World Cancer Day
World Cancer Day is an international day observed every 4th of February to raise awareness about cancer, encourage its prevention, and mobilise action to address the global cancer epidemic. This year the theme is “United by Unique” and it places people at the centre of care and explores new ways of making a difference.
There are many ways to support this cause including fundraising and sharing stories. Myhomecare spoke to our very own cancer survivor and heard her inspiring story. With the right people and the right care, the challenges can be faced together.
Chronic infections cause about 16% of cancers globally, and vaccines against hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human papillomavirus (HPV) help prevent liver and cervical cancers.
Myhomecare’s Inspiring Story
Client Care Manager- Cliodhna O’Connell
This is Cliodhna’s personal story of her journey with breast cancer.
One evening seven years ago, at the age of 48, I found a lump in my right breast. The following day I went to the doctor who referred me to a consultant for a biopsy. I had the procedure that day and waited 2 weeks for the results. To distract myself I went to France on holidays with my husband and when I returned, I received my results. I knew it was not good when I was taken into a room with couches to sit down. Unfortunately, I was right and the results were not good, the cancer had travelled to my lymph nodes. This meant I would require a much larger operation than I had expected.
This was a very scary time, but my husband and family were amazing. The following week I had my operation and stayed in hospital for 7 days. A month later I received an appointment to go and meet the chemo nurses. I have to say I found this day very difficult as I had to walk through the room where people were getting their treatment, and I knew next week this would be me. I had 16 weeks of chemo and on the 3rd week I lost my hair, this was very tough. I finished on the 16th of December. I cannot speak highly enough of the staff in the hospital, they were amazing. There was a break from this treatment for about a month, which was fantastic and gave me some time to rest.
Radiotherapy began for 3 months which was less daunting in comparison to the first round of treatments. I was very lucky that through all of this, my employer facilitated me to continue to work as I could not afford to not work.
After this long journey I am now 6 years cancer free. Hopefully by sharing my story it will benefit those who have survived cancer as well as those who are going through it.
Oncology Care with Myhomecare
Myhomecare provide specialised Oncology Care carers and Oncology Care nurses to assist individuals with cancer and their families. A member of our team can offer you support and advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
The delivery of oncology care focuses on the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of the individual and provides the best quality of life possible for both the individual and family.
Contact Myhomecare today for more information
Why Screenings are Important
Routine screening tests such as mammograms for breast cancer, pap smears for cervical cancer, and colonoscopies for colorectal cancer are crucial. These tests can detect abnormalities before symptoms appear, allowing for early intervention. It is important to Get Informed, Get Screened and Get Vaccinated.
The Marie Keating Foundation’s Breast Cancer Awareness 5-point Code Advises:
There is an increasing number of individuals who are living beyond cancer because of the progress made in cancer research today. This is creating a need for celebration for these improved treatments that have contributed to higher survival rates and a better quality of life for survivors.
World Cancer Day is a day that promotes awareness about the ongoing needs of survivors and the importance of continued support and care through challenges such as, physical/emotional side effects and the need for ongoing medical care. Awareness provides a platform for survivors to connect, share their experiences and find support from a wider community.
How to Support Cancer Awareness
There are many ways to support cancer awareness. Fundraisers are an enjoyable way to raise money for cancer research. By spreading personal experiences of cancer, it can encourage and support others going through it. There are also other forms of support in relation to organisations that offer guidance to those affected.
Supportive Organisations
The Irish Cancer Society are a community who help individuals affected by cancer. They offer information about support services as well as an online community where individuals can share their stories about cancer and get advice.
The Marie Keating Foundation provides vital information, advice and support on the signs and symptoms of cancer as well as help to prevent cancer or detect it at its earliest stages. The Marie Keating Foundation’s Survive and Thrive workshops and seminars have been created to help men and women who have finished cancer treatment to adapt to the ‘new normal.’
ARC Cancer Support Centres provide psychological, emotional, educational and practical support in a warm and welcoming environment to people with cancer and those who care for them.
By embracing World Cancer Day, a supportive environment for everyone affected by cancer is created, whether that is a family member who has witnessed their loved one go through it or if it is someone who is currently going through cancer treatment. There are many ways to raise awareness and every individual has the right to tell their story as a way to encourage others to stay strong and overcome the challenges they may face. Creating a secure environment where survivors can unite and drive motivation from each other’s experiences is vital in standing strong together.
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