atlas, tobacco use killed almost 6 million people, with nearly 80% of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. When considering 2010 deaths with tobacco industry revenue, the tobacco industry realises almost $6,000 in profit for each death caused by tobacco. If trends continue, one billion people will die from tobacco use and exposure during the 21st century one person every six seconds. Globally, tobacco-related deaths have nearly tripled in the past decade, and tobacco is responsible for more than 15% of all male deaths and 7% of female deaths. Tobacco is also a risk factor for the four leading noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) cancer, heart disease, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases which account for more than 63% of global deaths according to the World Health Organization. Burden Shifts to the Worlds Poorest Countries The Tobacco Atlas outlines in graphic detail that the burden of tobacco cultivation, consumption, illness and death is moving from developed to developing parts of the world and is taking an increased toll on low- and middle-income countries: Nearly 80% of those who die from tobacco-related illnesses are in low- and middle-income countries.

Clinical trials under the spotlight

Ben Goldacre best-selling author, broadcaster, medical doctor and academic who specialises in unpicking dodgy scientific claims from drug companies, newspapers, government reports, PR people and quacks has undertaken a project to dig up all the clinical trials that were registered with the FDA, and find the ones that never got published. An example of his findings: in a survey of all 74 trials ever submitted to the FDA for anti-depressants, about half had positive outcomes but only 40 papers were published, of which 37 were positive. Of the 36 negative outcomes, only three were published. That boils down: Reality: 51% positive Published: 92% positive (37/40) Withheld / unpublished: 97% negative (33/34) Thats an extreme example, Goldacre says, but only about half the trials that are conducted are ever published, and positive outcomes are twice as likely to be published as unfavorable ones. You can visit Ben Goldacres website at www.badscience.net In 2009, six of the top 10 tobacco-producing countries had malnourishment rates between 5% and 27%. Cigarettes have become an average of 21.7% more affordable in low- and middle-income countries over the past decade. In low-resource countries, only US$0.0001 is spent on tobacco control per capita. 39% of countries predominantly low- and middle-income countries do not provide cessation support services in the offices of health professionals. More than 43 trillion cigarettes have been smoked in the last ten years and cigarette production has increased by 16.5% in that time period, according to The Tobacco Atlas. Annual cigarette consumption has also increased significantly during this time period. The tobacco industry has increased its efforts to combat demand reduction efforts, launching legal challenges in every region of the world. Since 2008, it has worked to delay or stop plain packaging, smoke-free legislation, advertising bans and graphic pack warnings. In addition, the industry has sought to subvert existing tobacco control legislation by introducing new smokeless products, often bearing the same branding as existing cigarette brands, and the use of the Internet and new media, where over 70% of analysed content has been identified as pro-tobacco. We can no longer deny nor accept the massive human and economic harm caused by tobacco. This book is a vital tool for not only public health advocates, but also for governments, economists, educators and the media to use to tell the story of how a cohesive, well-funded tobacco industry is systematically causing preventable deaths and crippling economies. We know what needs to be done to counteract these tactics and save up to hundreds of millions of lives, said John R. Seffrin, Ph.D., chief executive officer, American Cancer Society. www.tobaccoatlas.org

We want to help you!

You are invited to join us at our Pretoria Cancer Support Group: Most of our monthly meetings take place on the first Saturday of the month from 14h00 to 16h00 at the Little Company of Mary Hospital in Groenkloof Mary Potter Oncology Conference Hall .

Contact Jean Robinson 078 727 1078

See the calendar on page 7 for dates WE LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU

PLWC, Pretoria

VISION, APRIL/MAY 2012

Support for breast cancer patients in Zimbabwe

A new cancer support organisation, Breast Best Friend Zimbabwe, was registered in March this year as a Private Voluntary Organisation. Based in Bulawayo, their aims are: (1) To enhance life skills and lifestyle choices for breast cancer sufferers through counselling and sharing ideas. (2) To advocate for the rights of orphans left by cancer patients (3)To promote breast cancer awareness among women and men with special emphasis on the poor and vulnerable citizens Their initial intention is to form support groups and to compile a database of survivors. This new organisation lacks all the basic needs including office space and equipment, so if there is anyone willing to help or make a donation, please contact them at: The Secretary, Breast Best Friend Zimbabwe 18 Evesham Road Southworld, Bulawayo. Zimbabwe Or e-mail bbfzim@gmail.com

Annual Motorcycle Ride date confirmed

Cancer.vive has confirmed 22 29 September 2012 as the dates for their annual motorcycle ride. They propose spending the first three days in the Gauteng area and then a further four days in and around Mpumalanga visiting places such as Witbank and Nelspruit. This year the trip will be made by 30 cancer survivors and a backup team of 15 people. Cancer.vive has confirmed that their main sponsor for 2012 will be Revlon. Other confirmed sponsors are Triumph, Imperial, Ford and Mazda.

Thyroid cancer treatment breakthrough

A new gold standard for thyroid cancer treatment has been set, reducing radiation doses to just one third of the current level, according to research from the CRUK-UCL Cancer Trials Centre. The results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Patients currently have surgery to remove the entire thyroid gland. A few weeks later they take a capsule containing radioactive iodine which destroys any remaining healthy thyroid gland tissue and any potential cancer cells. Improvements in surgery mean more of the thyroid gland is removed during the operation, leaving fewer remaining cells to be mopped up - so lower radiation doses are adequate and equally effective. The higher doses of radioactive iodine previously thought necessary meant that patients had to stay in a hospital isolation unit for at least two days while the radiation left their bodies, without physical contact from family and friends. These high doses could have several side effects the more serious of which occur later in life, such as a permanent dry mouth, and a small chance that a new cancer will develop.However, patients taking the lower dose capsule can be treated as an outpatient. The process is easier, quicker (hours, rather than days), and patients experience fewer side effects. A secondary finding of the study is that patients can avoid these symptoms if they continue to take thyroid hormone tablets and are also given an injection of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (Thyrogen) just before they take the low dose radioactive iodine. Patients will have a much better quality of life. Theyll be treated much more quickly, which will keep the disruption to their lives to a minimum, as well as saving the NHS money. Kate Law, director of clinical research at Cancer Research UK, says: Being treated as an outpatient means that patients should be able to be in their home surroundings on the same day as the treatment. The lower dose of radiation and thyrogen will help them carry on with their lives as usual at work or at home without requiring several days to recover. http://www.ucl.ac.uk/cancer/about_us/news

ITs OK to talk about cancer

Join in the conversation at our CanSurvive Cancer Support Group!
On the second Saturday of each month at 9h00. Have a cup of tea/coffee, a chat and listen to an interesting talk

18 Eton Road, Parktown

(opposite Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre main entrance)

All patients and caregivers are welcome. No charge is made

083 640 4949

email: jhb@plwc.org.za
The Group is run by members of the Johannesburg Branch of People Living With Cancer in association with the Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre and is open to any patient or caregiver .

Enquiries:

VISION, APRIL/MAY 2012

Can-Sir run successful 14 days/20 Schools Campaign

The first two weeks of April are generally known to the cancer fraternity as Testicular cancer weeks, however this year, because of the Easter Weekend and Public Holidays, Can-Sir started their 14days/20 High Schools campaign a bit late in order to accommodate this. Responses to Can-Sirs call to visit various schools within the Cape area started off very slow but that could be attributed to the holidays. However, as soon as schools re-opened, the phone lines rang off the hook with numerous schools showing an interest to the call of Testicular Cancer awareness amongst teens Atlantis High School and especially high school students. Schools around the Cape Metropol, Cape Flats, Northern Suburbs and even West Coast were visited by Can-Sir volunteers and its executive, who took special leave for this occasion. Loads of fun was had by all, teachers, students, volunteers and even at some schools, the parents who were invited. There is a saying Children ask the damndest things Well they were asking all sorts of very uncomfortable questions of some parents who at times had to chirp in to discipline their children. The campaign centred on Testicular Cancer but actually there were more girls than boys at all of the events held and more girls than boys posing the questions. In 90% of the cases, the girls were actually being nudged by the guys . . . which was really funny . . . This is the first time the campaign has been run and a total of 1163 students attended these talks. Next year Can-Sir and its partners will make it bigger and better! Thats a promise . . . Ismail-Ian Fife Above: Windsor High School

Above: Voorbrug High School

Above: Mondale High School

Abovre and below: Rosendal High School Above: St Marys High School. Below: Diep River High School

VISION, APRIL/MAY 2012

Dates to remember
May 2012
8 9 17 19 19 24 28 28 31 1/3 2 2 5 7 9 9 9 12 13 14 16 21 25 Anti-tobacco campaign month PLWC Panorama Hospital evening Support Group. Talking about lung cancer. GVi Oncology Port Elizabeth - Langenhoven Oncology Centre - Diet, supplements, alternative treatments. PLWC Panorama Hospital morning Support Group. Managing the workplace and cancer. PLWC/ Johannesburg CanSurvive Cancer Support Group 9h00. Let's Talk About Cancer Monthly Awareness Meeting Reach For Recovery Cape Peninsula Branch. 10h00 Look Good, Feel Better. Bosom Buddies Pink Pyjama Party. PLWC Vincent Pallotti Oncology Support Group. Tai Chi for stress relief. PinkDrive at Bonitas Comrades Marathon.

Make a note in your diary now that this year the Etana Daredevils will be on the road on 2nd November.
15 16 18 23 27 Reach for Recovery, Pretoria meeting. PLWC Panorama Hospital morning Support Group. Talking about self-image. Let's Talk About Cancer Monthly Awareness Meeting Reach For Recovery Cape Peninsula Branch. 10h00 Talk by breast surgeon. PLWC Vincent Pallotti Oncology Support Group. Supporting a family member or friend with cancer.

June 2012
PinkDrive at Bonitas Comrades Marathon. PLWC Pretoria Support Group. 14h00 Dietitian. Reach for Recovery, Johannesburg, 9:30 for 10:00 INTERNATIONAL CANCER SURVIVORS DAY. GVI Cape Gate Support Group, Balanced living. PLWC/ Johannesburg CanSurvive Cancer Support Group 9h00. Bosom Buddies public meeting. PLWC Pretoria Support Group. 9h00 Bottles of Hope. PLWC Panorama Hospital evening Support Group. Talking about colon cancer. GVi Oncology Port Elizabeth - Langenhoven Oncology Centre - What is cancer - treatment options. PLWC Panorama Hospital morning Support Group. Chemo and the side-effects. Let's Talk About Cancer Monthly Awareness Meeting Reach for Recovery, Pretoria meeting. PLWC Vincent Pallotti Oncology Support Group.Clinical trials and the value they bring to oncology.

CONTACT DETAILS
People Living With Cancer, Johannesburg, CanSurvive Cancer Support Group : 083 640 4949, jhb@plwc.org.za People Living With Cancer, Cape Town: 076 775 6099, info@plwc.org.za, www.plwc.org.za People Living with Cancer, Pretoria Support Group Contact: Jean Robinson 078 727 1078 People Living With Cancer, Panorama Support Groups (morning and evening): Emerentia Esterhuyse 021 944 3850 People Living With Cancer, Vincent Palotti Support Group Contact: Linda Greeff 0219494060 or 076 775 6099 GVI Cape Gate Support group: Contact: Caron Caron Majewski, 021 9443800 GVi Oncology Port Elizabeth ( Langenhoven Oncology Centre, LDOC Boardroom) Marina Lourens 0413630581 GVi Oncology Somerset West Group for advanced and metastatic cancers. Contact person: Nicolene Andrews 0218512255 Cancer.vive, Frieda Henning 082 335 49912, info@cancervive.co.za Can-Sir, 021 761 6070, Ismail-Ian Fife, can-sir@telkomsa.net. Support Group: 076 775 6099. Bosom Buddies: 0860 283 343, www.bosombuddies.org.za. Support Group: Christel Klima 0117876443 Lets Talk About Cancer: Theresa 082 681 9544 CANSA National Office: Toll-free 0800 226622 CANSA Johannesburg Central: 011 648 0990, 19 St John Road, Houghton, www.cansa.org.za Reach for Recovery (R4R) : Johannesburg Group, 011 648 0990. Reach for Recovery (R4R) Pretoria Group: 082 212 9933 Reach for recovery, Cape Peninsula, 021 689 5347 or 0833061941 Reach for Recovery: Harare, Zimbabwe contact 707659. Breast Best Friend Zimbabwe, e-mail bbfzim@gmailcom Pink Drive: cecile@causemarketing.co.za, www.pinkdrive.co.za Cancer Centre - Harare: 60 Livingstone Avenue, Harare Tel: 707673 / 705522 / 707444 Fax: 732676 E-mail: cancer@mweb.co.zw www.cancerhre.co.zw

July 2012
5 6/15 7 11 14 21 21 22 26 30 GVI Cape Gate Support Group, New drug developments. PinkDrive at Knysna Oyster Festival. PLWC Pretoria Support Group.14h00 Childrens cancer. GVi Oncology Port Elizabeth - Langenhoven Oncology Centre - Managing cancer treatent. PLWC/ Johannesburg CanSurvive Cancer Support Group. Let's Talk About Cancer Monthly Awareness Meeting Bosom Buddies 7th birthday. PinkDrive at Discovery 702 Walk The Talk. Reach For Recovery Cape Peninsula Branch. 10h00 Breast Diseases. PLWC Vincent Pallotti Oncology Support Group. New developments in oncology.

August 2012
1 2 4 4 4 11 11 14 14 GVi Oncology Port Elizabeth - Langenhoven Oncology Centre - Emotional impact of cancer. GVI Cape Gate Support Group, Supportive & palliative care. PLWC Pretoria Support Group. 14h00 Mens cancers. GVI Cape Gate Support Group, Managing side effects. Reach for Recovery, Johannesburg, 9:30 for 10:00 NATIONAL CANCER DAY PLWC/ Johannesburg CanSurvive Cancer Support Group 9h00. Bosom Buddies Spinathon/Boxathon. PLWC Panorama Hospital evening Support Group. Videotestimonies on managing cancer.

VISION, APRIL/MAY 2012

CANCER ASSOCIATION OF ZIMBABWE

Harare celebrates World Cancer Day

The city of Harare almost came to stand still as people from all walks of life marched from Parirenyatwa to Africa Unit Square in commemoration of the World Cancer Day held on the 9th of March. The march was led by the Air force band, the drum majorettes from Girls High School and nurses from Parirenyatwa Hospital. Cancer Association of Zimbabwe, Doves Holdings together with Miss Zimbabwe finalists, Rock Foundation, MARS, Delta, Standard Charted Bank and other Ministry of Health and Child Welfare partners were also part of the colourful march and commemoration. World Cancer Day is normally commemorated on the 4th of February every year. The theme for this year was Preventing cancer and raising the quality of life for cancer patients: Together it is possible. In a speech to commemorate the World Cancer Day read on his behalf by the Director of Epidemiology and Diseases in the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare, the Minister of Health and Child Welfare said; Of the 3,349 new cancer cases which were diagnosed in 2007, more than 1,300 people died of the disease. She further pointed out that Since not all cancers and deaths are captured, the above figures are an underestimation of the cancer situation in the country The minister also highlighted that an estimated 5 000 new cases of cancer are diagnosed every year putting pressure on the limited resources available for cancer treatment. The minister remarked. Zimbabweans suffering from cancer-related ailments are struggling to access chemotherapy as the country is only left with one working radiotherapy machine which is at Parirenyatwa hospital. There is also shortage of medicines such as morphine, a commonly used painkiller during chemotherapy. Other challenges facing the cancer response include inadequate human resources such as haematologists, pediatric oncologists and oncology nurses. The minister however highlighted that according to World Health

About us: New Vision & Mission

The Cancer Association of Zimbabwe (Cancer Centre) is a non profit making organization which was started in 1961. Our Vision - The Cancer Association of Zimbabwe is committed to raising cancer awareness and improving the quality of life of patients and their families. Our mission is to collectively reduce the disease burden due to cancer through promotion of action research , education , supportive counseling , advocacy and other evidence based interventions taking a holistic approach. http://www.cancerassociation.co.zw/ Organisation (WHO), about 40 % of all cancers can be prevented through practising safer sex, reduction of tobacco use and lowering alcohol consumption among other things. Speaking at the same occasion. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare, the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe (CAZ) and other key stakeholders are in the process of finalising the National Cancer Prevention and Control Strategy [NCPCS], which will provide guidelines for early detection of cancers. Speaking on the same occasion, the World Health Organisation Country Representative, Dr Custodia Mandlhate urged Government to implement strategies recommended by WHO for cancer prevention and control to reduce the cancer burden in the region. And to abide by the promise they made at the United Nations Summit held in 2011, in relation to reducing the impact of cancer. Besides the speeches, there were exhibitions and The Cancer Association of Zimbabwe was among the exhibitors. More than 200 people visited the CAZ stand and over 1400 brochures were distributed. Overall, the event attracted about 800 people. formation with those who are headed where we want to go (and be willing to accept their help as well as give ours to others). When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies at the point position. MORAL: It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks, and sharing leadership - people, as geese, are interdependent on one another. The geese in formation honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. MORAL: We need to make sure that our honking from behind is encouragement, and not something else. When a goose gets sick or wounded or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with it until it is able to fly again, or dies. Then they launch out on their own with another formation, or catch up with the flock. MORAL: If we have as much sense as geese, we too will stand by each other in difficult times, as well as when we are strong..

Lessons from geese

We make no apology for publishing this item again - there is a lot to be learned from geese. As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird following. By flying in a V formation, the whole flock adds 71% greater flying range than if the bird flew alone. MORAL: People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are travelling on the thrust of one another. Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to fly alone, and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front. MORAL: If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in

VISION, APRIL/MAY 2012

Harnessing patients' immune cells to treat their cancer

"These patients are probably cured" is not something most oncologists get to say about their patients with advanced cancer. Yet that's exactly how NCI's Dr. Steven Rosenberg describes a number of patients with advanced melanoma treated in three small clinical trials he has led at the NIH Clinical Centre. The patients in these trialsmost of whom had tumors throughout their body (metastatic disease) and had nearly exhausted other treatment optionsunderwent a procedure known as adoptive cell transfer (ACT). ACT involves removing some of a patient's own immune-system cells, growing billions of them in the laboratory, and returning them to the patient. The idea is to provide an invading force of immune cells that can attack tumors in a way that the immune system was incapable of doing on its own. "The results in melanoma have been impressive," said Dr. Rosenberg, who, along with his colleagues in the Surgery Branch of NCI's Centre for Cancer Research, has done pioneering work on ACT for more than a decade. Based in large part on the Surgery Branch's success, a small but growing group of researchers at medical centers in the United States and abroad have launched their own programs to study ACT for melanoma and, increasingly, other cancers. To date, only a few hundred patients have been treated with some form of ACT, but with the promising results reported thus far the treatment is gaining more attention and raising hopes among

CanSurvive Support Group is now on Facebook

Visit our Facebook page and tell us what you would like to hear at our Group meetings. We can do so much more if you Like our new page!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/CanSurviveCancer-Support-Group/324775687576464
researchers in the field that it can one day be available to many more patients. The results to date are impressive. Of the 93 patients treated in the three trials, 20 have seen their tumors disappear completely (complete response); 19 of those 20 have remained tumor-free for longer than 5 years. (Most of these patients' tumors had not responded to other immunotherapy treatments.) Overall, tumors shrank substantially in 52 patients. TIL therapy has moved overseas as well. Dr. Jacob Schachter leads a TIL therapy program at the Sheba Medical Center in Israel that is seeing similar results in patients with metastatic melanoma. Of the 51 patients treated to date, 6 have had complete responses, 15 have had partial responses, and a number of others have stable disease. "Seventy percent of the clinical responders are still alive two years after treatment," he said. http://www.cancer.gov/ncicancerbulletin/050112/page4

Lets get medical info as good as our pets get!

Americans are trying to persuade the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology to include printed summaries of doctor visits in the ONCs definition of meaningful use. They say that after their pets go to the veterinarian, many of them promptly and routinely get a paper summary that instructs them how to best care for them, i.e., treatment follow-up, diet, and specific healthy behaviors. Humans should get medical info from their own doctors thats as good as our dogs and cats get! Human patients should receive a paper summary of their doctors orders for new medications, changes in medications, and the treatment plan, as they exit the doctors office. Many patients find it hard to remember everything a doctor tells them during the visit. Foreign language speakers; patients with dementia, memory and hearing problems; anxious patients; patients with multiple conditions and complex treatment plans; patients in denial about their alcohol or substance abuse, and many other patients often do not hear and retain everything a doctor advises them. Without clearly understanding all a doctors orders, patients are unlikely to act accordingly, which slows their recovery. It leads to unnecessary suffering. It may also lead to a greater likelihood of entering the hospital for costly care. For the vast majority of patients, including the elderly, and those lacking computer skills or internet access, a paper copy of the doctors orders in plain English will be more convenient than logging in to a seldom-used, password-protected electronic account on the Web. By default, patients should get a paper copy handed to them, or mailed immediately after the visit, unless they prefer an electronic copy. South Africa is in much the same position! Paper handouts are highly portable and doctors should be required to routinely hand a paper copy of the doctors orders to each patient as he or she leaves the doctors office, or mail it to the patient immediately afterward.

Thank you to WDGMC !

People Living With Cancer and the CanSurvive Cancer Support Group Committee wish to thank Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre for their ongoing support. They have allowed us to use their facilities and provided refreshments for the CanSurvive Cancer Support Group for two years and this is much appreciated. We value the support and generosity of WDGMC and their staff and their commitment to improving services rendered to cancer patients and their families.

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hydrogen sulfide to increase its cancer-fighting ability.

Around the World

American Lung Association releases State of Tobacco Control report
Most states efforts to protect children and curb tobacco-related disease are abysmal according to the American Lung Associations State of Tobacco Control 2012 report. Most states did a poor job of combating tobacco-caused disease in 2011 and are abdicating the responsibility to save lives. Too many states are ceding ground in the fight to protect children. The tobacco industry is filling that void by retooling its strategies to undermine strong federal action, exploiting states failure to act, and finding new ways to addict the next generation of Americans. The industry spends billions of dollars to market cigarettes, and nearly doubled the hundreds of millions of dollars to market addictive, cancer-causing smokelesstobaccoproducts. Youth and adult smoking rates declined slowly over the past decade, but the decline has been inconsistent and has stalled at times. Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death: 443,000 people die each year from tobacco-related illnesses and secondhand smoke exposure. It also drains the economy of an enormous sum, in healthcare costs andlostproductivity. Charles D. Connor, American Lung Association president and CEO warned that millions of lives areatstake. http://www.lungusa.org/press-room/press-releases/state-oftobacco-control-2012.html

Lower doses would minimise or potentially eliminate its side effects and in tests on mice, it has been shown to shrink cancer cells by 85 per cent. The pill is effective against 11 different forms of cancer, including colon, pancreatic, prostate, breast and leukaemia, researchers have found. Hailing the breakthrough, Professor Kashfi, of the Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education at The City College of New York, said: If what we have seen in animals can be translated to humans it could be used in conjunction with other drugs to shrink tumours before chemotherapy or surgery. Dr Kat Arney, science information manager at Cancer Research UK, said: Scientists have been investigating the cancer-fighting properties of aspirin for many years, although prolonged use can cause side effects such as stomach bleeds. It will be interesting to see how this particular compound progresses, although much more research is needed to show whether its safe and effective for use in humans.

Oral cancers: three things you need to know

April was Oral Cancer Awareness Month and according to the US Oral Cancer Foundation, close to 37,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer in 2012. The most common risk factors include tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption and HPV infection. But there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. AICR experts estimate that if these three recommendations are followed, they could prevent an impressive sixty-three percent of oral cancers in the US. 1. Do not smoke or chew tobacco Research is clear that tobacco increases risk for cancers of the lung, mouth, lips, nasal cavity and sinuses, larynx, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, kidney, bladder, uterus, cervix, colon/rectum, ovary, and acute myeloid leukemia. Research also shows, when combined with alcohol, tobacco can raise oral cancer risk significantly. 2. Limit alcoholic beverages Strong evidence suggests that alcohol increases the risk for oral and throat cancer. If you drink alcohol, AICR recommends limiting your consumption to no more than two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women. 3. Eat more plant-based foods The AICR/WCRF expert report found that fruits and vegetables protect against cancers of the mouth, pharynx and larynx, stomach and esophagus. Aim for at least five servings per day. A cancer-fighting diet should also include whole grains and legumes, which contain fibre and other important phytochemicals. http://preventcancer.aicr.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id= 21575&news_iv_ctrl=2303

Vitamin D on trial
According to an article in The Scientist prevention trials for vitamins and supplements are notoriously difficult, but some researchers arent giving up on finding proof that vitamin D helps ward off disease. But it seems the public isnt waiting for clinical trial data. Spurred by headlines about its potential benefits, US consumer sales of vitamin D supplements rocketed from $50 million in 2005 to $550 million in 2010, according to estimates from the Nutrition Business Journal. Enthusiasm for the vitamin echoes among doctors and naturalfood advocates, who are pushing for doses higher than the 400 to 600 International Units (IU) that the government currently recommends for maintaining healthy bones.

Super aspirin fights cancer in mice

A POTENT super aspirin that can cause cancer cells to self-destruct has been developed by scientists. The hybrid version is much more powerful than the conventional painkiller but far less toxic. Prolonged use of traditional aspirin can cause stomach ulcers and kidney failure, but the new compound, known as NOSH, can be used in lower doses and has fewer side effects. The new drug is a hybrid of two compounds, one of which releases nitric oxide to protect the stomach lining and the other releases

Applying Watson technology to help oncologists

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) and IBM (NYSE: IBM) have agreed to collaborate on the development of a powerful

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tool built upon IBM Watson in order to provide medical professionals with improved access to current and comprehensive cancer data and practices. The resulting decision support tool will help doctors everywhere create individualized cancer diagnostic and treatment and recommendations for their patients based on current evidence. The initiative will combine the computational power of IBM Watson and its natural language processing ability with MSKCCs clinical knowledge, existing molecular and genomic data and vast repository of cancer case histories, in order to create an outcome and evidence-based decision support system. The goal is to give oncologists located anywhere the ability to obtain detailed diagnostic and treatment options based on updated research that will help them decide how best to care for an individual patient. Development work is already underway for the first applications, which include lung, breast and prostate cancers. The objective is to begin piloting the solutions to a select group of oncologists in late 2012, with wider distribution planned for late 2013. This collaboration complements an earlier announcement by IBM and WellPoint that the parties will focus on putting Watson to work on oncology solutions. http://www.mskcc.org/news/press/mskcc-ibm-collaborate-applying-watson-technology-help-oncologists?utm_source=E-

Don't defy the diagnosis try to defy the outcome."

Norman Cousins quote from Head First: The Biology of Hope sels in cancer that has spread to the brain from other parts of the body - known as brain metastases. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can take a photo of the dye distribution in the brain. This could enable cancer doctors to detect brain metastases that are much smaller than is currently possible. This exciting discovery reveals that a single protein could enable doctors to literally paint a picture with a medical dye to detect cancer that has spread to the brain, at a very early stage, when treatment has a greater chance of being successful. Small secondary brain tumours can be treated with whole brain radiotherapy or surgery, and there are new chemotherapy treatments in development. But currently, it is only possible to detect larger secondary brain tumours, which are more difficult to treat. The next stage is to build on these results and carry out clinical trials. Cancer Research UK

Husbands health may be affected by You survived cancer - now pay attention wifes breast cancer to your overall health Caring for a wife with breast cancer can have a measurable negaCancer survivors need to pay close attention to other aspects of their health as they age, according to a study presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) annual meeting in Chicago . A new study finds that nearly half of cancer survivors die of something other than cancer, such as heart disease or diabetes. And the further from the initial cancer diagnosis they get, the more likely it is that their cause of death will be something other than cancer. After the detection of cancer, clinicians and cancer survivors pay less attention to the prevention and treatment of other diseases and complications, lead researcher Dr. Yi Ning, assistant professor in the department of epidemiology and community health at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, said in an association news release. We shouldnt neglect other aspects of health because we are focused on cancer and overlook other chronic conditions. We realized that the mortality rates for some types of cancer, such as breast cancer, had declined, said Ning, also an associate research member at VCU Massey Cancer Center. Cancer survivors live much longer than they did several decades ago. So with this large group of cancer survivors, we need to pay more attention to cancer survivors overall health. tive effect on men's health, even years after the cancer diagnosis and completion of treatment, according to recent research. Men who reported the highest levels of stress in relation to their wives' cancer were at the highest risk for physical symptoms and weaker immune responses, the study showed. The researchers sought to determine the health effects of a recurrence of breast cancer on patients' male caregivers, but found that how stressed the men were about the cancer had a bigger influence on their health than did the current status of their wives' disease. The findings imply that clinicians caring for breast cancer patients could help their patients by considering the caregivers' health as well, the researchers say. This care could include screening caregivers for stress symptoms and encouraging them to participate in stress management, relaxation or other self-care activities, said Sharla Wells-Di Gregorio, lead author of the study and assistant professor of psychiatry and psychology at Ohio State University. "If you care for the caregiver, your patient gets better care, too," said Kristen Carpenter, a postdoctoral researcher in psychology at Ohio State and a study co-author. The research is published in a recent issue of the journal Brain, Behavior and Immunity. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/244188.php DISCLAIMER This newsletter is for information purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. Please consult your doctor for personal medical advice before taking any action that may impact on your health. The views expressed are not necessarily those of People Living With Cancer or those of the Editor.

Scientists develop first snapshot of tiny brain tumours

Cancer Research UK scientists have developed a technique they believe could be used to detect tiny secondary tumours in the brain, a process that is currently impossible, according to research published in March. The scientists at Cancer Research UKs Gray Institute for Radiation Oncology and Biology at the University of Oxford showed that a special dye recognises and sticks to a molecule called VCAM-1, in mice. The molecule is produced in greater amounts on blood ves-

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