00:00The Cancer Society, by way of its clinic, is reporting an increase in cancer screening,
00:05a good sign for earlier detection, diagnosis and survival.
00:10While people may have similar diseases, for example, breast or prostate cancer, Chairman
00:14of the Cancer Society, Dr. Asante Leblanc, explains that their experiences can be unique
00:20to them.
00:21So, while everybody may feel an emotion, for example, of anger, disbelief, sadness, worry,
00:28anxiety, then they may have some joy, it doesn't happen in the same way for everyone.
00:34While you may be diagnosed with breast cancer, your diagnosis may not be the same as another
00:39breast cancer diagnosis.
00:41You may be at a different stage.
00:42Your treatment strategy is different.
00:44Your reaction to the treatment that is proposed to you and that you choose to take, it may
00:49be different as well.
00:51That's the idea behind the World Cancer Day theme for 2025-2027, United by Unique.
00:58Dr. Leblanc tells us it's in essence a call for caregivers to do more.
01:03That is us focusing in on our patient care being much more individualized and patient-centered
01:11so as to bring about better results even with the treatment strategies against the cancers.
01:16So not like breast cancer, here you go.
01:19Alicia, no, rebuke that, Donna, this is what you have, these are the options, how do you
01:25feel about this, to really listen to the patient and to give the patient a very holistic journey.
01:32She says closing the care gap, which was the previous 3A theme, is challenging, including
01:38on an international level.
01:41Closing the care gap is going to be a forever battle and struggle because we have to ensure
01:46at all times equitable access to all aspects of health care when it comes to cancer in
01:50this case.
01:51So there is no doubt that there is work to be done, but it's also very important for
01:57us to understand, applaud and praise the work that is being done and has been done when
02:03it comes to cancer care in Trinidad and Tobago, in the Caribbean and in the world.
02:08Not all cancers can be detected by screening, but it doesn't mean that there can't be
02:12early detection, as those cancers also have signs and symptoms which medical professionals
02:18can pick up on.
02:19This is why we advocate and constantly educate and promote annual preventative medicals where
02:26you do your preventative care and more so, Alicia, that you listen to your body, that
02:32you live a healthier lifestyle.
02:33So there are different aspects to that foundation.
02:36Living a healthier lifestyle, knowing your baseline data for certain numbers, understanding
02:41your family history and understanding your body and how it's feeling and not being afraid
02:47to go to the doctor if you feel unwell, that in itself is a very holistic aspect and approach
02:54to getting an earlier diagnosis for the cancers you can't screen for.
02:58Good news, the Cancer Society says.
03:00Its survivorship group has grown, but Dr. LeBlanc admits that data is lacking to give
03:06a clear projection on the strides that have been made.
03:09There is the other side of cancer, palliative care.
03:13These resources exist in the country, you understand?
03:17So it's important for the public to know that and to know it's there and Vitas Health Hospice
03:21is free of charge and it is an amazingly peaceful place.
03:26All in all, Dr. LeBlanc is calling for people to keep the hope alive as the fight against
03:31cancer continues.
03:33Alicia Boucher, TV6 News.
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