News
TCI: Common Cancer Questions
#TurksandCaicos, February 6, 2018 – Providenciales – In observance of World Cancer Day marked on February 4, 2018, Oncology Specialist Nurse at Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital, Gemma Williams-Watson answered some common cancer questions. For educational purposes, these questions and answers are simplified below.
- What is cancer?
Cancer is when cells in the body divide and grow in an uncontrolled manner. These cells then form lumps or tumors. Cancer can spread to other areas of the body and therefore early detection and treatment is essential to cure.
- What causes cancer?
We can’t say what causes cancer but we do know many risk factors or lifestyle choices that can increase your risk of getting cancer. By minimizing or eliminating these factors you can then decrease your risk.
For instance, we know smoking, lack of exercise and obesity, and a poor diet are all risk factors for cancer. We also know that if you have a strong family history of cancer it can increase your own risk. This is a risk that is uncontrollable so it is even more important to make a conscious effort to decrease your risks and attend regular screening.
- How is cancer diagnosed?
Different cancers are diagnosed in different ways, and therefore a range of screening techniques are recommended. Screening is designed to detect cancer at its earliest stage, and then further testing is done to understand the individual’s cancer in more detail.
Screening methods include mammograms, colonoscopies, pap smears and certain blood tests.
If a tumor is identified following a screening then further tests must be performed such as a tissue biopsy and scan to give the doctor additional information.
- How is cancer treated?
Treatment is specific to the type of cancer and the individual patient. Modes of treatment include surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and radiotherapy, but not all patients will require all of these treatments. The treatment plan is based on the individual patient and their clinical picture. For example, how well the patient is and if he/she has any other health problems. This information is reviewed along with lab reports and scans etc. Treatment is tailored to an individual. This is why not all breast cancer patients will receive exactly the same treatment. There are many different types of breast cancer and each requires a specific treatment plan.
Doctors around the world in the field of Oncology follow international treatment guidelines. These guidelines direct the treatment plan; identify a particular type of surgery or specific drug regimen. The treatment is not solely chosen by the doctor, the decision is directed by these international treatment guidelines.
Cancer treatment is now becoming more personalized due to gene and hormone profile testing, whereas before it was almost ‘one size fits all’. In some cancers these tests can help to identify exactly which drugs will help a particular patient’s type of cancer.
When a treatment decision is being made, many pieces of information must be assessed to build a clinical picture of the patient.
For instance, the scan report, lab report, blood tests and hormone receptors plus the patient’s medical history, current health status and personal preferences are all taken into account. This clinical picture is then compared to the guidelines and a particular treatment plan is decided specific to the patient.
Some of these examples include: every breast cancer patient do not require a mastectomy; every breast cancer patient do not require radiotherapy; Some breast cancer patients will require hormone therapy after they have completed chemotherapy, and some patients will not require any hormone therapy. It is very specific to the individual, which is why patients should not compare themselves to other patients, even if they appear to have the same diagnosis.
- What are the different types of Cancer?
There are more than 100 types of cancer, but some are more common than others. The most common cancers seen in the Turks and Caicos are breast, prostate and colorectal.
- Which type of cancer is most severe?
The majority of cancers, if detected in the early stages, can be treated effectively and are potentially curative. Cancer that is diagnosed in an advanced stage, meaning when it has spread to other organs or parts of the body, makes cure less likely and sometimes not possible at all. In these cases the focus of treatment then shifts from cure to controlling the spread of cancer and increasing a patient’s quality of life. To say one cancer is worse than another is not really possible. All cancers are serious conditions and must be treated quickly to get the best results.
- Can injuries cause cancer?
No, there is no evidence to show that previous injuries can be a direct cause of cancer.
- Can stress cause cancer?
What we do know is that chronic stress or high levels of stress maintained for long periods of time can have an impact on your immune system. For example, you may feel more exhausted and be more susceptible to coughs and colds. We also know that high levels of stress can cause an imbalance in the body’s naturally produced hormones and that some cancers are hormone driven, so this means there is a possible link between the two, but we can’t state that stress directly causes cancer.
- What are the risk factors for cancer?
Some risk factors include smoking, high alcohol intake, lack of exercise and obesity, and poor diet. These risks can be managed and decreased by sensible life choices. Making the right choice and making a concerted effort to ‘live well’ is incredibly important for your own well-being. Also, if you have a strong family history of cancer this can increase your own risk so regular screening and self checks are extremely important.
- Is cancer contagious?
No, cancer is not contagious. Cancer is formed due to a malfunction in cell growth; it is not passed on via bodily fluids or touch.
- Can cancer be prevented?
We’ve spoken about the risks and how to minimize your own cancer risk but unfortunately we are unable to completely prevent it which is why screening and early detection is so important.
- What are the side effects of cancer treatment?
There are different modes of treatment and each of these have their own possible side effects. Chemotherapy alone has many different potential side effects but not all chemotherapies have the same ones. For instance, not all chemo drugs result in hair loss. Radiotherapy, depending on where the patient’s cancer is located, will result in different side effects because the rays are being aimed at different parts of the body. Before a patient begins any form of treatment, the side effects are discussed so they are able to make an informed decision about commencing treatment.
- Are the symptoms of cancer treatment severe?
All types of treatment have side effects so it is important that the advantages are weighed against the disadvantages before commencing any sort of treatment. It is also important to say that not all patients respond in the same way. For instance, 100 patients with breast cancer could be given the same drug, but each patient will report a different side effect profile. This is because we are all individuals and therefore, patients are all different in how they cope with different situations. Some patients do find the side effects difficult to deal with and when that happens we discuss all possible options available.
- What happens when cancer goes into remission?
Complete remission means there is no sign of the cancer on physical examination, on a scan or in any other test. Some doctors may use the phrase ‘no evidence of disease’. It is also important to say that remission and cure is not the same thing.
If the cancer is in remission it does not mean the cancer is cured. If the cancer does come back it is usually within 5 years of the original diagnosis. After that 5 year period, if there is still no sign that the cancer has returned, some doctors may say that the patient is then cured.
- Can cancer be cured?
Yes, many cancers can be cured if they are diagnosed early. This is why regular screening is so important. When cancer spreads to other areas of the body it makes it very difficult and often impossible to cure. If people attend screening regularly, tumors can be identified early – this gives the patient the best chance for a positive outcome.
- Is there a concern for cancer diagnosis in the TCI?
The hospital cancer registry collates data on all patients diagnosed by or referred to the hospital. The trends formed by the data can then help plan care for the future. From this data we found that in 2015 there was a large increase in the number of cancer diagnoses, but since then the annual number of cases diagnosed at the hospital have decreased. In 2016, there was a drop in annual numbers compared to 2015, and again in 2017, there was a decline in the annual number of cases diagnosed compared to 2016.
The number of patients diagnosed with cancer feels high because it is such a small community and for many people these patients may be friends or even relatives so it is understandable that it feels very personal and close to home.
Cancer is certainly in the forefront of everyone’s mind which is good. Cancer is an extremely important disease to be actively aware of as it is increasing globally and we should be making a conscious effort to live healthy and get screening when recommended.
- Has there been a large number of deaths in the TCI due to cancer?
As we know, a number of patients passed away in 2017 that had been diagnosed with cancer and as a result of this, it was important to review the data about these patients. Upon reviewing the data, some really important related factors were highlighted.
Some of the patients that passed away succumbed to other health issues rather than the cancer. So although the patients did have cancer, that is not why they passed away.
Some patients even at diagnosis have advanced cancer so cure becomes almost impossible. In this group of patients, our aim is to ensure they feel as well possible for as long as possible. We aim to minimize symptoms such as pain or nausea and continue to care for them based on their personal preferences and individual needs.
Another key point to make is that cancer cells are very clever and often stop responding to cancer treatment especially if the patient has an aggressive cancer or they have had a lot of previous cancer treatment. Medical science is providing us with new treatment possibilities every day through research and drug trials, but unfortunately even medical science cannot always offer the cure or answer we would hope for.
We are very lucky in the Turks and Caicos because we have virtually unlimited access to medications whether it’s chemotherapy or supportive treatments. This allows us to offer multiple treatments if these are what the patient require. Some patients do decline treatment due to personal beliefs or concerns; some make a decision between the family that acute medical treatment is not what suits them or their wishes. In these cases, we continue support the patient and offer other forms of assistance and care wherever we can.
Release: interHealth Canada
#TurksandCaicos, May 2, 2024 – Thursday, April 25, 2024, marked a momentous occasion for The Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association with the launch of the Concacaf x Generation Amazing Program. This program, supported by the Turks and Caicos Islands Ministry of Education, is currently benefiting 21 public and private primary schools across the Turks and Caicos Islands, encompassing both sectors of education. The primary objective of the Generation Amazing program is to educate and certify teachers to serve as volunteer coaches in sports development and safeguarding practices. Through this training, coaches will deliver
football programs to children, aiming to catalyze positive social change within our communities that will continue to thrive for years to come..
The program not only emphasizes teaching children the basics of football but also focuses on instilling core values like teamwork, respect, and leadership. The initiative offers children the chance to enhance their physical well-being while nurturing essential life skills that can contribute to success beyond the field.
TCIFA President, Sonia Fulford, conveyed her appreciation to Concacaf, Generation Amazing, and the Ministry of Sports of the Turks and Caicos Islands for their involvement and support. She highlighted the significance of the project, pointing up a positive impact on the Education Ministry. Generation Amazing’s initiative is also seen as a valuable opportunity to enhance both the educational and athletic aspects within the community. “We’ll have more well-rounded teachers, and well-rounded students, not only from an educational standpoint, but a sporting standpoint. For us it’s a big win!” The President expressed excitement for the project, foreseeing an increase in skilled players and coaches, ultimately benefiting the organization significantly.
Jarret Forbes, Director of Sports, commented, “We are excited about the launch of the Generation Amazing programme here in the Turks and Caicos Islands. We commend the TCIFA for taking a holistic approach to student empowerment through sports. And we are grateful for the interest and support from CONCACAF and the Department of Education in developing our young athletes.”
Alvin Parker, Deputy Director of Sports, also expressed his enthusiasm regarding the upcoming chance for educators to apply their acquired knowledge. Viewing the term ‘Generation Amazing’ as a rebranding concept for Generation X, it is with high anticipation that the program will inspire and instill optimism within the younger demographic.
A devoted team collaborated diligently to ensure the successful initiation of the program. Spearheading the launch for Concacaf were Jennifer Roche, the Concacaf CSR Coordinator; Andre Virtue, Concacaf Coach Educator; Cristian Cubillas; and Garry Stannecc, the Sport For Development Consultant for Concacaf. The local facilitators comprised Dane Ritchie, TCIFA Technical Director; Olivia
Graveley, Director of the Grand Turk Football Program; Yunelsis Rodriguez Baez, Director of Women’s Football; and Damien Grant, TCIFA Coach Educator and South Caicos Football Development Officer. The launch encompassed a comprehensive two-day training session for teachers, which will be followed by a mandatory six-week program involving a minimum of 25 students from each school. The program’s execution will be supervised by our Local Facilitators in with the support of Generation Amazing staff. Furthermore, the program will offer support to schools by furnishing footballs and essential equipment.
Jennifer Roche elaborated on Concacaf’s emphasis on Social Impact strategies, highlighting the significance of extending focus beyond on-field activities. “Last year, our CSR brand, ’The Bigger Game’ launched and the ‘Generation Amazing’ Program is one of the programs under the pillars of access to play and coaches education. This program is focused heavily on capacity building and giving tools to teachers, community volunteers, and other community leaders to empower and change lives through our beautiful game.”
Andre Virtue commented, “Obviously, we see the sport and the opportunity it has to grow. But, at the core of it is the coaches and how the coaches engage with our youth. We see the social issues that our youth already have to deal with on a day to day basis, and the dependence on either the parent or some adult to guide them and to mentor them is assumed. And, there is an intentional approach to how we’re communicating life values as it is very important.” Distinguishing between athletic prowess and life skills, Andre indicated that Coach Educating initiative aims to bridge this gap by aligning sports experiences with essential life lessons. The football field, as a dynamic environment, serves as a valuable classroom where the intricacies of life are intertwined with the game’s dynamics. “There are so many things that happen on the football field that are connected to life. The game is a great teacher, but there is an intentional and deliberate attempt to teach those values. It’s just the winning, the losing, the ups and the downs that come out of the game.”
Dane Ritchie further explained that the program also adopts a personalized approach, focusing on individual needs rather than viewing the children as a collective group, thereby maximizing the positive impact on each child. The aspects of conflict resolution, and nurturing respect are deemed integral to the game and are leveraged to impart essential life skills crucial for their development.
CherylAnn Jones, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, and Social Services, communicated the Ministry’s unwavering support for the Concacaf x Generation Amazing program and its potential to bring about significant transformation. The Ministry’s ethos, centered on Human Capital Development, resonates strongly with initiatives like Generation Amazing, which focus on nurturing leadership qualities, teamwork, and community spirit among today’s youth for the benefit of future generations. “A key tenant of the Generation Amazing program is its emphasis on child safeguarding and so this program aligns with our policy of ensuring that children learn, grow and develop confidently in a safe and nurturing environment. We are delighted to be partners with Concacaf and TCIFA, and applaud these organizations and their continued programs among our young people. We also applaud our principals, physical education teachers, and coaches who will be trained as facilitators in our schools to implement the program, as well as the Sports Commission. We believe that that commitment through football will create positive change.”
For more information, please contact TCIFA Office Manager | Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Candia Ewing at 941-5532 or cewingtcifa@gmail.com
Address:
TCIFA National Academy
Venetian Road
Providenciales
Turks and Caicos Islands
PROVIDENCIALES,TCI MAY 2, 2024: World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, observed annually on May 8, pays tribute to the unwavering dedication of volunteers and the lasting influence of humanitarian efforts worldwide. This significant day commemorates the birth of Henry Dunant, the visionary behind the Red Cross movement. Dunant’s groundbreaking idea involved establishing national relief societies comprised of volunteers who would receive training during peacetime. Their mission: to offer neutral and impartial aid in times of war and crisis.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Red Cross (TCIRC), a vital part of this global humanitarian network, continues to make a difference in the lives of those affected by crises. “Keeping Humanity Alive”: This year’s powerful theme serves as a poignant reminder of the unwavering dedication of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Their commitment extends to upholding human dignity, alleviating suffering, and providing crucial assistance to those facing dire circumstances, especially in remote and hard-to-reach regions. As we mark World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, let’s recognize the commitment and service of our Turks and Caicos Islands’ 200 + volunteers to alleviating suffering and promoting community resilience throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Red Cross Month Activities:
Community Outreach on All Islands: We’ll coordinate community outreach programs on each of the islands. Our volunteers will focus on raising awareness about health, disaster preparedness, and hygiene when engaging with the community.
First Aid Training Workshops: Wednesday 8th May 2024, 5pm to 7pm Community First Aid Workshop at Red Cross Building, Sunshine Plaza, 1005 Leeward Highway, Providenciales. Our first aid instructors will conduct first aid training sessions for community members. This workshop empowers people with life-saving skills, such as CPR, wound care, and handling emergencies.
Fundraising: Various fundraising events are organized to support our humanitarian work. Lady Grace Sunset Cruise (May 18th):
The Lady Grace Saxophone Sunset Cruise on May 18th will be a memorable event. We’ll set sail, enjoy the beautiful music and breathtaking views. Funds raised will go towards supporting our first aid program.
Dress in Red Day (May 31st): On May 31st, we’ll encourage everyone to participate in “Dress in Red Day.” Islanders, businesses, schools, and organizations can wear red attire to show solidarity with the humanitarian cause. Let’s flood the streets, workplaces, and schools with the vibrant color of compassion and support.
The 3rd Annual Red Hot Challenge You are invited to participate or attend this fun and vibrant sporting event scheduled for June 1, 2024, at the National Stadium in Providenciales. This event brings together individuals, businesses, and the community to support the Red Cross and its humanitarian efforts. Here are the key details:
- Date and Time: Saturday, June 1st, from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
- Location: National Stadium, Providenciales
- Competitions: A total of 20 competitions, including 10 non-athletic games and 10 athletic contests
- Activities: Participants can enjoy a range of activities such as spoon relay races, egg tosses, water balloon tosses, sprints, tug-of-war, arm wrestling, soccer kicks, and more
- Team Participation: Both individuals and corporate teams are welcome. Teams can enter for $1,000 each, with a maximum of 10 participants permitted
- General Admission: Attendees can join in for a $5 general admission fee, while children aged 12 and under enjoy free entry (accompanied by an adult)
As we celebrate Red Cross month this May we urge you to participate in our activities and consider registering as a volunteer and/or making a donation.
To volunteer visit our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/turksandcaicosislandsredcross?mibextid=ZbWKwL or website: https://www.redcross.org.tc Donations can be directed to our account at FCIB (account number: 10305747) on Islehelp or on our website. Let’s support and salute our Red Cross volunteers who are actively ‘Keeping Humanity Alive’.
#TurksandCaicos, May 2, 2024 – The Department of Gender Affairs is proud to announce the commemoration of International Girls in ICT Day 2024, under the theme “Empowering Girls in ICT: Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges”. International Girls in ICT Day is celebrated annually on the fourth Thursday of April.
It aims to encourage and empower girls and young women to consider careers in the Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) fields. The day highlights the importance of bridging the gender digital divide and
promoting gender equality in the tech industry.
As part of the celebrations, a dynamic Panel Discussion titled ‘Tech Talks’ has been organized. This discussion will feature prominent women leaders and professionals from the ICT sector in the Turks and Caicos Islands, who will share their experiences, challenges, and successes in the field. This event is designed to inspire and encourage young women to pursue careers in Information Communication and Technology (ICT) by providing them with insights, guidance, and mentorship from accomplished women in the industry.
A special invitation has been extended to girls across all high schools in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Through this initiative, the Department continues its drive to foster interest and enthusiasm for ICT among the next generation of female leaders and innovators.
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the panelists, ask questions, and gain valuable insights into the world of ICT.
The event will be held at the Paradise Baptist Church, in Five Cays, Providenciales, commencing at 10:30 AM.
The Department of Gender Affairs is committed to promoting gender equality and empowering women in the field of ICT. Through initiatives like International Girls in ICT Day, we strive to create a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
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