#Cancer Problem of African Patients

[indianhealthguru]

Cancer is a growing reality for millions of Africans. Across the continent, the numbers are rising. Breast cancer alone accounted for 129,400 cases in women last year, and cervical cancer added another 110,300. Together, these two cancers represent nearly 30% of all diagnoses.

[lisaoshiola]

Cancer is a growing reality for millions of Africans. Across the continent, the numbers are rising.

[grits-galraisedinthesouth]

Who does a (codependent) Camilla Tominey think she is to repeatedly demand that William sacrifice his own family for the (non-heir) traitor brother?

The good news is they actually located the malignancy. This isn't the first time a monarch or senior member of a monarchy has been diagnosed with something life threatening, however they tend to keep it a secret. I think it's a good sign that they've shared details because it suggests the BRF medical team feels confident about the prognosis. If they found a mass, it's possible that the malignant tumor was removed and any adjuvant or holistic treatment is more of a precaution.

I'm so sorry to see the Suck-It duo repeatedly capitalize off of the BRF's suffering:

Sadistic MEgain, licking her chops at the very thought of seeing another Windsor in the ground, while Sparry pays to publish his travel plan with every American celebrity media outlet. What happened to his "security" concerns? It's obvious that Sparry's PR is desperate to bury the African Parks scandal. Will he be forced to rush back to California to rescue the family from the storm?

Sparry is a Crazy Maker and Crazy Makers should not be near cancer patients. If Sparry wants his father to get well, then he should drop all the lawsuits and maintain a quiet, dignified distance.

I have to agree with this comment:

From Technical_Ant_7466 via Reddit

"I am really concerned about Duke of Hazard returning to the UK and visiting Charles. My fear is that Harry will fanagle himself back into the RF, and that he will expect to take on responsibilities or worse that he will but further pressure on the King and Princess Catherine. Just as their vile antics accelerated the death of the late Queen and Prince Philip, I firmly believe that the Harkles have caused a lot of damage, including the health of family members. ***For years I worked in the medical field as a scientist. The research I've read has not proven a definite cause-and-effect relationship between stress and cancer. The connection between emotional (psychological) health and physical health is very complex. Psychological stress can affect your body. Some studies suggest a link between various psychological factors and an increased risk of developing cancer.*** **1.Stress can weaken the immune system. The immune system defends the body against infections and diseases, such as cancer. A weakened immune system plays a role in the development of some types of cancer.** **2. Stress can alter the levels of certain hormones in your body. This may also put you at greater risk of developing cancer.** Stress has a profound impact on how the body’s systems function. Health experts are still sorting out whether stress actually causes cancer. ***There’s little doubt that it promotes the growth and spread of some forms of the disease. Put simply, stress makes your body more hospitable to cancer.*** Long-term/chronic stress is more damaging, and the damages comes from situations that last many weeks/ months/years with no definite end point. ( Ithink we can confidently say that 5+ years of mega mouth and her poodle have been extremely stressful for the RF. This no-end-in-sight stress weakens the immune system, leaving a person prone to diseases, like cancer. It also ups the risk for digestive problems and depression. Chronic stress also can help cancer grow and spread in a number of ways. At this point in time, the last thing the RF needs is Harry in their midst. I can't think of a single advantage their is for him to returning to " his father's side", when he's done nothing but say vile, evil lies about them, divulge members of the RF personal stories and has generally been a human version of POISON. I hope Harry drops in and leaves quickly. THERE'S NO POSITION FOR HIME TO FILL. WILLIAM PROBABLY DOESN'T WANT HIM THERE, AND I APOLOGIZE IF THESE SEEMS CALLOUS, BUT I BELIEVE THE PUBLIC DOESN'T WANT HIM THERE. Harry has proven to be poisinous and toxic. No amount of grovelling will change the perswon he is. His real personality may go into hiding, but make no mistake, he's as eveil as the ILBW. Removing the cause is the clear answer but instead that TREACHEROUS VILLIAN IS BEING ALLOWED BACK, WHICH IS A VERY BAD IDEA. This is a photo op for Harry and a chance to attempt to fleece his father for money/security and whatever else the ILBW has told him to get his grimmy paws on. HARRY CANNOT BE ALLOWED BACK, OR THAT WILL BE END OF THE MONARCHY."

author: Technical_Ant_7466 submitted: 04/02/2024 via r/SaintMeghanMarkle on Reddit [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7466429/](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7466429/)

https://www.reddit.com/r/SaintMeghanMarkle/comments/1ajqp3v/the_gruesomes_have_been_stressors_since_before/

Then there's Fergie:

Why would Fergie release her private medical information as the world grappled with the sad news about Charles and Catherine? Fergie was not undergoing adjuvant treatment. There was no risk of anyone spotting her at a daily RTX treatment. I'm certainly thankful she's OK but I wish she would have waited until the working royals were out of the health scare news cycle before shouting "me too."

Fergie is not "battling alongside King Charles" 🤦🤦‍♀️🤦‍♂️ Aren't her grandkids just babies---except for a 3 yo?

[yebeau]

Prostate Infection Symptoms: How To Detect Them

Symptoms are classified into two – visible and invisible. They are subjective because the latter classification cannot be easily seen by nurses, diagnosticians, and even to doctors. These are what the patients experience regarding illness, disease or injury. Some symptoms include pain, discomfort, fever, chills, cold, heat, vertigo, nausea, and many more. To aid the diagnostic phase, symptoms are very necessary. With prostate cancer, the sad thing is there are no early visit site here prostate infection symptoms. This type of cancer is known when it is severe already, thus, this is one of the major causes of deaths in men all over the world. People oftentimes do a consultation when the disease is already intense.

This is really a very negative practice. To ensure proper health condition, there should be a regular check up. One of the hot topics included in prostate cancer questions and answers is: What are the prostate infection symptoms? As observed by those prostate cancer patients these are what they experience:• the persons urinate frequently especially during night time• while urinating, there is difficulty in starting or stopping the urinary stream• weak or interrupted urinary stream• painful sensation during urination or ejaculation• blood in urine or semen• It must be noted that these are not symptoms of the cancer itself. These are only symptoms of the obstruction from the cancer growth within the prostate and surrounding tissues. Signs or symptoms of prostate cancer in men are palpable when prostate cancer cells has spread already. The symptoms then include: dull, incessant deep pain or stiffness in the pelvis, lower back, ribs or upper thighs; arthritic pain in the bones of those areas; loss of weight and appetite, fatigue, nausea, or vomiting. Prostate as in any other parts of the body must be taken care of. Genetics and diet greatly affect the prostate. Genetics run in the blood but diet can be adjusted or maintained. Good health is caused by eating the right kind and the right amount of food. Proper diet is the key to avoid if not reduce ailments or diseases. Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) helps to detect prostate problems symptoms. If there are prostate cancer warning signs detected Gleason staging system must be the next aid. This system helps to identify the treatment.

The higher the score, the higher is the stage too and the more complicated the treatment is. Gleason staging system has grades 1 to 5. Again, this is not the treatment itself. This is only a tool to know the stage of the prostate cancer and the possible treatment which can be given to the patient. If one is already diagnosed with prostate cancer, he has to undergo further tests like CT scans and bone scans. To dig deeper on prostate cancer, causes of prostate cancer are not known by the scientists yet but they have been able to identify some risk factors that are related with this type of cancer. The most common risk factor is the age. No man below 40 has been diagnosed by this cancer. Almost 70% of cases are diagnosed in men over 50 years old. As revealed in studies, race is another major risk factor. African American men have the most common cases of this cancer and it is least common in Asian and American Indian men. Even if there is already latest treatment on prostate cancer, still it is the best if a man does not have a prostate cancer at all. It is still worthwhile to live when you can do or accomplish tasks given to you because you do not have any sickness at all.

[bcisurat]

Multiple Myeloma: Explained By the Blood Cancer Specialist In Surat

Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that affects plasma cells, a crucial part of the immune system. Plasma cells, found in bone marrow, produce antibodies to help fight infections. In multiple myeloma, these cells become cancerous, multiplying uncontrollably and crowding out healthy blood cells. This disease can weaken the immune system, damage bones, and lead to other serious complications. Our Cancer specialists in Surat, at BCI-Blood and Cancer Institute help us in understanding multiple myeloma — its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment — for early detection and better outcomes.

What Is Multiple Myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is classified as a cancer of the plasma cells. Normally, plasma cells create antibodies to help the body fight infections. In multiple myeloma, these cells produce abnormal proteins, known as monoclonal proteins or M proteins, instead of functioning properly.

These defective proteins can accumulate in the body, causing damage to the kidneys and other organs. Meanwhile, the overproduction of cancerous plasma cells can disrupt the production of healthy blood cells, leading to anemia, infections, and bone problems.

Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma

Blood cancer specialists in Surat warn that the symptoms of multiple myeloma may vary depending on the severity of the disease and the organs affected. Some common symptoms include:

Bone Pain: Persistent pain in the back, ribs, or hips is often a hallmark symptom, caused by the breakdown of bone tissue.

Frequent Infections: The immune system weakens, making it harder for the body to fight infections.

Fatigue and Weakness: A decrease in red blood cells (anemia) can lead to extreme tiredness.

Fractures: Bones may become fragile and break easily due to bone loss.

Kidney Problems: High levels of abnormal proteins can damage the kidneys, leading to issues such as kidney failure.

Numbness or Tingling: Nerve damage (neuropathy) can occur, particularly in advanced stages.

High Blood Calcium Levels (Hypercalcemia): Symptoms may include nausea, confusion, constipation, or excessive thirst.

Not everyone experiences all these symptoms, and some people may have no noticeable signs in the early stages.

Who Is at Risk for Multiple Myeloma?

While the exact cause of multiple myeloma is unknown, hemato-oncologists in Surat list several risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing the disease:

Age: The majority of cases occur in people over 60.

Gender: Men are slightly more likely to develop multiple myeloma than women.

Race: African Americans have a higher risk of multiple myeloma compared to other racial groups.

Family History: A family history of the disease can increase the risk.

Exposure to Toxins: Prolonged exposure to harmful chemicals or radiation may raise the likelihood of developing multiple myeloma.

Pre-existing Conditions: People with a condition called monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) have a higher risk of progressing to multiple myeloma.

How Is Multiple Myeloma Diagnosed?

Early detection is critical for managing multiple myeloma effectively. The diagnostic process typically involves:

Blood Tests: Doctors look for high levels of abnormal proteins (M proteins) and other markers, such as elevated calcium or low red blood cell counts.

Urine Tests: These detect abnormal proteins, known as Bence Jones proteins, in the urine.

Bone Marrow Biopsy: A sample of bone marrow is examined to confirm the presence of cancerous plasma cells.

Imaging Tests: X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans are used to identify bone damage or tumors.

The results of these tests help doctors determine the stage of the disease and develop a treatment plan tailored to the patient’s needs.

Treatment Options for Leukemia-Multiple Myeloma

While there is no cure for multiple myeloma, treatments aim to control the disease, relieve symptoms, and improve quality of life. Common leukemia cancer treatment in Surat include:

1. Targeted Therapy

Targeted drugs attack specific molecules involved in the growth of cancerous plasma cells. These therapies, such as proteasome inhibitors (e.g., bortezomib), interfere with the cancer cell’s ability to survive.

2. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy drugs kill rapidly dividing cancer cells. They are often used in combination with other treatments.

3. Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy boosts the immune system to fight cancer. Monoclonal antibodies or CAR T-cell therapy may be used to target and destroy cancer cells.

4. Stem Cell Transplant

In eligible patients, a stem cell transplant can replace diseased bone marrow with healthy cells. This procedure is often combined with high-dose chemotherapy.

5. Radiation Therapy

Radiation is used to target and shrink tumors or relieve bone pain caused by cancer.

6. Supportive Care

Treatments for anemia, bone pain, or infections can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Coping with Multiple Myeloma

Living with multiple myeloma can be physically and emotionally challenging. Patients undergoing blood cancer treatment in Surat should work closely with their healthcare team to manage symptoms and side effects. Additionally:

● Stay Informed: Understanding the disease and your treatment options can empower you to make informed decisions.

● Seek Support: Join support groups or connect with others who understand the journey of living with multiple myeloma.

● Focus on Wellness: Eating a healthy diet, staying active, and managing stress can improve overall well-being.

Conclusion

Multiple myeloma is a complex disease that requires ongoing management, but advances in treatment have significantly improved outcomes for many patients. Early diagnosis, personalized treatment, and supportive care from the best blood cancer hospital in Surat can help individuals maintain a good quality of life.

[anthonysstupiddailyblog]

Anthony's Stupid Daily Blog (854): Fri 19th Jul 2024

Going to karate class is a good way to feed your foot fetish. Especially if you're also into autoerotic asphyxiation because then someone can use their feet to choke you. Double whammy. Anywho…today should have been my first day at work this week but it wasn’t it was my second day because yesterday I was required to go in and bust my balls in order to make a trillionaire slightly richer. I may have gotten £185 for one days work but the company is now one step closer to achieving their dream of having their own football stadium made of diamonds on fucking Mars because of me. Frankly it's disgusting they exploit my love of putting smiles on customer's faces and I think the only way they can atone for the sin of making me work on my day off is to shove barbed wire up their arse, tie the other end to a motorbike and then have the bike drive at full speed which is the common form of punishment for workers rights abuse in the north of England. Lucky for all of us who were still fucking knackered from the grueling fatigue from yesterday, some dipshit at Microsoft must have accidentally sat on the wrong button while he was fucking his secretary because there was a global IT blackout today which meant that the bosses couldn't keep track of all the items we were scanning so we had to stop until the problem was resolved. Some say God never closes a door without opening a window which I would say is a sign of some sort of obsessive compulsive disorder. Presumably God is unable to get on with his other day to day duties because he's constantly worrying that he forgot to give a small child cancer. I did see that this blackout was also unfortunately affecting doctors surgeries and that only the "most unwell" patients were being seen. I don't know how you just who is the ~most unwell" unless they have type two African brain eating bacteria or something. Surely the most unwell people are the people who are just about to die in which case it's pointless them getting a doctors appointment anyway. I tried to think of the most flimsy reason I have ever used to visit a doctor and I think it might have been the time after I'd just watched a few episodes of Scrubs in a row and I wanted to meet an actual doctor to see if there were any actual funny ones. Incidentally he threw me out of his office for wasting his time which I think wasn't the best way to debunk my theory that doctors have a poor sense of humour.

Tuned into tonight's Hollyoaks which featured Frankie going to hospital and discovering her shithead brother JJ survived his fit from yesterday. Frankie was understandably furious and as Jeremy Blake was walking past her outside the hospital she cursed the fact that JJ was still alive and I put the following hypothetical exchange on Twitter which I think might be my crowning achievement:

Frankie: Why’s he still alive? He should be dead Jeremy: Now Frankie. You might disagree with his politics but no-one deserves to get shot

[ninarossfunctionalmedicine]

Reasons You Must Consult a Black Holistic Doctor Atlanta

African Americans deal with health issues that are deep-rooted in the genes. Mainstream medical science caters to health issues using a common approach. However, functional medicine gets to the root of the problem which is exactly why they must trust a Black holistic doctor Atlanta.

Here are some reasons why:

Asthma

Asthma, a condition that narrows airways in the lungs and hinders breathing, disproportionately affects children residing in areas with poor air quality. Black communities, unfortunately, have often borne the brunt of environmental injustice, leading to increased exposure to air pollutants.

Diabetes

African Americans face a higher risk of diabetes compared to non-Hispanic whites. They are diagnosed with the condition nearly twice as often, and experience more severe complications. This includes an increased likelihood of kidney failure (end-stage renal disease) and amputations in the lower limbs.

Obesity

Black adults in the US are significantly more likely to struggle with obesity compared to white adults. This gap widens even further for children, teenagers, and particularly Black women, who are 50% more likely to be obese. This excess weight is a known risk factor for many health problems and can worsen existing conditions.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major risk factor for heart disease and disproportionately impacts African Americans. Statistics show that around one-third of African Americans struggle with this condition. Unfortunately, managing high blood pressure often requires consistent access to healthcare, which can be a challenge for some communities.

This disparity contributes to African Americans having higher rates of uncontrolled hypertension compared to non-Hispanic whites. Additionally, they tend to develop high blood pressure at a younger age and experience more severe readings.

Stroke

Strokes, caused by blood flow disruptions in the brain, are a significant health concern for Black adults in the US. They experience strokes more frequently and have a higher mortality rate compared to the national average.

Cancer

Cancer survival rates and mortality rates for Black Americans are concerningly lower than for any other racial group in the US, according to the American Cancer Society. This disparity is primarily linked to social and economic factors, as well as access to healthcare, rather than biological differences.

Here's a breakdown of some specific cancers:

Breast cancer: Black women face a 41% higher mortality rate from breast cancer compared to white women.

Prostate cancer: Black men are diagnosed with prostate cancer 73% more often than white men and are twice as likely to die from it.

Colorectal cancer: Due mainly to screening disparities, Black people have a 20% higher chance of developing colorectal cancer, a disparity that emerged recently within the last three decades.

Lung cancer: Black men are diagnosed with lung cancer 12% more frequently than white men. Both Black men and women tend to be diagnosed at a younger age.

Multiple myeloma: This blood cancer affects Black people at twice the rate it does white people.

Kidney Disease

The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) reports a troubling disparity: Black Americans are more than three times more likely to experience kidney failure compared to white Americans. This increased risk is attributed to higher prevalence of conditions like diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure within Black communities.

However, a previously used kidney function test, the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), has been found to be inaccurate for Black patients. This test often overestimates kidney function, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. The NKF has addressed this issue by eliminating the use of this specific calculation in their recommendations and is advocating for nationwide adoption of this change.

Early detection is crucial for managing kidney disease. Unfortunately, many Black Americans face barriers to healthcare access, leading to late-stage diagnoses. This lack of insurance or quality healthcare can significantly disadvantage People of Color in terms of early detection and treatment of kidney disease.

Seeking Wellness as a Black Atlantan? Trust Nina Ross Functional Medicine

Looking for a doctor who understands your unique health journey? Dr. Nina Ross is a trusted Black holistic doctor serving the Atlanta community. She takes a comprehensive approach to your health, focusing on the root causes of illness and promoting overall well-being.

Ready to invest in a holistic way to good health? Contact Nina Ross Functional Medicine today!

[mymedtrips]

Best Shoulder Replacement Surgeons in India

In a human body the shoulder is the most complicated as well as the most flexible joint. The shoulder connects the upper arms of the body with the torso. It is made up of three bones, they are: the clavicle or the collarbone, the scapula which is also known as the shoulder blade, and the humerus or the upper arm bone, these three bones are interconnected with muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

The shoulder joint which is also known as the glenohumeral joint is the main joint of the shoulder. It consists of a ball and a socket joint which allows the arm to rotate in a circular motion. Thus, the shoulder is the most movable and unsteady joint in the body which often tends to problems like fracture, pain, shoulder dislocation.

Shoulder replacement surgery is done to relieve the shoulder pain or to remove other injuries that damages the shoulder joint. Best shoulder replacement surgery doctors in India recommend shoulder replacement surgery if one is suffering from very bad pain, or one can barely move his arm and shoulder, or one has lost cartilage or is not able to do the daily activities.

Shoulder Replacement Surgery Cost in India

The shoulder replacement surgery cost in India varies from place to place as it depends on multiple factors like hospitals in which the diagnosis is done and the surgeries takes place, best surgeons for shoulder replacement surgery in India have different consultation fees, different cities have different costs. The average cost of shoulder replacement surgery in India is ₹ 3,00,000. The price of shoulder replacement surgery in India maximum counts to ₹ 4,00,000. The economically weaker section people do not get the chance for the shoulder replacement surgery because for them the shoulder replacement surgery price in India is a little bit high, so they go for other ways of treatment.

Best Shoulder Replacement Surgery Hospitals in India

There are many shoulder replacement surgery hospitals in India, among them some are the best hospital for shoulder replacement surgery in India. The best shoulder replacement surgery hospitals in India are: Columbia Asia Hospital in Bengaluru, Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital in New Delhi, Fortis Hospital in Bengaluru and many more.

Best Shoulder Replacement Surgeons in India

Some of the most highly rated doctors for shoulder replacement in India are: Dr. Subhash Jangid of Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon, India, with 25 years of experience; Dr. Vijay Sharma of Medeor Hospital, Delhi, India, with 15 years of experience and Dr. Hemant Gupta from Max Super Specialty Hospital, Ghaziabad with 36 years of experience.

My Med Trip is a top medical tourism company. We provide complete medical and healthcare services with consulting in India for patients from all over the world including South African countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa, etc. We help you in finding the best hospitals, doctors, and good accommodations at affordable costs in India. We offer Kidney, liver, lung, heart, and bone marrow transplants and treatment; shoulder replacement surgery cost in India, knee replacement surgery cost, breast cancer surgery cost, skin cancer treatment, kidney transplant cost, heart transplant, bone marrow transplant cost, heart replacement, best heart hospital in India, knee replacement, top Kidney transplant hospital in India and so on.

Source: https://mymedtrips.blogspot.com/2023/09/best-shoulder-replacement-surgeons-in.html

[worldipday]

Africaʼs First Integrated Drug Discovery and Development Platform.

Africaʼs first integrated drug discovery and development center. H3D was founded at UCT in April 2010 and focuses on translational medicine, which involves early-stage medicine discovery in the lab through to the treatment of patients in clinical settings. WIPO Magazine recently sat down with Chibale to learn more about H3D, and the role intellectual property plays in its groundbreaking work.

WM: What is the potential of drug discovery in Africa? KC: Africa is arguably the most genetically diverse continent.

Everybody came from Africa and went somewhere else. That means diseases are not African problems or African diseases, they are human diseases, human problems. So, drug discovery in Africa has huge potential to contribute to humanity and to create local jobs.

And how is H3D affecting health innovation in Africa?

H3D is having an impact at various levels, particularly by creating drug discovery infrastructure and platforms capable of contributing to the global pipeline of innovative products that could be further developed. In other words, we have strengthened our capacity to translate basic science knowledge into potential life-saving medicines. And we are bridging the gap between the lab and the patient.

You focused initially on malaria. Why?

Malaria was an opportunity for us to build the infrastructure required for translational medicine. At the end of the day, beyond understanding the biology of the human malaria parasite, the drug discovery principles are the same for malaria or cancer. For example, regardless of the disease, among other things, the common goal is to understand how the human body will handle the drug candidate. The malaria project was an opportunity to work with the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) and to subsequently engage with new partners, such as Merck and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Once we developed the infrastructure we needed for that project, we began adding other diseases, including tuberculosis (TB), and antimicrobial resistance. In 2022, we had an opportunity to work with Johnson & Johnson as one of the companyʼs three satellite centers for global health discovery. In sum, malaria was an anchor program that enabled us to acquire the skills and experience we wanted to develop, and which we then transferred to other diseases.

How important are such partnerships to H3Dʼs work, and to developing a robust health innovation ecosystem in Africa?

Partnerships are extremely important, even for innovative pharmaceutical companies with financial muscle. Indeed, some of the product portfolios they offer include drug candidates licensed in from third parties. This enables them to de-risk the early stages of drug development. For H3D, partnerships were important from the start, for three reasons. First, to tackle infrastructure challenges; second, to build the technology platforms we needed; and third, to access skilled people. Partnerships are also important to secure funding. When you have a project with global support, you attract partners who share the same goals, funding grows, and you gain access to a network of centers of excellence. Partnerships can bring to the table what you donʼt have, because everyone is interested in the projectʼs success. When there is mutual interest, you can make a huge difference.

What about the importance of building a local procurement support system? One of the main barriers to scientific innovation in Africa has been a lack of infrastructure in the broad sense. This includes a local procurement support system with functioning laboratories, access to the spare parts you need when something breaks down, the ability to access reagents and chemicals readily and rapidly, and so on. Of course, from a business perspective, we need scale that justifies the business. At present, there are too few players, so business opportunities are limited. Thatʼs why weʼre working to expand the community to create the demand that will foster the businesses we need to supply the chemicals and reagents required for research and development, for example.

What is the role of intellectual property in all this? When thereʼs an unmet medical need, you have to innovate, and IP incentivizes innovation. IP is an enabler and underpins robust innovation ecosystems. Cash-strapped universities can use IP to generate new sources of income from their research, through university spinouts, for example. IP is also a magnet for investment. People want to invest in a country where there is respect for rules and laws, including IP.

Do you still need IP in Africa for infectious diseases, where commercial returns are low? Absolutely. Because IP is also a responsibility, even for infectious diseases where commercial returns are perceived to be low. Without IP you would have a free-for-all. When it comes to health equity, itʼs important to remember that the person who owns the IP can decide whether to share it voluntarily or not.When you hold IP rights in a medicine, you can control its use to some extent. Thatʼs why, in Africa, we need to be owning IP. When we do, and we find an appropriate partner to take the IP forward, we get a return. I would rather own 1% of one billion than 99.99% of zero.

IP is also a responsibility, even for infectious diseases where commercial returns are perceived to be low.

What is the current focus of H3Dʼs work? In terms of drug discovery, weʼre focusing on action studies to identify biological targets and to better understand the mechanism of resistance of these targeted organisms to drugs. These organisms are very clever. Our job is to outsmart them.

Do you still see the need for new approaches? Yes. At a scientific level, Iʼm an advocate for Afro-centric drug discovery. You need to find a target to hit – an enzyme or a protein – which may respond differently in different populations for genetic reasons.

Genetic differences in the expression and activity of drug-metabolizing enzymes can lead to variable responses to therapeutics. For example, in people of African descent, due to genetic mutations, enzymes responsible for metabolizing the antiretroviral drug Efavirenz work more slowly than in other populations and this can result in toxicity, even death, due to drug overdose if dosages arenʼt adjusted appropriately. So, drug development needs to move from a one-size-fits-all focus toward a population-centric approach. We really need to invest in understanding the genetics of the African population with respect to biological drug targets we go after and the enzymes responsible for metabolizing specific drugs. Also, we need to address the funding gap in translational medicine, which many investors find too risky. This will require policy changes to encourage investors to see drug development as a continuum that requires investment at each stage of the value chain. This would create opportunities to share both risks and benefits, and ultimately will benefit everyone.

Read the full interview online and learn more about Chibaleʼs recommendations for developing a robust health innovation system in Africa.

[astridflies]

HEY WE GOT AN ACTUAL TREATMENT FOR SICKLE CELL NOW

This is a huge win for gene therapy and a neglected disease. More treatments like this are coming. CRISPR CAS-9 is so hecking cool.

Text from the release under the current.

From the release:

Sickle cell disease is a group of inherited blood disorders affecting approximately 100,000 people in the U.S. It is most common in African Americans and, while less prevalent, also affects Hispanic Americans. The primary problem in sickle cell disease is a mutation in hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells that delivers oxygen to the body’s tissues. This mutation causes red blood cells to develop a crescent or “sickle” shape. These sickled red blood cells restrict the flow in blood vessels and limit oxygen delivery to the body’s tissues, leading to severe pain and organ damage called vaso-occlusive events (VOEs) or vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs). The recurrence of these events or crises can lead to life-threatening disabilities and/or early death...

Data Supporting Casgevy

The safety and effectiveness of Casgevy were evaluated in an ongoing single-arm, multi-center trial in adult and adolescent patients with SCD. Patients had a history of at least two protocol-defined severe VOCs during each of the two years prior to screening. The primary efficacy outcome was freedom from severe VOC episodes for at least 12 consecutive months during the 24-month follow-up period. A total of 44 patients were treated with Casgevy. Of the 31 patients with sufficient follow-up time to be evaluable, 29 (93.5%) achieved this outcome. All treated patients achieved successful engraftment with no patients experiencing graft failure or graft rejection.

The most common side effects were low levels of platelets and white blood cells, mouth sores, nausea, musculoskeletal pain, abdominal pain, vomiting, febrile neutropenia (fever and low white blood cell count), headache and itching.

Data Supporting Lyfgenia

The safety and effectiveness of Lyfgenia is based on the analysis of data from a single-arm, 24-month multicenter study in patients with sickle cell disease and history of VOEs between the ages of 12- and 50- years old. Effectiveness was evaluated based on complete resolution of VOEs (VOE-CR) between 6 and 18 months after infusion with Lyfgenia. Twenty-eight (88%) of 32 patients achieved VOE-CR during this time period.

The most common side effects included stomatitis (mouth sores of the lips, mouth, and throat), low levels of platelets, white blood cells, and red blood cells, and febrile neutropenia (fever and low white blood cell count), consistent with chemotherapy and underlying disease.

Hematologic malignancy (blood cancer) has occurred in patients treated with Lyfgenia. A black box warning is included in the label for Lyfgenia with information regarding this risk. Patients receiving this product should have lifelong monitoring for these malignancies."

[indianhealthguru]

Liver disease has emerged as a major health issue across sub-Saharan Africa, quietly affecting millions. Each year, an estimated 200,000 people lose their lives to conditions like liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.

[lisaoshiola]

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the rhythm of life is powerful, grounded in resilience and unity.

[jashim6356]

Unlocking the Mysteries of HIV: Do You Have a Basic Understanding? Basic Understanding of HIV

The virus, HIV, was first observed in the United States in 1981 by a cluster of injection drug users and gay men with no known cause of impaired immunity who showed symptoms of Pneumococcus Carina pneumonia (PCP), a rare opportunistic infection that was known to occur in people with very compromised immune systems. Soon thereafter, additional gay men developed a previously rare skin cancer called Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). Many more cases of PCP and KS emerged, alerting the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and forming a task force to monitor the outbreak.

In 1983, two separate research groups led by Robert Gallo and Luc Montagnier independently declared that a novel retrovirus may have been infecting AIDS patients, and published their findings in the same issue of the journal Science. Gallo claimed that a virus his group had isolated from an AIDS patient was strikingly similar in shape to other human T-phototropic viruses (HTLVs) they had been the first to isolate. They named their newly isolated virus HTLV-III. At the same time, Montagnier's group isolated a virus from a patient presenting with swelling of the lymph nodes of the neck and physical weakness, two classic symptoms of AIDS. Contradicting the report from Gallo's group, Montagnier and his colleagues showed that core proteins of this virus were immunologically different from those of HTLV-I. Montagnier's group named their isolated virus lymphadenopathy-associated virus (LAV). As these two viruses

turned out to be the same, in 1986, LAV and HTLV-III were renamed HIV.

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Basic Statistics OF HIV........

HIV and AIDS remain a persistent problem for the United States and countries around the world. While great progress has been made in preventing and treating HIV, there is still much to do. The questions in this section provide a broad overview of the effects of HIV and AIDS in the United States and globally.

About 50,000 people get infected with HIV each year. In 2010, there were around 47,500 new HIV infections in the United States.

About 1.1 million people in the United States were living with HIV at the end of 2010, the most recent year this information was available. Of those people, about 16% do not know they are infected.

CDC estimates the number of people living with HIV (called prevalence) by using a scientific model. This model helps CDC estimate the number of new HIV infections and how many people are infected but don’t know it. HIV prevalence is the number of people living with HIV infection at a given time, such as at the end of a given year.

There are different ways to answer this question.

If we look at HIV infection by race and ethnicity, we see that African Americans are most affected by HIV. In 2010, African Americans made up only 12% of the US population, but had 44% of all new HIV infections. Additionally, Hispanic/Latinos are also strongly affected. They make up 17% of the US population, but had 21% of all new HIV infections.

Pie chart title: New HIV Infections by Race/Ethnicity, 2010. Of the 47,500 new HIV infections in 2010: 44% were in African Americans; 31% were in Whites; 21% were in Hispanic/Latinos; 2% were in Asians; 1% were in those of multiple races; Less than 1% were in American Indians/Alaska Natives; Less than 1% were in Native Hawaiians/Other Pacific Islanders

If we look at HIV infections by how people got the virus (transmission category), we see that men who have sex with men (MSM) are most at risk. In 2010, MSM had 63% of all new HIV infections, even though they made up only around 2% of the population. Individuals infected through heterosexual sex made up 25% of all new HIV infections in 2010.

Pie chart title: New HIV Infections by Transmission Category, 2010. Of the 47,400 new HIV infections in 2010: 63% were due to male to male sex; 25% were due to heterosexual contact; 8% were due to injection drug use; 3% were due to male to male sex and injection drug use

Combining those two views allows us to see the most affected populations, by race and by risk factor.

Figure1: Estimated New HIV Infections in the United States, 2010, for the Most Affected Subpopulations

This bar chart shows the number of new HIV infections in 2010 for the most-affected sub-populations. The most new infections occurred among white men who have sex with men, or MSM, (11,200) followed by black MSM (10,600), Hispanic MSM (6,700), black heterosexual women (5,300), black heterosexual men (2,700), white heterosexual women (1,300), Hispanic heterosexual women (1,200), black male injection drug users, or IDU, (1,100) and black female IDU (850).

There are also variations by age. Young people, aged 13-24 are especially affected by HIV. They comprised 16% of the US population, but accounted for 26% of all new HIV infections in 2010. All young people are not equally at risk, however. Young MSM, for example, accounted for 72% of all new infections in people aged 13-24, and young, African American MSM are even more severely affected.

explain the impact of HIV on various populations in the United States.

HIV is largely an urban disease, with most cases occurring in metropolitan areas with 500,000 or more people. The South has the highest number of individuals living with HIV, but when you take population size into account, the Northeast has the highest rate of persons living with new HIV infections. (Rates are the number of cases of disease per 100,000 people. Rates allow comparisons between two groups of different sizes.)

HIV and AIDS in the United States by Geographic Distribution is a fact sheet that explains the geography of HIV in the United States.

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Dr. Temo K. Waqanivalu has an illustrious career at WHO and Ministry of Health in Fiji

Looking forward to 2023, World Health Organization (WHO) has advanced its global agenda for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Many risk factors, like tobacco use, harmful consumption of liquor, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diet are among the leading causes of premature deaths in the age group of 30 to 70 due to NCDs. In May 2000, the World Health Assembly (WHA) endorsed a global strategy for the prevention and control of NCDs which was revised in 2013 and 2020, in order to provide guidance to Member States, international partners, and WHO, in a sustainable manner. The strategy provided the countries with a pragmatic health approach for addressing NCDs by focusing on four major NCDs, viz.

• Diabetes • Cancer • Heart Diseases • Lung Diseases

The global NCD strategy of the WHA recognized that the NCD burden cannot be addressed in a sustainable manner by focusing on a single disease or risk factor. Further, the strategy emphasized the importance of social determinants of health, and the potential of preventing NCDs by reducing the exposure of the population to lifestyle and environmental risk factors. To further its global agenda, WHO has set up special units to control deaths due to NCDs. Dr. Temo K. Waqanivalu’s name needs special mention in helping WHO’s efforts in the control of deaths due to NCDs. While working as Unit Head of the Integrated Service Delivery of Noncommunicable Disease (NCD) Department of WHO HQ, Geneva, CH-2020 onwards, he helped mobilized and allocated resources totaling $158M for 116 nations, that included 79 African, Caribbean, and Pacific Group of States. Dr. Temo K. Waqanivalu also developed several capacity building packages for NCD healthcare workers, and conducted training in them.

Using budget for maximum efficiency Dr. Temo K. Waqanivalu also monitored all facets of diet/physical activities, and facilitated global leadership in professional manner to prevent NCDs, while working as Team Lead, Diet & Physical Activity, at Prevention of NCD, WHO HQ, Geneva, CH-2014-2019. Healthcare management is another area that Dr. Temo K. Waqanivalu needs mention. Utiolizing his skills of healthcare management, Dr. Temo K. Waqanivalu enhanced treatment options and directed organizational policies and procedures as per WHO guidelines. He used to ensure that services offered benefit patients and empower the healthcare workers under his supervision. Dr. Temo K. Waqanivalu ensured that budget was used for maximum efficiency and quality.Leveraging his skills on healthcare management, Dr. Temo K. Waqanivalu focused on social determinants of health and adopted a universalism approach to address health inequalities at the community level.

Prior to joining WHO HQ, Dr. Temo K. Waqanivalu was Coordinator, Noncommunicable Disease (NCD) and Health Promotion of the WHO Division of Pacific Technical Support (DPS) of the Western Pacific region located in Suva, Fiji during 2009-2013. He directed NCD, mental health, health promotion and key public health areas of 22 Pacific Island countries. He led technical support, and assisted with funds generating procedures while managing NCD programs, covering 11 M population. He also employed WHO package of essential NCD services (PEN) for implementation in 12 countries across Pacific region. He has also been National Advisor, Noncommunicable Diseases, in the Ministry of Heath, Fiji.

Addressing public health issues Public health is another key area where Dr. Temo K. Waqanivalu has left his mark. It’s the science of improving well-being of communities through research, health programs, policies, and education. It’s more about protecting entire populations, that could range from a small village to the entire country. Rather than treating existing health issues, public health problems work to address the issues of public health by promoting healthy lifestyle, and advising policymakers. Dr. Temo K. Waqanivalu worked to devised policies to promote healthy communities and healthy behaviors that resulted in improved health in the population. He also prepared plans to assist healthcare workers respond to events and incidents, and assist communities in recovery.

Community involvement and other activities Fellowship at the Royal Colleges of Physicians, UK, let Dr. Temo K. Waqanivalu play an important role in the governance and future directions of the professional medical body. He worked with the research board and staff to develop an ongoing research agenda, and undertook medical education teaching through lectures, seminars, and research. He contributed to the delivery of courses coordinated by others, and was involved in objective setting in the academic department at work. Among Dr. Temo K. Waqanivalu’s community involvement activities, it’s worthwhile to mention that he has served as Assistant Secretary to Commerce B of World Health Assembly, and a lead Member of WHO Global Staff Health and Wellbeing Committee. He has also been President of the Fiji Medical Association, International Masters of Public Health Class, University of Jerusalem, and received many awards and honors for his work in the global healthcare issues.

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Prostate Cancer: Important Facts

Most men don't know that they have prostate cancer. Minor problems are often a warning sign for more serious conditions. Men are traditionally less likely than women to seek medical attention, particularly for minor issues. The prostate is small and walnut-sized. It is part of a man's reproductive systems. It wraps around the bladder, which is the tube that excretes urine from the body.

The cause of prostate cancer, like other types of cancers is unknown. It appears to be more common in African American men than it is in men who have a family history. It's possible that you have been diagnosed with prostate carcinoma and aren't sure what to do.

Seminal fluid is the milky liquid that transports sperm. The main function of the prostate gland, Unintentional weight loss or lethargy could be signs. You should be aware of several symptoms. You may also experience other symptoms that are not listed here. Inability to urinate is one of the most common symptoms. A need to urinate often, especially at night is one sign. Other symptoms include bone pain, tenderness, or abdominal pain.

An urinalysis can indicate whether there is blood in your urine. To confirm the diagnosis of prostate cancer, a variety of tests can be performed. You may also find unusual cells in urine and prostatic fluid. Check webssite and find out here more guide on prostate treatment.

PSA testing has its downsides. For example, a high PSA doesn't necessarily mean that a patient has prostate carcinoma. The PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test looks for abnormalities in your PSA enzyme. To determine if there is a spread of the disease, a chest x-ray might be performed.

Urinary incontinence is a potential side effect of surgery. There are several options for treatment. You can be vigilant and wait to check if the cancer is not growing too slowly. Side effects of medication include hot flashes, loss of sexual desire, and even hot flashes.

Chemical castration, which is a treatment for advanced prostate cancer that blocks the production of testosterone, involves the use of side effects. It has the same effect as surgical removal of the testes. Modern surgical techniques have made it less common for complications to occur. The stage of the cancer can affect the treatment options.

Surgery and radiation can be used in the initial stages to shrink or kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy, surgery, and hormonal therapy may all affect libido, whether it is temporary or permanent. While many men want the best possible treatment, it is important to choose the right treatment for you.

Side effects of androgen-blocking drugs, which stop testosterone from attaching with prostate cells, are some other medications that can be used in hormonal therapy. Radical prostatectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the prostate gland and surrounding tissues. For prostate cancers that resist hormonal treatment, chemotherapy medications are used often.

Side effects from chemotherapy drugs vary depending on the type of drug and how frequently and for how long. Hormone manipulation is used primarily to treat symptoms in men with advanced cancer.

Sites like this one are a good starting point to learn more about prostate cancer, its prevention, and how it can be treated. It is important to be as informed as possible, read as many books, ebooks, and do as much research as you can. If you are worried about your symptoms but have not been diagnosed, you should make an appointment with your doctor.

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N.S. Brotherhood Initiative provides much-needed health care needs to Black men in Halifax area

The Nova Scotia Brotherhood Initiative is a free program offering Black men access to health care in the Halifax community to improve their overall health and wellbeing.

As part of the initiative, a team of health-care professionals provide culturally-appropriate primary medical care, as well as health and wellness services, for men of African descent across the Halifax Regional Municipality.

According to Nova Scotia Health, the program's health and wellness services offered include:

primary medical care

health promotion and wellness education

chronic disease management

navigation to community resources

variety of free health and wellness programs throughout the year

Dr. Ron Milne has worked with the Brotherhood since it started in 2014. Last week, he was honoured by the organization for his contribution and positive impact.

According to Milne, many Black men don't access health care as often as they should, citing many factors including a lack of trust due to mistreatment in the past by the health-care system.

"Lack of providers who have cultural competence and understand the challenges and issues that Black men face. I think those are some of the issues," he said. "And lack of providers who look like them, who they feel comfortable with."

Milne says stigma also has a lot to do with the issue.

"Again, it's that cultural competence factor coming into it, of having people who understand the issues, the history, the challenges," said Milne.

As far as some of the medical issues that disproportionately impact Black men, Milne says there still isn't a good library of data in Canada with that information.

"And one of the things we've really pushed for with the government, and the government is committed to providing us with, data that is race-based, it would be voluntary by people who self-identify. So, historically, our data has come from the U.S. and the U.K., but there's no reason to believe that a lot of those factors aren't the same here," said Milne.

"So, diabetes, heart and kidney disease, respiratory problems, prostate and colon cancer very large. Prostate cancer in the Black male population, because often it presents at a more advanced stage for a variety of reasons, one of which is lack of trust in the system, but also … the stigma that in the Black communities, you don't talk about your health. Men try to be projecting as strong and not needing to seek help and so that's a reason sometimes that they don't get the help they need right away."

As far as how the Brotherhood Initiative is received, Milne says patients seem relaxed knowing that someone who looks like them and understands their challenges will be the one helping with their health needs.

"So, they're able to open up to us and I try to make it as relaxed as I can. Give them time, the appointments aren't rushed, we try to be holistic, so we try to look at everything starting with, ‘Who are you? What's your age? Are you married? Do you have a family doctor?’ All the questions to get people at ease," Milne said.

The Nova Scotia Brotherhood Initiative is unique to Canada and now a Nova Scotia Sisterhood is also being provided to Black women provincewide.

Nova Scotia Health says the Sisterhood team:

delivers health promotion and wellness education

offers navigation to health and community resources

assists in managing ongoing health conditions

develops partnerships with community groups

provides medical care

clinical therapy (therapist on staff) 

The women's initiative focuses on things like:

heart disease

high blood pressure

diabetes

screening for health conditions

mental health and addictions

nutrition and physical activity

obtaining health information specific to Black women

Milne says the Sisterhood just started seeing patients this month.

"It's fantastic the response so far," he said.

More information on the Brotherhood and Sisterhood initiatives, including locations and contact information, can be found online.

from CTV News - Atlantic https://ift.tt/k9jpYI6