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Showing posts from March, 2024

Anxiety and Panic Attacks in Cancer Survivors

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Understanding the Emotional Obstacles Being a cancer survivor is a remarkable achievement, but it doesn’t come without its emotional challenges. Long after treatment ends, survivors often grapple with anxiety and distress. Let’s delve into this complex terrain, paying particular attention to the experiences of children who have battled cancer. 1. The Post-Treatment Transition When cancer treatment comes to an end, family and friends eagerly anticipate celebration. However, many survivors don’t feel ready to move forward. The shift from regular medical visits to less frequent check-ins can be unsettling. Suddenly, the safety net of healthcare providers feels distant, and anxiety levels rise unexpectedly.   2. The Fear of Recurrence Fear that cancer will return is a common source of distress. Survivors often experience “ scanxiety ” - a term coined by some to describe the anxiety surrounding follow-up scans. These scans become emotional roulette wheels, spinning us between hope and a...
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Saint Peregrine Laziosi (also known as Pellegrino Latiosi) is an Italian saint revered for his unwavering faith, compassion, and miraculous intercession. Born in 1260 in Forlì, Italy, he lived during a tumultuous period marked by political strife and religious divisions. Despite his initial opposition to the Church, Peregrine’s life took a remarkable turn, leading him to become a beacon of hope for those suffering from life-threatening illnesses. Early Life and Conversion Peregrine was born into an affluent family in Forlì, a city within the Papal States. His family supported the anti-papal faction, creating tension within the community. Heckling Philip Benizi: At 18 years old, Peregrine heckled and struck Philip Benizi, the Prior General of the Friar Servants of Saint Mary. Philip was sent to reconcile the divided community, but he faced insults and violence from Peregrine. However, this encounter had a profound effect on Peregrine, leading to his eventual conversion. Transformation ...

Targeted Therapy for Cancer: Precision Medicine in Action

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Cancer treatment has evolved significantly over the years, and one of the most promising advancements is  targeted therapy . Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which affects both healthy and cancerous cells, targeted therapy specifically homes in on cancer cells, disrupting their growth and spread. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of targeted therapy and explore its impact on cancer management. Understanding Targeted Therapy What Is Targeted Therapy? Targeted therapy  is a specialized form of cancer treatment that focuses on specific proteins or genetic alterations unique to cancer cells. By pinpointing these molecular targets, researchers can design drugs that selectively interfere with cancer cell function while sparing healthy tissues. Types of Targeted Therapy : Small-Molecule Drugs : These drugs are tiny enough to penetrate cell membranes and act on targets within cancer cells. They dis...