Remembering Bengu Shail - Greek, Turkish and Cypriot Bone Marrow Donors Needed

Bengu Shail was a fellow Cancer Campaigns Ambassador for Cancer Research UK. She sadly died at the age of thirty five earlier this year after a long batter with cancer. Unfortunately I didn’t get to know her very well but she has still impacted my life in a positive way and I wanted to use a blog post to pay tribute to her and help pass on the message she worked so hard to raise awareness of.

Bengu volunteered for several charities including Macmillan and CRUK. She also fundraised, campaigned and advocated. A lot of this was done from her hospital bed or whilst she was undergoing treatments. I am told she had a very positive outlook on life and was always very selfless.

Bengu was diagnosed with ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in September 2009. She went into remission after two years of intensive treatment and began working for Macmillan as a Case Studies Officer, helping other cancer patients. Sadly she was informed in October 2012 that the disease had returned and Bengu’s only hope was a bone marrow transplant.

Like my family, Bengu was from Cyprus (North Cyprus to be precise). Unfortunately Anthony Nolan were unable to find a matching donor on their UK register. Patients are more likely to find a match if they have a similar ethnic background and sadly the Greek, Turkish and Cypriot community are hugely underrepresented on the register in the UK.

Bengu herself once said “All of us want a cure for cancer. In my case, the cure is no in the hands of scientists, it is in the hands of my community – selfless people who are willing to spare a few hours of their time to give someone like me a chance to live.”

As a fellow Cypriot I think the best way for me to honour this incredible lady is to look into ways of becoming a bone marrow donor and encourage people from the same background as me to do the same. The Greek and Cypriot communities are famous for their hospitality and their sense of community. I for one have always been hugely proud to be a Greek Cypriot and I feel if we can be helping save each others lives by donating some bone marrow then we should be doing this!!! So if you’re one of my fellow Cypriots – please do check out Anthony Nolan and see how you can go about donating some bone marrow - you could save the life of a fellow Cypriot!

Bengu sounds like an incredible woman and I’m so sad that I didn’t get an opportunity to get to know her. I’m also very sad that this inspiring young lady was taken in the prime of her life. I hope others can be saved by her important message and her memory lives on with an increase in bone marrow donors from the Greek, Turkish and Cypriot communities.

To look into becoming a bone marrow donor please visit http://www.anthonynolan.org/

To donate in memory of Bengu please visit http://www.justgiving.com/remember/78465/Bengu%20-Shail

Preventing Cancer: Oophorectomy

Hi all, today's blog post will follow on from yesterdays and focus on the news that Angelina Jolie has had a preventative double mastectomy after discovering she has the BRCA1 gene mutation, giving her an 87% chance of developing breast cancer. The BRCA gene mutations also give you an increased risk of ovarian cancer and I have read today that Angelina is also going to have her ovaries removed to prevent her being diagnosed with this cancer type too. I hope you find this post informative.

To read about mastectomies please click: http://pennysophia.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/preventing-cancer-mastectomy.html

To read about the BRCA gene mutations please click: http://pennysophia.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/gene-mutations-and-cancer.html

To read about ovarian cancer please click: http://pennysophia.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/cancer-types-ovarian.html

To read about cancer and fertility please click: http://pennysophia.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/cancer-and-fertility.html

What is an Oophorectomy?

An oophorectomy is the surgical removal of your ovaries. Your ovaries are almond shaped organs which sit on either side of the uterus. They contain eggs and secrete hormones that control your reproductive cycle. Removal of your ovaries will reduce the amount of oestrogen and progesterone in your body and this can halt cancers that require these hormones to grow.

Ladies with the BRCA mutation may also have their fallopian tubes removed and this is known as a salpingo-oophorectomy.

Who Can Have a Preventative Oophorectomy?

This surgery is normally reserved for women with an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer, usually due to a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation. Women aged over thirty five that have already had their children and are found to be at high risk of developing ovarian cancer are usually offered this surgery but other woman also qualify, including those with a strong family history of ovarian cancer but do not carry the gene mutation.

How does it Reduce your Cancer Risk?

A preventative oophorectomy can decrease your risk of breast and ovarian cancer if you have a BRCA mutation:

*Your breast cancer risk is reduced by about 50% if you are pre menopausal. For example a woman with a 60% chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer would see her chances decrease to 30% with an oophorectomy.

*Your ovarian cancer risk would decrease by 80-90%. For example a woman with a 30% chance of developing ovarian cancer would see her chances decrease to 6%.

These figures do depend on individuals though as your risk can depend on many factors including lifestyle and family history. Some women may find that an oophorectomy reduces their risk significantly whilst others may find the surgery risks and side effects may not be worth the reduced risk of cancer.

Risks Involved:

An oophorectomy is a safe procedure with minimal complications, although the risks depend on how the procedure is performed. Potential risks could include damage to internal organs and intestinal blockage.

Oophorectomy causes early menopause in women that have not yet reached the menopause and this can cause:

*Osteoporosis – the amount of oestrogen being produced is reduced and this may increase your chance of breaking bones as they become thinner.

*Increased Risk of Heart Disease – Your risk of developing high cholesterol and heart disease may increase if you have your ovaries removed.

*Menopausal Side Effects – Hot flushes, vaginal dryness, sexual problems and sleep disturbance are all common side effects of menopause.

*You May Still Be At Risk – This surgery does not completely eradicate your risk of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer as a type of cancer that mimics ovarian cancer (primary peritoneal cancer) can develop. However the risk of developing this cancer type is low, much much lower then the risk of ovarian cancer if you keep your ovaries.

*Fertility – Removing your ovaries will obviously affect your fertility so if you have not started or completed your family yet it may be worth looking into options including egg/embryo freezing before going ahead with the surgery.

I hope you have found this post informative, please do visit your GP if you are worried about anything you have read here today. For more information please visit www.cancerrsearchuk.org

Sending lots of love to anyone known to carry a gene mutation and anyone that has undergone this procedure to try and prevent themselves being diagnosed with cancer.

xxx

Happy Women’s Day!!

I know lots and lots of fabulous women and I think it’s great that there is a day dedicated to celebrating how amazing womankind is!

I’m going to use this day to remind everyone of a few key facts regarding female cancers. I have included breast cancer but this is a cancer that can affect men and women. Take a look at the facts below and remember to visit your GP if you have noticed any changes in your body or are suffering from any of the symptoms.

Cancer of the Breast

The Breast:

Breasts are made up of fat, gland tissue and connective tissue which is divided into lobes. A network of ducts spread from these lobes towards the nipple. Breasts are not usually the exact same size as each other and they can also vary in size and shape throughout your monthly cycle. They also change with age – younger women have a lot more glandular tissue so their breasts are usually more dense. After the menopause this tissue is gradually replaced by fat, which is less dense.

Breast Cancer Symptoms:

As with all cancers; the earlier breast cancer is found, the easier it is to treat. This means ladies need to be aware of what is normal for their breasts. You need to regularly have a good old feel of your breasts so you become used to how they look and feel. That way it will be easy for you to spot any changes that may actually be cancer symptoms. Do not panic as about 90% of breast lumps are not cancerous but if you do think something is not right, it is vital that you visit your GP ASAP.

The most common symptoms of breast cancer is a lump or some thickened tissue in their breast. There are also other symptoms to watch out for:

*A change to the size or shape of one or both breasts

*Nipple discharge

*A lump in your armpit

*Dimpling on the skin of your breasts

*A rash on or around your nipples

*A change in how your nipple looks (for example it can become sunken or invert into your breast)

*A pain in your breast or armpit that is not period related

It is hugely important to know what is normal for your breasts so I fully encourage all ladies to regularly feel their breasts. Just after a shower is probably the best time. Maybe you can get your partner to feel to so you can have a second opinion if you feel something has changed.

KNOW YOUR BOOBS LADIES!!!

Cancer of the Cervix

The Cervix:

The cervix is basically the neck of the womb (uterus). It is the opening to the womb from the vagina. The cervix is a very strong muscle which is usually tightly shut but it does open during labour so the baby can come out. The outer surface of the cervix has a layer of cells which are almost skin-like. When these cells become cancerous it is known as squamous cell cervical cancer. There are glandular cells lining the inside of the cervix producing mucus. Cancer of these cells is called adenocarcinoma of the cervix. There is an area of the cervix known as the transformation zone. This is around the opening of the cervix leading onto a narrow passageway that runs into the womb. This zone is where cells are most likely to become cancerous.

Risks and Causes of Cervical Cancer:

* Human Pampilloma Virus (HPV) is the most common and biggest cause of cervical cancer. HPV is passed on from person to person via sexual contact. There are many different types of HPV and not all of them cause cervical cancer. One type causes genital warts but not cervical cancer. However other types are considered high risk. These types can lead to cells in the cervix changing and becoming cancerous. Most women who have HPV and develop cervical cancer will have had other infections caused by HPV in the past. However, not every woman with HPV will develop cervical cancer.

* Smoking can lead to cervical cancer; women who smoke are more likely to develop this type of cancer then women that do not smoke.

* Taking the pill can also increase your risk but the reason for this is not yet known

* Women that have bore a large number of children also have a slightly higher risk as are women with a weakened immune system.

Smear Tests:

It is hugely important to have cervical screening as preventing cervical cancer from developing is vital. Cervical cancer is actually one of the only cancers that is preventable because if pre cancerous cells are detected through screening then they can be treated before they have a chance to become cancerous.

Women between the ages of twenty five and sixty are encouraged to have smear tests every three to five years to detect any changing cells in their cervix. During a smear test, a doctor or nurse will insert a speculum into your vagina and scrape anyway a sample of cells from your cervix. These cells are then placed into a small pot of liquid and send to be analysed. You will then be contacted with your results and any abnormal smears will require further investigation.

You don’t have to be over the age of twenty five to develop cervical cancer; some younger women do develop it as well. However, in the UK, smear tests are not encouraged until twenty five because your cervix is still developing in your teens and early twenties. This means the likelihood of you getting an abnormal result is more common but usually nothing to worry about. After Jade Goody’s horrifically young death, a campaign was launched to lower the smear test age limit but medical professionals do not agree with this. If you are under twenty five and are concerned about your cervical cancer risk – please do speak to your GP and get some advice. A private gynaecologist may allow you to have a smear test but it would depend on your individual circumstances.

PLEASE DO NOT BE SCARED TO HAVE A SMEAR TEST – THEY ARE UNCOMFORTABLE AND UNLADYLIKE BUT THEY DO SAVE LIVES! A FEW MINUTES OF DISCOMFORT IS BETTER THEN A BATTLE WITH CERVICAL CANCER!!!

Symptoms:

Before I start listing the symptoms, please note that pre cancerous cells do not produce symptoms. This means having a smear test is hugely important – you can catch the cancer before it even develops. It is also important to know that the following symptoms do not instantly mean you have cervical cancer but it is important to go to your doctor if you have any of these symptoms:

* Bleeding between periods

* Bleeding during or after sex

* Bleeding at any time after the menopause

* Discomfort or pain during sex

Cancer of the Ovaries

The Ovaries:

The ovaries are part of the female reproductive system along with the vagina, uterus (womb) and fallopian tubes. You have two ovaries, one of the left and one on the right. Each month, a fertile woman will produce an egg in each ovary. The ovaries are also responsible for producing the female sex hormones, oestrogen and progesterone, throughout a woman’s childbearing years. These hormones control your menstrual cycle and as you approach menopause, the amount of hormone produced lessens and your periods eventually stop completely.

Ovarian Cysts:

A cyst is a sack filled with fluid. Fertile woman develop cysts each month as their eggs are developed. They are not usually cancerous or anything to worry about. However, sometimes they appear larger than normal or are there for longer than normal and at this point they should be investigated. Any post menopausal woman developing cysts should also be investigated. If your cysts are painful or cause you to develop symptoms then you should see your doctor ASAP.

Ovarian Cancer:

At the moment, ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer in females. Epithelial ovarian cancer makes up over 90% of ovarian cancer cases. Epithelial simply means surface layer. So the cancer is in the surface layer of the ovary.

Currently, not much is known about the causes of this type of cancer. As you all will know, your risk of developing any cancer rising with age and the same applies for ovarian. Family history is an important factor as statistics show about 1 in every 10 cases of ovarian cancer are caused by an inherited faulty gene. It is thought that Georgie’s Li Fraumeni Syndrome was inherited from his mother. We don’t know this for certain but if it is correct then it is safe to assume her cancer was caused by the same syndrome. Other possible risks for ovarian cancer include infertility, the use of HRT treatments, being tall or overweight, endometriosis and the use of talcum powder. Please don’t be panicked by this list; it doesn’t mean everybody gets ovarian cancer.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer:

As previously mentioned, ovarian cancer symptoms are very hard to find, especially at the early stages. Many women in the early stages of ovarian cancer don’t report any symptoms at all. Symptoms can become apparent when the cancer has spread from the ovary. Sufferers of advanced ovarian cancer will display more symptoms. I will list some symptoms to look out for:

Early Symptoms – pain in lower abdomen or side and a bloated feeling in the abdomen.

Symptoms when The Cancer has Spread – abdominal pain, back pain, passing more urine than normal, constipation, pain during sex, swollen abdomen, irregular periods and bleeding after the menopause

Advanced Symptoms - loss of appetite, feeling sick, being sick, constipation, tiredness, shortness of breath, a noticeable swelling in abdomen

As I mention all the time, the key to surviving cancer is diagnosing it as early as possible so if you suspect anything at all, or are worried about symptoms, please make an appointment with your doctor as soon as you possibly can. Particular symptoms require urgent attention from your doctor:

*Tummy pain

*Swelling or bloating of the abdomen

*Constipation

*Back pain

*Urinary symptoms

If your doctor is concerned, they will do a full pelvic ultrasound including an internal examination, which can be uncomfortable. If there is a lump or cause for concern then they will arrange for you to have an ultrasound scan and it will go from there.

Cancer of the Endometrium or Womb (Uterine Cancer)

The Womb:

The womb is part of the female reproductive system. It is a muscular bag shaped like a pear and its job is to protect a baby as it grows during pregnancy. It is also known as the uterus.

Please note that although the cervix forms part of the womb – womb cancer and cervical cancer are two different things.

Cancer of the Womb:

Womb cancer is the fourth most common cancer for women in the UK, especially those that are between the ages of sixty and seventy nine. Womb cancer has several different names: womb cancer, uterine cancer or endometrial cancer. This is because the womb is also known as the uterus and because the lining of the womb is called the endometrium. Cancer of the endometrium is the most common type of womb cancer.

Risk Factors for Womb Cancer:

Exact causes for womb cancer are not yet known. However, something’s do increase your risk of developing this kind of cancer:

* Overweight or obese women are more likely to develop womb cancer then women of a “normal” weight

* Your menstrual history can also increase your risk – for example if your menarche (first period) arrived at an early age or you had a late menopause.

However, it’s not all bad news... research shows having a baby will lower your risk of womb cancer and having more than one child will decrease your risk even more.

Symptoms of Womb Cancer:

About nine out of ten womb cancer cases are diagnosed because the woman is suffering from post menopausal or irregular vaginal bleeding. Womb cancer symptoms to look out for include:

* Vaginal bleeding after the menopause

* Unusually heavy bleeding

* Bleeding between periods

* Pink and watery vaginal discharge

* Dark and foul smelling vaginal discharge

Less common symptoms include:

Abdominal pain or discomfort

Painful sex

An enlarged or swollen womb (your doctor will be the one to find this symptom)

A Poem about Women:

The beauty of a woman
Is not in the clothes she wears,
The figure that she carries,
Or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes,
Because that is the doorway to her heart,
The place where love resides.
The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole
But true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.

It is the caring that she lovingly gives,
The passion that she shows,
And the beauty of a woman
With passing years only grows!

xxx

World Cancer Day 2013

Today is World Cancer Day 2013 and this year is focusing on target five of the World Cancer Declaration: "Dispel damaging myths and misconceptions about cancer".

The purpose of World Cancer Day 2013 is to raise a collective voice to try and improve knowledge about cancer as well as dismissing misconceptions surrounding the disease.

I thought I would mark the day by summarizing a few "key facts" about the disease. 

What Causes Cancer?

Genes tell our cells what to do and are encoded in our DNA. Cancer is caused by damaged or faulty genes. Anything that can damage our DNA can increase the risk of cancer, although several genes within the same cell will need to be damaged for cancer to occur.

Most cancers develop when DNA damage accumulates over a lifetime, which is why cancer affects so many older people. Some people are born with a specific gene fault, which they inherit from their parents, and this can also lead to a heightened risk of the disease developing. Everyone has subtle differences in their genes which can increase or decrease their chances of developing cancer.

However, cancer isn't just caused by our genes and our lifestyles play a huge role in increasing and decreasing our chances of developing certain cancer types. Whilst no one can change their genetic make up, we can take important steps with our lifestyles to try and reduce our chances of developing the disease.

Lifestyle Choices To Consider:
Age - The single biggest risk factor for cancer. As you get older, your chances of developing cancer increase. Nearly 2/3 cancer cases in the UK are occurring in people over sixty five. Obviously this is because as we age, we accumulate more cancer causing faults in our DNA. People live much long nowadays which means our chances of picking up these cancer causing faults are increasing.

Lifestyle - Nearly half of all cancers can be prevented by changes to lifestyle. There are many ways we can try and lessen our risk of cancer:
 * Giving Up Smoking
* Being responsible in the sun
* Eating a balanced diet
* Limiting alcohol
* Regular exercise
* Having a healthy body weight

Carcinogens - This literally translates as "something that causes cancer" They can damage DNA and cause damage to important genes which will lead to cancer. Examples of common carcinogens are:
* Tobacco
* Car exhaust fumes
* Air pollution
* The sun
* Radiation (both natural and man made) for example X-Rays
* Asbestos
Please don't think carcinogens are the only cause of cancer, in most cases they are a contributing factor and are joined by a number of other factors.

Inherited Fault Genes - Obviously this is the factor I am most familiar with. Some people (like Georgie) are born with a gene containing a fault. This doesn't guarantee them a battle with cancer but it does mean fewer things need to go wrong with their DNA for the disease to develop. They are more vulnerable to the disease. They have a higher risk. People with a strong family history of cancer can be genetically tested. It is incredibly important. Please visit www.tp53.co.uk for more information about this. As a family we really do believe more people need to be genetically tested and are trying to make it happen. 

Viruses - There are some viruses that can be linked to some types of cancer. Don't confuse a virus with an infection - cancer is not contagious - you cannot catch it from someone else. some examples of these viruses are:
* Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a major cause of cervical cancer
* Hepatitis B and C can cause primary liver cancer
* Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has been linked to several cancers. This is because it weakens the immune system.

Signs and Symptoms of Cancer:

There are some warning signs that should always be checked out by a medical professional. I am going to highlight them below. Please note, these symptoms do not guarantee you have cancer but they do need to be investigated. Do not think they are nothing to bother your GP about and do not worry about being embarrassed – your doctor will have seen and heard of a lot worse trust me!

Signs of cancer for both men and women:
* Usual lump or swelling anywhere on your body - Men should pay particular attention to any lumps in their testicles and women should pay particular attention to any breast lumps. Everyone should watch out for lumps on your neck, armpit, abdomen, groin or chest area. The best time to have a check is probably when having a bath or shower. Have a good feel and know how your body feels so if any lumps do appear you can detect them easily.

* A mole that has changed shape, size or colour - most moles are harmless. However be aware of them because if a new mole appears or one changes colour, shape or size then it will need to be checked. If any mole begins or ooze, bleed or become crusty then please make an appointment with your GP ASAP.

* A sore that hasn't healed after several weeks - our skin is usually able to repair itself easily (within a week or so) If a spot, wart or sore isn't able to heal itself after three weeks then please go to your doctor.

* An ulcer in your mouth or on your tongue that has been there more then three weeks - most people get mouth ulcers when they are feeling run down. Usually they are nothing to worry about. Usually the lining of your mouth will renew itself every two weeks so an ulcer won't last much longer then that. However is an ulcer does last long then three weeks please visit your doctor or dentist.

* A cough or croaky voice that lasts longer then three weeks - these are symptoms of a cold. Usually they disappear after a week or so and are not signs of anything serious. But if they do last for longer then three weeks or if they get persistently worse then please do go to your doctor. ESPECIALLY if you are a smoker or have been a smoker.

* Persistent difficulty swallowing - Lots of medical conditions can affect your ability to swallow. If you are having difficulty and it lasts longer then a week or so then you should go to your doctor.

* Indigestion - There are lots of foods, especially fatty or spicy ones that can make you feel uncomfortable after eating them. If this is happening to you a lot or is really painful then it should be checked out.

* Blood in your urine - This should ALWAYS be reported to your doctor. It might not mean cancer but it should always be looked at.

* Problems passing urine - It is common for men to have difficulty passing urine as they get older. You may need to pee more often then you used to and it can sometimes be painful. Usually it is caused by a common condition causing your prostate to enlarge. It it not often cancer but if you are having trouble please visit a doctor. Most women experiencing problems with urine are suffering from an infection but if you need to pass urine more urgently then normal or are in pain whilst doing so, please get yourself checked out.

* Blood in your bowel movements - This is usually caused by piles which is caused by straining when you are going to the toilet. It can also be a sign of cancer so please stay vigilant.

* A change in your bowel movements that lasts longer then six weeks (diarrhoea) - this is usually caused by stomach bugs or food poisoning. If it lasts longer then a few weeks please get yourself to the doctors.

* Unexpected weight loss - It is normal for your weight to fluctuate slightly. However if you are not on a diet but are losing lots of weight please get a check up.

* Heavy night sweats - these are usually brought on by infections and some types of medications. They are also common in women going through the menopause. They can also be caused by some cancers so please take care if you are experiencing them regularly.

* Unexplained pain or ache that lasts longer then four weeks - Pain is our bodies telling us something is not right. Take notice of any pain and if it is persistent or getting worse then go see your doctor as soon as you can.

* Coughing up blood - ALWAYS go to see your doctor as soon as this happens.

Signs of cancer in women specifically:
* An usual change in your breast - lumps are not the only sign of breast cancer. Changes to your breast's appearance, shape or feel are also signs as are changes to the texture of the skin, any redness or changes to your nipples. Pain in your breast is also a sign. If you experience any of these, don't panic but visit your GP ASAP.

* Bleeding from the vagina after the menopause or in between periods - Spotting (bleeding between periods) is common for females taking the contraceptive pill. However if you are bleeding during or after sex, between periods or after going through the menopause then it should be check out straight away.

* Persistent bloating - Bloating is the blight of lots of women's lives. If it happens persistently please have a check up.

Some of these symptoms may seem embarrassing or silly. Don't ever feel embarrassed to see your doctor - they have seen it all and do not judge. Don't ever feel like you're bothering your doctor or wasting a time slot - if you have a concern or symptom, they are there to listen, to check and to reassure. If you are worried or think you may need to see a doctor then please don't deliberate, make the appointment as soon as you can. Early diagnosis saves lives. It also puts your mind at rest if nothing is actually wrong with you. Don’t be too scared to visit your GP. Remember, most of the time it will be absolutely nothing to worry about. It is ALWAYS best to get seen as soon as possible because it is always best to catch something as early as possible. If you are really nervous then take someone you trust with you.

Knowing Your Body

I have said this time and time again but knowing what is “normal” for you and your body is massively important. Knowing what is normal makes it easier to know when something isn’t quite right. It makes it easier to know when a consistent change is occurring and it will hopefully lead to you seeking medical advice quicker. Examples of getting to know your body include:

MEN – check your testicles at least once a month. Get to know how they feel; their size, their shape etc…..

LADIES – Check your breasts once a month to get to know what is “normal” for you and to check for any new and unexpected lumps, bumps and changes

EVERYONE - It may sound crude, but get to know your toilet habits. Know what is normal for you. Do you go twice a day or twice a week for example?

REMEMBER IF A CHANGE LASTS MORE THEN THREE WEEKS – GET TO YOUR GP!!!!

Some Positive Facts About The Fight Against Cancer:

I want to end this post by highlighting some positive statistics about the progress being made against cancer. We are making huge strides and more and more people are surviving every year. Cures are within our grasp.

*More then 9/10 men with testicular cancer survive and are cured of the disease.

*More than ¾ of children are surviving cancer compared to ¼ surviving back in the 1960’s.

*The three most common cancers in the UK are breast, bowel and lung cancer and they have all seen their death rates drop to their lowest level in forty years.

*The number of deaths from cancer are continuously dropping

*The number of people surviving cancers such as prostate and skin have dramatically improved

*The amount of people surviving more then ten years after a cancer diagnosis has DOUBLED over the past three decades

*The number of people surviving more then five years after a cancer diagnosis is now HALF of all cancer patients

*For cancers with low overall survival rates, early diagnosis does still mean chances of beating the disease are higher.

For information on specific lifestyle choices, specific cancer types, cancer charities and plenty more factual information about issues surrounding cancer, please have a look at this page and find the post that interests you.

http://pennysophia.blogspot.co.uk/p/information-posts.html

Losing six relatives to cancer has been horrific and I remain determined to work hard and play a role in defeating cancer. I strongly believe cures will start to be found during my lifetime and I look forward to that day.

On World Cancer Day I send my love to everyone fighting cancer across the world right now, and their loved ones too. I raise my glass to all those that have been lost, especially Georgie, Auntie Eleni, Dada Sotiris, Nouna Gina, Yiayia Alexandra and Buppou Peter.

xxx

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: The Long Term Effects of Childhood Cancer

So the good news is, more and more children are surviving childhood cancer. Survival rates beyond five years after diagnosis are improving all the time, and many more children will survive cancer then ever before.

Doctors try to make sure children with cancer don’t have long term problems following cancer treatment. However, some things can be affected and I’m going to summarise some of those possible effects in today’s blog post.

Possible Effects on Education and Intellectual Development.

Before I start, I would like to reassure people that Georgie suffered cancer three times and sat his GCSE’s whilst having intense treatment yet he still managed to get MUCH better GCSE’s results then I did (and mine were pretty good!).

The majority of children with cancer should be able to carry on with a normal education and should develop intellectually as normal.

Some children, usually those with brain cancer, can develop learning difficulties and may require special help at school but this would depend on their age and treatment type.

Your child’s doctor will be able to advise you on any special educational requirements and your child’s school should be able to help you find a way to carry on with your child’s education. I know Georgie’s school were incredibly understanding and helped him out in lots of different ways.

Possible Effects on Growth and Development.

The pituitary gland is found at the base of the brain and produces hormones which regulate growth and development throughout childhood. Radiotherapy to the brain may affect this and if a child doesn’t produce enough of these hormones their growth will be affected. A man made hormone may be needed to help the child grow.

Radiotherapy can have an effect on growth and development, for example, if a child has radiotherapy on their leg, it may be shorter in length then the other.

It is important that your child’s growth and development is monitored regularly and any signs of their growth and development being affected will need to be investigated. Replacement growth hormone may be necessary.

Possible Effects on Heart and Lungs.

Certain types of cancer treatments, including chemotherapy drugs and radiotherapy, can affect the heart and lungs. Regular echocardiogram should be used to monitor the child’s heart and lung function tests may also be necessary. Sometimes the effects are not seen until long after the treatment has finished so regular monitoring is needed for a while after treatment.

Possible Effects on Kidneys.

Some chemotherapy drugs can lead to kidney problems but if your child has those particular drugs then their doctor will arrange tests to monitor and check their kidneys every so often. Any kidney problems are usually not severe and if your child hasn’t had any problems during treatment then it is unlikely they will develop any problems related to their treatment later in life.

Possible Effects on Puberty and Fertility.

I've mentioned cancer and fertility before. I work in a fertility clinic in Harley Street and I have learnt lots about the subject.

I can’t imagine that worrying about your child’s future fertility is going to be high up on your list of worries should they be diagnosed with cancer. It is important to try and find out if their fertility will be affected as it will need to be dealt with at a later date and could have an impact on them emotionally when they grow up. It can be very very distressing to consider your child’s fertility, especially at such a difficult time but being in the know about their treatment and its affects will help in the long run.

Your child will be checked for sighs of puberty at the time of diagnosis. If puberty is delayed or has not happened then hormone replacement will be needed so that puberty can occur when it’s time.

If you have any more questions regarding cancer and fertility please do read my blog post on the subject. There is a box on the side of the page with details of my workplace if you wish to consult a fertility specialist.

http://pennysophia.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/cancer-and-fertility.html

Possible Second Cancer.

A very small number of children can be cured of cancer but then develop another type of cancer later on in life. It is important to know that this can be caused by a inherited gene mutation, whilst it is also sometimes caused by the cancer treatments themselves. Your child’s doctor can discuss this possibility with you but I urge you to remain vigilant, even when your child is given the all clear. Demand the doctor’s attention and through testing if you think a second cancer is a possibility.

Please read my blog post on gene mutations, especially Li Fraumeni Syndrome, as this is what led to Georgie being diagnosed with two further cancers after being cured of his first. If you feel you are at risk of a genetic mutation then please look into genetic counseling or visit www.tp53.org.uk for more help, support and advice.

http://pennysophia.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/gene-mutations-and-cancer.html

http://pennysophia.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/blog-post-100-tp53-and-li-fraumeni.html

As always, my thoughts are with anyone watching their child go through cancer. My love is sent to all the children suffering from cancer. This blog post is dedicated to my beautiful Georgie.

xxx

The George Pantziarka TP53 Trust - An Update

Hi everyone,

Most of you will know that my uncle has set up a Trust in Georgie's name. Well here is an update on what is happening with the trust - please visit www.tp53.co.uk or anticancer.org.uk for more information

The following text is straight from my uncle, Pan Pantziarka:

"This is just a small update to let people know about progress on setting up the George Pantziarka TP53 Trust. On the administrative side of things we are now set up with a bank account, have appointed the Trustees and are now in the process of registering with HMRC and the Charities Commission. Registering the HMRC (the inland revenue in other words), would mean that we would be able to claim Gift Aid on donations, which we can't do at the moment. Beyond that we want to register with the Charities Commission to get a charity number and formal recognition that we exist as a charity. The paperwork for all these is huge but unavoidable.

Aside from that we are continuing to make contact with more and more families. The stories are heart-breaking, but they underline why we need to create the Trust and the long way we have to go to provide support for people facing the most horrendous circumstances. The web site and forum get lots of visitors, but few seem to sign up and take part in discussions. This is something that will change with time, we hope, as the number of members increases we'll reach the critical mass required to turn the forum into a more viable proposition. In the meantime please drop by and say hello if you haven't already."


Please do take a look at the trusts website and see if there is anything there of interest to you. We do really appreciate your support :)


xxx