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  • 10 months ago
A chance to zone in on having more individualised care for cancer patients.


That's how Chairman of the Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society interprets the theme this year for World Cancer Day: United by Unique.


Alicia Boucher has the details.
Transcript
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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