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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...

The Hidden Potential of Uneducated Geniuses

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In the large landscape of medical research, where scientists tirelessly seek for groundbreaking cures and treatments, a haunting question emerges: What if the cure for cancer—or any other fatal disease — resides within the mind of someone unable to get an education? The Unknown Genius Picture a young girl in a remote village, her eyes always filled with curiosity. She witnesses the suffering on the faces of loved ones battling illness. Her dreams are full of possible solutions, like remedies brewed from local plants and minerals. But her poverty is a big barrier. Laboratories and libraries remain inaccessible and locked for them. Their brilliance, a beacon of hope, remains unused. This fictional scenario reflects a global reality. There are brilliant minds around the world who remain uneducated due to poverty, discrimination, or their geographical location. Their untapped potential is like a lost library of solutions – a treasure repository of undiscovered cures. We are losing po...

Childhood Cancer Day 2024

  A Parent's Guide to Recognizing Early Signs of Childhood Cancer: Your Knowledge Could Save a Life For every parent, their child's well-being is important. We experience sleepless nights, endless questions, and countless scraped knees, all in the name of keeping them safe and healthy. Yet, one silent threat lurks – cancer. Worldwide, over 1,000 children are diagnosed with cancer daily, and in low- and middle-income countries, the worth reality is that only 20% survive. This heartbreaking statistic underscores the critical importance of early detection. The good news? Armed with knowledge, parents can become powerful allies in recognizing the early signs and symptoms, potentially making a life-saving difference. Why Early Detection Matters: Cancer in children often hides as common childhood illnesses. Early detection, however, gives doctors a crucial head start in initiating treatment, significantly increasing the chances of successful outcomes. Early diagnosed cancers in...
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Rising Childhood Cancer Cases in Asia: Understanding the Situation in Thailand

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Introduction Childhood cancer remains a significant global health concern, impacting numerous young lives annually. Despite advancements in detection and treatment, inequalities persist, especially in Asia. Thailand, in particular, faces notable challenges in addressing this issue effectively. Global Perspective 1. Incidence and Fatality: Annually, over 400,000 children worldwide are diagnosed with cancer, with a majority residing in low- and middle-income countries. In the WHO South-East Asia Region, around 59,000 children receive such diagnoses yearly. Alarmingly, nearly 60% of these children lose their lives to the disease, highlighting the urgent need for better prevention, early detection, and treatment. 2. Disparities and Survival Rates: Childhood cancer mortality in the South-East Asia Region is roughly four times higher than in more developed regions. This stark gap emphasizes the necessity of prioritizing childhood cancer as a key public health concern . Situation in Thailan...