International Rare Disease Day 2012

Today is fifth annual International Rare Disease Day, an annual event aimed at raising awareness of many rare diseases. It is co-ordinated by EURODIS and organised by rare disease national alliances in twenty five European countries and more then forty countries world wide. The slogan for today is "Rare but strong together" This year's focus is solidarity.


My friend Dawn Green has been featured on my blog before. She suffers from a very rare type of cancer and has set up a charity to help others in her position. Pseudomyxoma Survivor is taking part in events for International Rare Disease Day and you can read more about them at http://www.pseudomyxomasurvivor.co.uk/


The George Pantziarka TP53 Trust is also part of the Rare Disease UK, a national alliance for people in the UK suffering from rare diseases. To read more about this please read my Uncle's blog http://www.anticancer.org.uk/2012/02/february-29th-is-rare-disease-day-2012.html


To find out more about Rare Disease UK and what they are doing to mark today, please visit http://www.raredisease.org.uk/news/rdd2012_2weeks.html


If you do suffer from a rare disease, please do look into today's events and how they can help you. My very best wishes to you all 


xxx

Ellie's Fund

As some of you may have noticed, a lot of the people I have come into contact with lately have been parents mourning the loss of a child. Most of these children were taken by brain tumours. Ellie is just one of them.

Ellie was eleven when she was diagnosed with a brain tumour in March 2007. It was a grade four Glioblastoma which was very aggressive and very difficult to treat. She was given just six months to live. Somehow, Ellie managed to survive three years and one day before passing away on February 14th 2010. She was fourteen years old.

Ellie was a kind little girl and she managed to raise around £25,000 for various children's charities whilst battling the brain tumour. Her parents decided to carry on her brilliant work after her death and keep her legacy alive. Ellie's Fund Brain Tumour Trust was founded in March 2010, became a registered charity in September 2010, before launching in February 2011.

The trust raises money to go towards a brain tumour research laboratory in Leeds whilst also supporting children going through the horrific treatment that goes along with having a brain tumour.

Ellie's mum, Heather, tells me: "I hate that the need is there, but it feels good to be able to help other children who find themselves in the same position as Ellie was. Until this happened to "us", I was completely unaware of anything to do with brain tumours. The statistics, though, are horrifying, and that is why I am trying to make a difference"

Heather set up the charity with her husband Jason and their other trustees Tina and Shaun, as well as having support and help from some family members and several of Ellie's friends. 

Ellie's fund is currently campaigning for improved awareness and funding for brain tumours in the UK. They have a petition which they are hoping to give to the Department of Health when they have gained enough signatures. Brain tumour research is currently about twelves years behind research into other cancer types, a rather worrying fact when you consider that brain tumours are the number one cancer killer for children. 16,000 people are diagnosed with a brain tumour every year in the UK and more needs to be done to help them survive. Currently, only 14% of those diagnosed actually survive more than five years after diagnosis.

March is Brain Tumour Awareness Month and Ellie's trust have numerous fundraising events planned: on March 30th, Ellie's Trust will be joining up with numerous other brain tumour charities to encourage lots of businesses, organisations and education centres to make a donation and take part in "Wear a Hat Day" to raise awareness of brain tumours and bring in funds that are vital for research. 

For more information about Ellie's trust and to find out how to support this fantastic family and their charity, please check out their website www.elliesfund.com or join the facebook page (Ellie's Fund - Brain Tumour Trust). They also have a twitter account: @elliesfundinfo

To sign the petition, please click the link http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/17419
xxxx

Joss Searchlight

Joss Parkes was born on 22nd June 2000. Dianne and Nigel Parkes had suffered through years of fertility treatments and Joss was their millennium miracle. He was followed by Jamie in 2003 and the Parkes family was happy and complete.


However in March 2005, Joss  began to limp slightly and after a few weeks he developed a squint in his left eye. His parents used a medical book to "diagnose" him with a brain tumour. Panicked beyond belief they took him to the doctor and insisted they examine him properly. 


An MRI scan picked up Joss' Brain Stem Glioma and the doctor declared it "Disneyland time" and stated nothing more could be done for poor Joss. They gave him twelve weeks to live and told him devastated parents that there was no cure for their boy. The consultant was cold and harsh to this heartbroken family, going into detail about how ill Joss would be come and how he would eventually die.


Joss wasn't offered any treatment, chemo wouldn't work because of where the glioma was and radiotherapy would destroy some of his nerves. Surgery would probably kill him.


Diane and Nigel weren't given any hope but they were determined to help their son. They spent hours looking things up on the Internet and searching for some kind of treatment for Joss. They took it in turns to look after him and eventually they came up with a care plan for him. Despite all the odds, they managed to improve Joss' quality of life and he somehow survived five more years rather then the twelve weeks the doctors predicted.


Joss' health began to rapidly decline in September 2010. He began to find it difficult to walk unaided and ended up having to rely on a wheelchair. The Parkes family had a Christmas holiday in Tenerife and it became aware that Joss was not going to have another miracle. 


Joss had a shunt placed in his head in January 2011. Although the operation was a success, he went into respiratory failure later on in the day and died just after midnight on January 25th 2011. He was just ten years old.

Joss has left a huge hole in his family and they have bravely decided to use their grief to help others in their situation. The Parkes family were in a financial position to look after Joss and make sure he could have some fantastic memories. They know not everyone can do the same so they decided to set up a charity in Joss' memory.

Brain tumours are the biggest childhood cancer killer in the UK. Joss Parkes Searchlight aims to help the hundreds of families struggling to cope with a childhood brain tumour every year. They provide practical and co-ordinated support for these families. They offer a helpline, advice on NHS resources, benefits and help you liaise with specialists. They also aim to help you makes your children's wishes come true and create happy memories for your family to cherish.

The charity is fairly new and needs lots of support. Please visit the website and follow them on twitter. If you can donate your time or spare money to them then that would be fantastic. I think this incredibly brave family deserve lots of help and support with this and they have the potential to help so many families in the UK.

Please visit http://www.jossparkessearchlight.org.uk or @josssearchlight for more information

xxx

 

Bowel Cancer UK

The very friendly and helpful people at Bowel Cancer UK have allowed me to conduct an interview to understand more about Bowel Cancer and their charity. I hope you find it informative :)


Before we begin i would just like to dedicate this post to the Christofi side of my family. My auntie Eleni and my Dada/Uncle Sotiris both suffered from colon cancer and it eventually claimed their lives. Auntie Eleni wasn't taken seriously by her GP and by the time her cancer was found, it was too late. One of my last memories of her is noticing her colostomy bag. She wasn't even thirty. She should have had her whole life ahead of her. As a family, we are very conscious of our bowels. My dad has very regular colonoscopies (I really hope he doesn't mind me making this information public!) I often think that if, heaven forbid, I were ever to be diagnosed with cancer, it would be bowel cancer. This thought makes me especially aware of my bowel movements which I think is very important. My dad has had to go through several years of his adult life without his brother and sister because of this disease and this blog post is dedicated to him in particular.


What is the Bowel?
The bowel is divided into the small bowel (small intestine) and the large bowel (colon and rectum). It is part of our digestive system:
* Food passes from the stomach to the small bowel.
* The small bowel takes nutrients  into our body 
* Any undigested food passes through the large bowel
* Water is then removed from the waste matter
* The waste matter is then held in the rectum (back passage) until it leaves the body as bowel motions (stools or faeces)


What is Bowel Cancer?
* Cancer occurs when the cells in your bowel multiply out of control. 
* These cells can invade surrounding tissue and spread to other parts of the body.
* Nearly all bowel cancers develop in the large bowel. Two thirds are in the colon and one third in the rectum.
* Bowel cancer is also referred to as colorectal, colon or rectal cancer.
* Cancer of the small bowel is rare - just over 700 people a year are diagnosed in the UK.


Bowel Cancer and Gender:
* Nearly 40,000 men and women are diagnosed with bowel cancer in the UK every year.
* Bowel cancer is the UK's second biggest cancer killer
* More then 16,250 people dies each year from it (this equals one person every thirty minutes)
* Bowel cancer is highly treatable if diagnosed in the early stages.


Bowel Cancer Symptoms:
You may experience one, some or all of these symptoms or none at all. It is important to know your body and your bowel habits and visit your GP as soon as you feel something is up. Early diagnosis is key to having the best shot at survival.
* Bleeding from your bottom and/or blood in your poo
* A change in bowel habit that lasts longer then three weeks (especially looser or runny poo)
* Unexplained weight loss
* Extreme tiredness for no obvious reason
* A pain or lump in your tummy


How is Bowel Cancer Diagnosed?
* The process begins with you seeing your GP and discussing your symptoms. You will be asked about your bowel habits and pattern. It is hugely important to describe what is normal and abnormal for you. Also, remember to mention any significant family history. Do not be embarrassed; your doctor is a medical professional who has seen and heard it all. Discussing your poo may be awkward but it could also save your life.
* Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may want to feel your abdomen and examine your back passage with a digital rectal examination. This entails your doctor placing a gloved finger into your back passage and feeling for any lumps or swelling. This can be uncomfortable but not painful.
* You may be asked to give a stool (poo) sample so it can be tested for blood. This is because polyps (small growths within the bowel) could turn cancerous and tumours often bleed.
*You may also need a blood test to check for anaemia
* If your doctor believes your symptoms are being caused by cancer, they will refer your to a hospital specialist. You should be seen within two weeks and sent for further tests. These tests could be a colonoscopy (examination of your rectum and colon) or a flexible sigmoidoscopy (examination of the rectum and lower part of the colon)


Is a Colonoscopy Painful?
* You will made comfortable on a couch or bed and a nurse will stay with you throughout the test.
* You may also be given light sedation which will help you relax
* The doctor or nurse will gently pass a long flexible tube, that has a light and camera on the end, into your back passage and then into your bowel.
* Air will be passed through the tube to distend the bowel and give a clearer view of the lining. This may give you wind like pains but they won't last long.
* After the test you will be left to rest for around thirty minutes. You may feel a little bloated but this will settle quickly.
* You will need someone to come and collect you, especially if you were sedated.


What Does Treatment for Bowel Cancer Involve?
* The treatments for colon and rectal cancer are different. There will be many options to consider. Your specialist nurse or consultant will discuss them with you.
* Cancer in the Colon: The most common form of treatment is surgery. This could be open or keyhole. If surgery isn't available you may be offered chemo first but this is rare. Chemo can be recommended after surgery, unless the cancer was caught in the very early stages.
* Cancer in the Rectum: Usually treatment will involve a short course of radiotherapy and chemotherapy (known as chemoradiation) then surgery and then possible more chemo.


Minimising your Bowel Cancer Risk:
The exact cause of bowel cancer is unknown. However there are certain factors that can increase your risk:
* Consider your diet (read my healthy eating post!)
* Keep active with regular exercise
* Keep hydrated and limit your alcohol intake
* Avoid smoking
* Take part in bowel cancer screening programmes if and when invited


What is Bowel Cancer UK?
* Bowel Cancer UK aim to save lives by raising awareness or bowel cancer, campaigning for the best treatments and care, and providing practical support and advice.
* If people have any questions about bowel cancer; whether they or a loved one have been diagnosed, we are here to help. Nurses are available from Monday to Friday, 10am -4pm. You can contact them on 0800 840 3540 or on support@bowelcanceruk.org.uk
* We work closely with the NHS and Department of Health. Most recently we liaised with the Department of Health to produce a resource pack for GP's as part of the "Be Clear on Cancer" campaign.
* We also proactively campaign to ensure that irrepsecitve irrespective of where they live in the UK, patients have access to the very best treatment and care.


How Can People Get Involved With The Charity?
* As this year will see us celebrate our 25th anniversary, we're aiming to raise even more funds and awareness then ever before, to help stop people dying needlessly from bowel cancer. People can get involved in many ways:
- There are a host of fundraising events to choose from: charity cycle challenge, skydiving and overseas treks. For more information contact our fundraising team on events@bowelcanceruk.org.uk
- We are constantly on the look out for volunteers to help raise awareness of bowel cancer. Our volunteers deliver talks in local communities and workplaces. We believe that people with experience of bowel cancer, either personally or through a loved one, are uniquely equipped to raise awareness and give these talks.
* Community volunteers also raise awareness by manning out stands in the local community and at health events. Talking to members of the public and sharing information in this way is an important and effective way of engaging people and ensuring they know the symptoms of bowel cancer.
* Our volunteers are integral to the organisation and without them we wouldn't be able to achieve our goals.


For more information on bowel cancer and Bowel Cancer UK please visit: www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk


*** My friend Christine lost her husband to bowel cancer late last year. Her very brave daughter is raising money for Bowel Cancer UK by doing a skydive in her dad's honour. Please sponsor her: http://www.justgiving.com/Jordyn-WattonSkydive?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=tweetfeed&utm_campaign=mypages

xxx

Lifestyle Choices: Exercise

Finding time for exercise can be really difficult. Especially if you are naturally very lazy like me. On a weekday I wake up at 5am, make Leo his lunch and go back to bed until 7am. I think leave my house at around 8am and do not get back until 6.30pm ish. After cleaning up, cooking dinner, cleaning up again and having a bath, my evening has pretty much gone! It can be very difficult to find the energy to get up and do some exercise.


Research has shown that being physically active can reduce your risk of breast, bowel and womb cancers. More then 3,000 UK cancer cases could be prevented with regular exercise. This blog post contains lots of information on how you can exercise more and how it will help your health in the long run.


Exercise is Important
We are told that thirty minutes of "moderate" activity every day, five days a week is the basic requirement for exercise to have a positive impact on your health. Obviously, the more you do, the better and the lower your cancer risk will be. It doesn't matter if you have not exercised for a while, taking it up now will still have a good effect on your health. Government research suggests only 37% of men and 25% of women are currently managing the basic amount of activity recommended for a healthy lifestyle.


Moderate Activity
Moderate activity can be cheap and quick. It is a broad term; anything that makes you feel warm and slightly out of breath counts as moderate. Examples are: a brisk walk, gardening, dancing or even housework.
Small bursts of exercise throughout the day are just as useful as doing it all in one go.
Inactive lifestyles are linked to over 3,000 cases of cancer every year. They can also lead to diabetes, osteoporosis, strokes and heart disease. In fact a study estimates that inactivity kills two million people worldwide every year. Regular exercise will protect your body against some cancers and helps keep your body weight at a manageable, healthy level.


Exercise and Bowel Cancer
There have been more them fifty scientific studies across the world that have shown exercise can reduce your risk of bowel cancer. In fact, the largest study proved physically active people reduce their bowl cancer risk by up to a quarter. Keeping to a healthy body weight will also reduce your risk of bowel cancer. This is because:
* Exercise help you to have regular bowel movements. This means any cancer causing substances in your food will pass through your body quicker and easier.
* Exercise reduces the amount of insulin, some hormones and some growth factors. All three of these substances can encourage tumour growth when found at high levels.
* Exercise can reduce bowel inflammation which could lead to cancer.


Exercise and Breast Cancer
Studies on exercise and breast cancer have shown that being active reduces your breast cancer risk by 20-40%. In addition to this, a study showed that every extra hour of exercise in a week will reduce your risk by a further 6%. This applies both before and after the menopause but the benefits are greater for women who have not been through the menopause yet.


Exercise and Womb Cancer
Exercise is clearly associated with reducing the risk of womb cancer and active women have a 30% lower risk then women who do not exercise regularly. For men, it is also worth noting that exercise could reduce your risk of prostate cancer.


Exercise Advice
If, like me, your job involves you sitting at a desk for hours on end then it is worth noting that this can contribute to weight gain. Especially if you then go home and spend hours sitting down watching television or surfing the internet. Try to break up the time you spend sitting down: find an excuse to get up and walk around your office!


Try to incorporate small amount of exercise into your daily life and you will start to see the benefits. Here are some tips:
* Stand up and do your ironing or washing whilst watching TV.
* Do some exercise whilst watching TV - skipping, stretching, lifting weights or sit ups.
* Use your games console to do some exercise - I highly recommend Zumba on the Wii.
* Stand whilst on a bus or train (this burns seventy extra calories every hour)




I hope you have found this post as informative and interesting as I have. It has really opened my eyes and made me realise that I need to do more exercise. I will be trying to stick to my own advice and make small changes to my lifestyle.


If you would like more information, please visit the Cancer Research UK website (www.cancerresearchuk.org)


xxx

Happy 12th Birthday Harry Moseley

Happy 12th Birthday Harry Moseley. I hope you are somewhere safe and nice, watching over your brave mum and family. I hope you can see how many people still think about you all the time and work hard to "Make It Happen" for you.


RIP little man, hopefully there is a nice birthday cake wherever you are now.


xxx


Please support Harry's family on this poignant day by visiting Harry's website and buying some of his bracelets. Let's help find a cure for brain cancer in his honour


www.helpharryhelpothers.com

The George Pantziarka TP53 Trust and Facebook!

My Uncle and I have created an official facebook page for The George Pantziarka TP53 Trust. Please "like" the page and share with your friends!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-George-Pantziarka-TP53-Trust/339541346091212

Lifestyle Choices: Diet and Healthy Eating

Happy Monday everyone! Today's post is one that has really got me thinking. I don't smoke, drink or use tanning beds. I don't take drugs. My one vice is dessert. I have a major sweet tooth. I can eat chocolate or cake at an alarming rate. Leo is slightly sickened sometimes I think! So here are the facts about how your diet can increase your chances of cancer.


It is believed that almost one in ten cancer cases in the UK are caused by bad, unhealthy diets.


Our diet choices can increase our risk of developing the following cancers:
* Bowel cancer
* Stomach cancer
* Mouth cancer
* Oesophagus (food pipe) cancer
* Breast Cancer


A Healthy Diet
The link between cancer and your diet is really complicated. Our diet is made up of lots of different food and they all provide us with different nutrients. Most of these will affect our cancer risk, especially when combined with others. Your genetic make up also affects how your diet affects your cancer risk. Many scientists are busy conducting research studies how food protect or cause cancer and their results are beginning to filter through to cancer charities and doctors.


We do know that a healthy, balanced diet will help reduce your cancer risk. Here are some tips on what food to enjoy and avoid in order to maintain a balanced diet:
* Fruit and Vegetables - These are really important and can affect your risk of mouth and throat cancers. Fruit and veg are a really good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and folate. They are also a brilliant source of fibre. Try to aim for at least five pieces a day. Try to enjoy a wide variety of colours when it comes to your fruit and veg as it will mean you receive a broader range of vitamins and minerals. The chemicals that give a fruit it's colour is usually the same ones that are good for you.


* Meat - having lots of red meat or processed meat can increase your bowel cancer risk as well as stomach cancer. Eating white meat, such as chicken, will probably not increase your cancer risk. If like Leo and I, you love your meat, you don't need to abstain completely. You can enjoy small portions and try to make sure you don't over cook it at high temperatures as this can produce cancer causing chemicals.
Red Meat includes beef, pork and lamb. It doesn't matter if it is fresh or frozen.
Processed Meat includes ham, salami, bacon and sausages


* Salt - salt can increase your risk of stomach cancer and nasopharync (the part where your nose connects with your throat) cancer. Using small amounts of table salt when cooking is unlikely to increase your cancer risk. It is also important to remember too much salt can increase your chances of having high blood pressure, heart disease or a stroke so try not to eat too much of it. Please check the salt intake of the foods you buy, especially if you are partial to a ready meal.


* Fibre - foods that contain lots of fibre can reduce your bowel cancer risk by a quarter. So eat plenty of fruit and veg, wholegrain cereals, wholegrain bread, brown rices and pulses. Fruits and veg especially high in fibre include peas, avocados, apples, berries, spinach and pairs. Moderate amounts of fibre are found in carrots, oranges, broccoli, green beans, brussel sprouts and corn.


* Fats - fats are necessary to our diets but the key is to enjoy it in moderation as a high fat diet can increase the risk of cancer, heart disease and plenty more conditions. Evidence suggests to much saturated fat can increase your risk of breast cancer. Try to keep track of your fat intake, trying to avoid too much saturated fat (butter, cheese, fatty meat, biscuits and crisps.) Try semi-skimmed milk rather then full fat. Try to avoid frying your food as much as you can.


Healthy Eating Habits
Eating a balanced diet is really important but so is keeping a check on your eating habits. Changes in lifestyles have seen a change in eating habits. People are continually on the move and are eating at irregular times. some of us don't have awareness of what we are putting into our bodies or when and how we do so. There is also less people sitting at the table enjoying a family meal and more people eating on the go or in front of the TV. Taking more care to be aware of what you eat will lead to you developing healthier eating habits. Here are some tips you may find helpful:
* Meal Routines - you should aim to try and eat at the same time everyday. This will help your body learn when it is expecting food and will prevent the feeling of hunger between meals. Find a pattern that fits to your normal daily routine and try to stick to it as best you can. If you are a snacker, then try to plan your snacks for the same time every day.


* Food Focus - Being focused on your food allows you to control your portion sizes. Research shows that you are more likely to take in more calories whilst watching television. If you are doing something whilst eating, it is easier for you to lose track of how much you are eating. Try to sit and eat at a table as much as you can. Eat slowly and allow your body time to register how much food it has taken and how full it is.


Healthy Eating Tips
Buying organic food doesn't automatically mean you have the healthiest food. Here are some tips for a healthy diet, Leo and I have been trying to stick to these tips since moving into to our place and it really is a much healthier and cheaper diet!
* Food Shopping - plan your shopping list in advance. This will avoid expensive impulse buys. Try not go shopping whilst hungry, usually you'll end up buying more food then you will need.
* Ditch The Takeaways - Try to make as much home cooked food as you possibly can. Avoid takeaways and ready meals if you can. Cooking can be time consuming but it works out cheaper and healthier in the long run.
* Eat Breakfast - eating a proper breakfast is really important. Try fruit, wholemeal bread or wholegrain cereal. This will keep you full and less likely to crave a chocolate bar mid morning.
* Homemade Sandwiches - try making your own sandwiches for lunch. Use fresh veg or salad and chicken or tuna. 
* Water - Use tap water or buy a water filter rather then buying bottled water


I hope you have found this blog post as informative and interesting as I have. It is the lifestyle choice that has got me thinking the most. A healthy diet is key to a healthy lifestyle and I hope you've found some of this information useful!


For more information please visit the Cancer Research UK website (www.cancerresearchuk.org)


xxx

Lifestyle Choices: Tanning

This morning it was announced that the UK's leading model agencies have backed a "no sunbed" policy. Next, Storm, Elite, Premier Model Management, Oxygen and Union have all committed themselves to zero tolerance of sunbed use by their models.

This is all part of Cancer Research UK's R UV Ugly? campaign which is raising awareness of the dangers of sunbeds.

The news ties in with the start of London Fashion Week, meaning maximum exposure for the campaign.

Cancer Research UK has been working tirelessly to make people aware of the dangers of tanning and successfully campaigned for the law to be changed, it is now illegal for anyone under eighteen to use a sunbed in the UK.

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK. The number of people suffering from skin cancer is increasing. This could be because being tanned is seen as being beautiful and not having much sun in the UK has seen people running for the sunbeds.

What is skin cancer?

There are two main types of skin cancer:

* Malignant melanoma - the most serious type. Usually develops in the outer layer of your skin. Visible signs of melanoma incluse moles changing the way they look or feel. Malignant melanoma is one of the fastest rising cancers in the UK and have risen by more then four times since the 1970's. worryingly, we see more melanoma deaths then Australia, although they have more cases of the disease. Melanome is a cancer that affects young adults. It is the second most common cancer seen in people aged between fifteen and thirty four. However, your risk of developing the disease increasing as you get older. Melanoma is more common in women then in men. Most commonly found on a woman's leg or a man's torso.

* Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is more common then melanoma and easier to treat. It is commonly found on areas of the body exposed to the sun frequently (head, neck, arms and hands) There are two types of NMSC and they both tend to affect older people.

BASAL CELL CANCER is more common. Slow to grow and usually begins as a small flattended lump. It can be red, pale or pearly and sometimes scaly, almost like eczema.

SQUAMOUS CALL CANCER is more serious and can spread if left untreated. It appears as persistant scaly spots, lumps or ulcers which bleed easily and are red in appearance.

Early Diagnosis Saves Lives

Being consious of your skin and noticing any changes is key to diagnosing skin cancer and saving lives. Make sure you know where your moles are and monitor them regularly. If any changes in size, shape or colour occur then get to your GP as quickly as possible. Skin cancer is much easier to treat in it's early stages.

Risk Factors

Some people have a higher risk of developing skin cancer then others. These people will have one or more of the following factors:

* Fair skin that burns easily

* Lots of moles and/or freckles

* Frequent sunburn

* Red or fair hair

* Light coloured eyes

* A family history of skin cancer

* Personal history of skin cancer

How Can I Try To Prevent Skin Cancer?

There are things you can do to try and protect your skin. Wearing SP15+ suncream, covering up as best you can and finding shade during peak sun hours (12-4) all help look after your skin and protect it from harmful UV rays. Avoiding sunbeds is obviously a huge factor, you are 75% more likely to develop cancer if you use sunbeds even once before you turn thirty five. If you really do need a tan then I really do encourage you to use a fake tan spray rather then running to the sunbed; your skin and your health will thank you for it.

Hopefully there are some facts here that you have found informative. My aim is not to scare you or judge you, but to make you aware of the damage UV rays do to your skin. It is up to you what you do with this information :)

For more information on Cancer Research UK's R UV UGLY? Campaign or for skin cancer information in general please visit their website (www.cancerresearchuk.org)

If you are worried about a mole or your skin, please do visit your GP as soon as you can.

xxxx

* 

Local Newpaper - Again!

Massive thank you to Jessica Earnshaw at the Ilford Recorder for featuring The George Pantziarka TP53 Trust this week :)


http://www.ilfordrecorder.co.uk/news/ilford_cancer_campaigner_sets_up_charity_in_cousin_s_memory_1_1206680

Smash SMA

Hi Guys,


Just a quick post to ask that you please take a look at this blog www.smashsma.blogspot.com and support the parents of baby Estella. Estella would have been one next week but she sadly died in 2011 after battling Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)


SMA is an incurable autosomal recessive disease which is caused by a genetic defect in the SMN1 gene. It is the most common genetic cause of infant death.

Estella's incredibly brave parents have launched a campaign to "Smash SMA" in Estella's honour. So far they have managed to get lots of public support and have met with the deputy prime minister who has since launched an investigation into the disease.

Please support this cause and get behind these brave bereaved parents. Estella was absolutely beautiful and it is incredibly sad that she didn't get to see her first birthday.

Follow Estella's parents on Twitter @Estellastar1

Thank you xxx

Lifestyle Choices: Alcohol

So my latest factual blog post is all about alcohol. Binge drinking has become a huge part of British culture in recent years. I will confess as a teenager I would go to bars, pubs and clubs with my friends and I have seen binge drinking first hand. There are lots of people in this country that drink to get drunk, not because they enjoy the taste. It's a worrying epidemic, especially as people with drinking problems seem to be getting younger and younger. So here are the facts about alcohol. Once again this post is not meant to judge or to tell you what to do. I am simply offering you the facts and allowing you to decide what you would like to do with them :)


Alcohol Facts:
Alcohol can cause seven types of cancer:
* Mouth cancer
* Pharyngeal cancer (upper throat)
* Oesophageal cancer (food pipe)
* Laryngeal cancer (voice box)
* Breast cancer
* Bowel cancer
* Liver cancer


Around 12,500 cases if cancer in the UK every year are caused by alcohol. That is around 4% of cases. Mouth cancer rates have increased dramatically and that may be due to higher levels of drinking and smoking in this country. Drinking alcohol doesn't not mean you are guaranteed to get cancer but scientists have discovered that cancer is more common in people who drink alcohol.


How Much Alcohol Increases Your Chances?
You don't have to have an addiction to alcohol or be a binge drinker to have an increased risk of cancer. Three units a day is all it takes to increase your risk, so a large glass of wine or a pint of beer! Obviously the more you drink, the higher your chances. Heavy, regular drinking can also lead to liver cancer, heart disease, strokes, high blood pressure, stomach ulcers, pancreatitis and injuries caused by stumbling about. 


"Safe" Drinking
If you really do like to have a daily drink then the recommended allowance is:
* Two units for women (one small glass of something)
* Three to four units for men (two small glasses of something)
There is only a limited risk but please do remember that some drinks contain more alcohol then you would think! 


Binge Drinking or Daily Drinking?
It really doesn't make much of a difference if you binge drink at the weekend or drink small amounts every day: it's the total amount of alcohol consumed over time that has effect on your cancer risk. You are more likely to develop cancer if you consume lots of alcohol, whether you drink it all in one night or spread it out across the week.


Drinking and Smoking
Smoking and drinking will multiply your cancer risk. Tobacco and alcohol work as a deadly team damaging cells in your body. Alcohol aids tobacco, making it easier for your mouth and throat to absorb the cancer causing chemicals found in tobacco. In fact research has shown that people who smoke and drink are FIFTY TIMES more likely to develop cancer then someone who doesn't.


What Types of Alcohol are Dangerous?
ALL types of alcohol increase your risk of cancer, even red wine. Some types may benefit your health in small does but it is very important to remember to stick to the recommended allowances and to get help if you find yourself increasingly dependent on alcohol.


Why Do The Allowances Differ for Men and Women?
There are several biological reasons why women should have less alcohol then men. 
* Female livers produce less of an enzyme that breaks down alcohol so it will stay in women's bodies for longer,
* There is evidence to suggest alcohol (one unit a day) can increase a woman's risk of developing breast cancer significantly. 
* Smaller bodies absorb less alcohol then bigger bodies and women are usually smaller then men.
* Women tend to be a curvy shape with more body fat and less body water then men. This means alcohol consumed by a woman becomes more concentrated whilst in her body then it would in a man.


I hope you have found this blog post informative. If you do like a drink, please monitor your intake. Count your units, keep track of the alcohol percentage in your drinks. If you do find you can't bear the thought of a day or weekend without alcohol then please do find someone to talk to as you may be developing an addiction. Alcohol can make things fun but it can lead to very damaging health problems. Your health is a precious commodity, and so is your body. Look after them as best you can.


If you need more information about alcohol and it's effects on your body please contact Cancer Research UK (www.cancerresearchuk.org)


If you feel you have a problem with alcohol please visit your GP or your local alcoholics anonymous. They will provide confidential support and advice.


xxx

Cancer - Key Signs and Symptoms

So my third factual post of the week is all about signs and symptoms. It is so important to know your body and how it works. We are all different: we look different, are function in different ways. It is so important to know what is normal and regular for your own body so that you can notice if things change. This could make all the difference as should the worst happen, you have a high chance of catching it early and bettering your survival chances.


I am going to list the most important symptoms for both men and women but please don't panic if you look through the list and think a few apply to you. This doesn't mean you definitely have cancer, in fact it usually isn't anything as serious as cancer but it may be worth going to your GP to have a chat and a check up :).


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.


Please visit the Cancer Research UK website if you need more information, support or advice
xxx

What Causes Cancer?

I've done a lot of personal stories and tributes as well as showcasing lots of my favourite charities so far on this blog but I haven't actually provided many facts or information about cancer. Yesterday I posted about the link between Smoking and Cancer and it was a huge success. The response was phenomenal and it has inspired me to do more factual related blog posts. Hopefully it will mean my readers learn something they didn't know and will understand more about the horrible disease, how to try and prevent it and what symptoms to look out for. As the saying goes "Knowledge is power!"


This blog post will be all about what actually causes cancer. 


What Causes Cancer?
Fundamentally cancer is caused by damaged or faulty genes. Genes tell our cells what to do. Genes are encoded within our DNA so anything can can damage DNA can increase the risk of cancer. However several genes in the same cell will need to be damaged before it leads to cancer.


Most cancers will develop after DNA damage accumulates over a person's lifetime. Cancers like Georgie's; directly caused by a specific gene fault inherited from a parent are very rare. However everyone has a subtle difference in a our genes that may slightly increase or decrease our chances of getting cancer.


Cancer isn't just caused by our genes. Our lifestyles play a huge part too. Nobody can change their genetic makeup but we all can take important steps to reduce the risk of developing cancer. As mentioned yesterday - not smoking is just one of the lifestyle choices we can make to try to prevent cancer.


Other 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.


Hopefully now you will understand some of the factors that can lead to a cancer diagnosis. If you have any worries at all please do go to your GP or visit the Cancer Research UK website (www.cancerresearchuk.org) you can also send me a message and I will try to provide support.


If you are worried about genetic disorders and would like to get more information or find out how to arrange testing, please do visit the George Pantziarka TP53 Trust www.tp53.co.uk we will try to provide as much help and support as possible.


xxx