World Cancer Day

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. 

Share Your Story

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.

World Cancer Day

The Marie Keating Foundation’s Breast Cancer Awareness 5-point Code Advises:

  • Know what is normal for you
  • Look and feel for changes
  • Know what changes to look and feel for
  • Report any changes to your doctor without delay
  • Attend routine breast screenings if you are 50-64 years of age

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.

  • Attend Fundraisers and Events: Participate in events organised in your community, such as a bake sale or a walk. These are fun ways to raise money for such a great cause and bring the whole community together.
  • Offer to Listen: Provide a compassionate space for survivors you know to share their experiences. Offer encouragement, empathy, and support throughout their journey.
  • Honor Cancer Survivors: Take a moment to acknowledge and honor the cancer survivors in your life. Reach out to them, send a heartfelt message, or spend quality time together.

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.

The Changing Face of Homecare

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The Changing Face of Homecare

There are many benefits of Homecare both for the individuals themselves and also for their family members. The patient is able to remain in the familiarity of their own home with all the comfort and relaxation that this brings. Furthermore they get to maintain their own routine surrounded by their own possessions. For the family members they have the peace of mind of knowing that their loved one is being well cared for by fully qualified professionals in their own home. It allows them to spend quality time in a relaxed environment and cuts out the need of sometimes long and awkward to arrange visits to the hospital or other care facility.

Most people with advanced, progressive incurable diseases wish to spend their final days at home. Indeed 90% of the care of patients in the last 12 months of their life occurs at home, with the support of a General Practitioner and Community Nurse Team. Homecare is the preferred option for most people with terminal illness and it is well researched that people are happier and live longer in their own homes.

With this in mind myhomecareie.wpengine.com have designed a number of different packages to assist the older person. They are all Nurse led, are tailored to the individual needs of the patient and are delivered under the direction of the medical and palliative team.

Looking after an elderly relative can be very rewarding, but can be a challenge and at times stressful. Many people set out with good intentions; however for many they find that they cannot cope alone with the challenges and stresses that can follow and turn to a Care Assistant or Home Help. Care Assistants provide practical day to day help with the care of the elderly person. An important aspect to consider is that it allows family to remain detached from certain areas that an elderly person feels uncomfortable with such as personal care.

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However, Homecare now not only provides services for the care of the elderly but a range of services for all ages. These includes Pre/Post Natal Home Support, Care of Children with Additional Needs, Companionship for Alzheimer/Dementia patients and many more.

Pre/Post Natal Home Support:

This package designed by myhomecareie.wpengine.com runs for a total of 14.5 hours and is spread over 3 days. Five hours on the first two days and four and a half hours on the third day. The services include ironing, mopping, hoovering, general tidy up, bed-making, meal preparation, dusting and so on. It is particularly attractive for mothers who had a difficult pregnancy/childbirth.

Caring for a Child with Additional Needs:

It is now possible to avail of support from a team of nurses who are highly qualified in the care of children. The services include the following : Tracheostomy Care under the directive of the Community Care Team. Respite Care which can provide around the clock care allowing the family to take a break or a holiday. Convalescent Care/Post-Hospital Care which provides a helping hand after bringing the little one home from hospital and lastly Palliative Care giving support to both the child and family.

Oncology Care:

myhomecare clinic enables chemotherapy and oncology services to move out of the hospital and into the home.

Disability Care:

Designed to support and promote independent living in the clients own home and the wider community. Services are available to all individuals who may suffer with a disability whether it is physical, mental, emotional, sensory development etc.

Vaccination Programmes:

Providing vaccinations in your own home.

IV Therapy:

Enabling individuals to receive ongoing intravenous antibiotics facilitating  early discharge from hospital.

Assisted Living Services:

Assisting with Activities of Daily Living such as personal hygiene, dressing, mobilising, meal preparation, companionship, running errands and medication reminders.

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All of the above services do of course cost money. However there is some help available.  There are Home Care Packages available from the HSE. These packages vary depending on needs. The priority of the scheme is older people, aged over 65, living in the community or in-patients in acute hospitals who are at risk of admission to long term care. To apply for a home care package contact the Public Health Nurse for a form.

For those who choose to pay privately Income Tax relief is available, subject to some conditions. It is possible to receive relief of up to 41% of the cost of the service. It is also possible to claim this relief as part of your Tax Credits and so receive the benefits as part of your wages and therefore receive the benefits immediately.

I hope you have found the above information to be useful and informative and should you have any questions or require any assistance please do not hesitate to contact me.