Africa Cancer Care Inc

admin — Tue, 04 May 2010 01:10:30 +0000

COMING EVENTS

Save the Date

Cancer Awareness Seminar

Cancer Prevention, the way forward: A look at our everyday practices. Learn how to prevent cancer through your life choices. Make healthy and affordable life choices. The new health care bill, its impact on cancer screening and what it means for cancer patients.

Date: September 18, 2010. Time: 9am-4pm Venue: TBA. Registration begins May 31st, 2010

Traget Audience: Advanced Practice Nurses, Physician Assistants, Nurses, Case Managers, Social Workers, Service Providers, Cancer Prevention Organizations, Non-profit Organizations, and General Public.

ACCI Medical Mission: Cancer Medical Mission is scheduled for October 15-29, 2010. Venue: TBA. Mission will feature 2010 Cancer Walk-A-Thon, public awareness , screening and training workshops. Prevention, Key to Cancer control! You can make a difference in the life of others by volunteering or donating to the mission. Call our office @ 713-995-8000 or email us at info@africacancercareinc.org to show your support.

2010 ACCI Cancer Awareness Banquet and Award Ceremony: In celebration and support of the cancer fighting efforts of Innovative individuals in the movement for cancer prevention. Date: December 24, 2010. Venue: TBA

ACCI returns from Delta State, Nigeria

acci — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 03:43:07 +0000

ACCI took its 2010 spring mission Delta State and not to Lagos State. At the last minute, arrangements wto Lagos State fail through. We have learnt from experience to work with 2 locations as we plan any medical program. This time, ACCI working with Amobi Okoye Foundation of Houston, took our cancer medical mission to Delta State. While Amobi Okoye foundation was working with the Delta State sports commission on organizing an atheletic camp for the youths in the the city of Warri which served as the base for our mission this spring. ACCI worked within the community to bring cancer education and free screening to the people. The medical team made up of volunteers from US and Nigeria worked out of Koko Hospital which is about 1 hour from Warri. The hospital had a lot of equpments which had never been used. For the first time, some of the examination rooms were put to use. When we arrived to inspect the site, the theartre was covered in dust. The surgeons in the team went to work to ensure the place was ready for use. Within 24 hours, they were able to perform minor surgeries and biopsies in the theartre.

The first day was spent on public education. Cancers discussed include breast, cervical and prostate cancers. As usual, men were surprised to learn that males do have breast cancer. Dr Odo, one of the local volunteers was very eloquent as he spoke to the audience on prostate cancer. He encouraged all the men to go for routine physical exam annually during which they should be screened for prostate cancer. Dr. Iwuanyanwu, addressing the audience, adviced that the women should save 100 naira a month and on their birthday to give themselves a gift by going for “well woman check-up” which should include clinical breast examination, Pap smear and mammogram available in Sapele and Warri General hospitals. ” That is the best gift you can give yourself”, she said. Breast Self-exam ination was thought and models were passed around so that each person present had a chance to fell an abnormal breast lump. The rest of the day was spent consulting with the people and providing clinical breast exam, Pap smear, and digital rectal exam with occult blood test.

We spent a week there. Each day followed the same pattern. Biopsies and Pap smears were interpreted by the team pathologist who is a local volunteer from Universityof Lagos teaching Hospital, Dr. Banjo. Results where given out the last 2 days of the program. Abnormal cases where referred to the General Hospital Warri or the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. At the end of 5 days, we had screened 524 patients. Minor abnomalities were treated with medications prescribed by physicians in the team and dispensed by our pharmacist, Wole Peters. Our surgeons performed 14 minor surgeries and biopsies. A 27 y/o male whose hydrocele was drained jumped around for joy. He told everybody around that he is so happy and grateful and that he can now walk around again.

During the screening exercise, we found 10 high grade cervical lesions and 30 low grade lesions. We found 5 advanced breast cancer cases. Dr. Iwuanyanwu made a special plea and received help commitment from the commissioner for health Delta State and Governor on behalf of a woman who had advanced breast cancer and needed to go for treatment at the University of Lagaos Teaching hospital.

This mission also took us to Demostration high school Warri were we educated 12 to 17 year olds about breast and cervical cancers. They learnt self breast exam. Cervical cancer was also discussed, including the place of HPV virus in cervical cancer and preventative practices. We also visited the Youth Corp Camp at Isele Ukwu on the invitation of the First Lady of Delta State. This is a camp for college graduate serving their one year of national service. Dr. Iwuanyanwu, the founder of ACCI was able to address 5000 youth corpers on the issue of cancer prevention. She was able to hold their attention for almost 2 hours. The crowd listened attentively as she adressed the barriers of cancer awareness in the country, the importance of routine screening, the risk factors, signs and symptoms of breast, cervical, prostate and colorectal cancers. She educated them on screening guidlines and preventative pracitces. Smoking and cancer along with diet, lack of exercise, cooking style, and cancer were all discussed.

ACCI Hosts Free Cervical and Breast Cancer Screening to Mark Minority Cancer Awareness Month

acci — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 02:43:44 +0000

April is minority cancer awareness month. To mark it, we are offering free breast and cervical cancer screening. Mammogram will be provided by The Rose. Date: April 24, 2010. Loacation: 6011 Telephone Road (by Westover), Houston TX, 77087. Time: 9-5pm. For mammogram, please call 713-995-8000 for appointment.

Support ACCI and its programs. Become a volunteer or donate to our course. All donations are tax deductible. A 501 (c)3 organization.

ACCI’s Spring Medical Mission is scheduled for March 13-20, 2010

acci — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 05:56:42 +0000

ACCI takes the fight against cancer to Lagos State, Nigeria. Lagos is one of the Western States of Nigeria. It is the most populated State in the country. Our efforts will be concentrated in the rural areas within the State. 2010 spring mission will focus on public education and screening for breast, cervical and colon cancers. For the first time, we plan to focus heavily on colon cancer since March is colon cancer awareness month. Prevention, Key to Cancer control! You can make a difference in the life of others by volunteering or donating to the mission. You can donate on our website or call our office @ 713-995-8000. You can also reach us via email at info@africacancercareinc.org to show your support. Help us save lives.

ACCI marks National Cervical Cancer Screening Month with Free Pap smears

admin — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:40:31 +0000

January is the National Cervical Cancer Screening month. To mark this, ACCI provided free pap smears to low-income, minority women on January 30, 2010 at 6011 Telephone Road, Houston, TX 77087. This community event was made possible by the support of local doctors, physician assistants and nurses who volunteered their services to benefit the people in the South East Houston area. Since this was the first time we ever hosted such an event, we were surprised by the huge turnout from visitors and volunteers alike. The patients were very appreciative for such an opportunity to be screened for cervical cancer. ACCI plans to make this an annual event over a three-weekend period every January, beginning in 2011.

ACCI thanks all volunteers who gave their valuable time to assist with this screening event. Our special thanks to Drs Ubesie and Asumugha, the two gynecologists on site for the event; the entire ACCI staff; and our director of programs, Janet Stephens, for her tireless efforts in organizing the event.

ACCI also thanks LabCorp for their support towards the event. Our special thanks to Fox 26 TV station for the generous opportunity to spread word about the event. We also extend our special thanks to the Director of South Texas Adult Day Activity Center for providing a venue to host the event.

ACCI to walk with the Colon Cancer Challenge Foundation. Join us at the Central Park in New York on March 28, 2010. Donate to the cause; Get screened.

acci — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 08:51:45 +0000

Colon cancer is a very preventable disease yet it continues to pose a serious threat to people all over the world. Over 100,000 cases occur in the United States every year. The incidence is equally high among all races and affects both males and females in similar proportions. ACCI is dedicated to early detection and prevention of all preventable cancers. ACCI promotes awareness and screening for colon cancer. Please support our efforts of colon cancer prevention in the month of March (March is dedicated to colon cancer awareness) by donating to the cause. You can also walk with us during the 7th Annual New York Colon Cancer Challenge at the Central Park in New York, on March 28, 2010 at 9:00 am. To register, please click on the following link or copy and paste onto your web browser: http://coloncancerchallenge.kintera.org/faf/r.asp?t=12&i=327163&g=3644738

ACCI Walks With Sisters Network Inc. in Celebration of Minority Cancer Week

acci — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 06:10:24 +0000

Walk for Cancer Prevention, Celebrate Minority Cancer Awareness Week in Houston.

Africa Cancer Care Inc. is working with Sisters Network® Inc. this year to help with breast cancer survivorship efforts and awareness by reaching out to minorities in the Houston area through the Sisters Network’s 1st National African American Breast Cancer 5K Walk/Run. Walk for life, support cancer victims; Help create awareness about breast cancer. Join ACCI team.

Date: April 10, 2010. Time: 9 - 11 AM.

Venue: Emancipation Park, 3018 Dowling @ Elgin, Houston, TX 77004.

Click on the link below to register. https://www.z2systems.com/np/clients/sisternetwork/eventRegistration.jsp?event=28

ACCI calls on women to get screened for cervical cancer during the National Cervical Cancer Screening month. Cervical Cancer, a preventable disease continues to pose a problem for women.

acci — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 05:17:10 +0000

January 11, 2010

January is National Cervical Cancer Screening month here in the United States of America. Am not sure how many people in the country are aware of this. Even though it is a cancer that affects only women, much is not said about it. Few organizations focus on cervical cancer. Primary focus on cancer among women is on breast cancer hence minorities are still straggling behind when it comes to getting Pap smear, a life saving experience. Africa Cancer Care Inc (ACCI) is committed to promoting awareness, routine screening and early detection of all preventable and treatable cancers. This month our focus is on cervical cancer prevention and screening.

Cervical cancer though a preventable disease still inflicts women all over the world and more so in developing African Countries. In United States (US), the incidence of cervical cancer among Hispanic women is greater than 2 times that for non-Hispanic whites and about 50% more often in African American women than non-Hispanic whites.

Cervical cancer occurs more frequently in mid life. It is mostly found in women younger than 50, rare in women younger than 20 and occurs about 20% of the time in women older than 65. Death rate due to cervical cancer has decreased considerably. According to American Cancer Society (2009), between 1955 and 1992, the cervical cancer death rate declined by 74% and continues to decline by 4% each year. This is due to the discovery of Pap test (Pap smear), a simple, inexpensive office procedure. Pap test leads to early identification of pre-cancer cells which if treated at time of identification, prevents progression to cervical cancer. The fact that death rate due to this cancer has been on the decline shows that many women are undergoing Pap smear.

Cervical cancer screening trend show that from the 1987 to 2000, the number of women aged 18 years and older who reported having had Pap test within the past 3 years was on the rise with a maximum of approximately 80% in 2000. In 2003, 79% reported Pap test in past 3 years and by 2005 the trend had dropped to 78% (National Cancer Institute, 2007). The goal of Healthy People 2010 is to attain 90% screening trend. It does not look like the country will make this goal. Most of it is because Hispanics and African Americans are yet to take full advantage of Pap test and needs to be encouraged to step up. There is need for awareness and screening programs specifically targeting these groups. We have to identify those things that serve as barriers to routine screening among them and find ways to overcome them.

ACCI will be conducting free Pap smear at 6011 Telephone Road on Saturday, January 30^th, 2010, from 9am to 4pm. Practitioners are welcomed to volunteer. We are also accepting supplies for this program.

Most invasive cervical cancers are found in women who have not had regular or never had Pap tests. This is the case in developing African countries like Nigeria where medical facilities have no provision for Pap tests. The general practitioners are not educating their female patients about cancer prevention and the need for screening tests. Supplies for this very simple procedure are lacking. Greater than 95% of women have never heard about Pap smear. Conducting cancer awareness medical missions with screening exercises to the region, we continue to find many cases of advanced cervical cancer in women in their 30s to 50s. Contributing factors include early marriage and sexual activity, multi-parity (bearing many children), multiple sexual partners, and advent of HIV/AIDs. Education about this disease is completely lacking both among the educated as well as illiterate women. Disease prevention of all forms is not inherent in the culture. Poverty, lack of access, and expert personnel also compounds the problem.

Most of the cervical cancers discovered during our screening exercises are at late stages. These women are brought to us in lots of pain and with very copious malodorous discharge. They are unable to stand, sit or walk. The only recourse open to them is palliation either in the form of pain control with medications or pain medication and radiation therapy. However, during our last mission to Plateau State of Nigeria, most cases of cervical cancer identified were in early stages. This is the point at which we hope to find cases in order to make a difference.

ACCI is working to set up our first Cancer Prevention Center in Nigeria. We need your support. Please donate $5.00 to this course by going to our website at www.africacancercareinc.org. All donations are tax deductable. Our 501 C3 # is 87-0742927.

The most common form of cervical cancer starts with pre-cancerous changes. There are 2 ways to stop this disease from developing. The first way is to find and treat pre-cancers before they become cancerous using the Pap test. The second way is to prevent the pre-cancers. This is achieved by identifying the Human Papiloma Virus (HPV). This virus has been determined to cause pre-cancer cells. There are several types of HPV. Types 16 and 18 have been identified as causing cancer cells. HPV virus can be identified and treated before they cause cancer cells. They are sexually transmitted and its transmission can be prevented by healthy sexual lifestyle such as keeping to one partner, delaying sex till one is older and use of condom. HPV is transmitted mostly among young people in the first 3 years after becoming sexually active and could also be dependent on number of sexual partners. In young people, the virus could be self limiting but not in all instances. It also does not cause cancer cells right after it is contracted. Transformation to cancer cells is a slow process. Performing Pap test coupled with testing for HPV DNA can identify and prevent pre-cancer cells. Early detection is therefore the key to cure and survival.

HPV infection is not symptomatic. In the same token, early cervical cancer or pre-cancer has no symptoms. The only way to identify pre-cancer and HPV is to undergo Pap test and HPV DNA testing.

The American Cancer Society recommends the following guidelines for early detection:

All women should begin cervical cancer testing (screening) 3 years after they start having sex (vaginal intercourse). A woman who waits until she is over 18 to have sex should start screening no later than age 21. A conventional (regular Pap) test should be done every year. If a liquid-based Pap test is used, testing should be done every 2 years.

Beginning at age 30, women who have had 3 normal Pap test results in a row may be tested less often, every 2 to 3 years. Either the conventional (regular) Pap test or the liquid-based Pap test can be used. Some women should continue getting tested yearly — such as women exposed to DES before birth, those with a history of treatment for a pre-cancer, and those with a weakened immune system (such as from HIV infection, organ transplant, chemotherapy, or chronic steroid use).

Women over 30 (who have normal immune systems and no abnormal Pap results) should get tested only every 3 years with a Pap test plus the HPV DNA test (see below for more information on this test). The Pap test used can be either the regular or the liquid-based Pap test.

Women 70 years of age or older who have had 3 or more normal Pap tests in a row and no abnormal Pap test results in the last 10 years may choose to stop having cervical cancer testing. Women with a history of cervical cancer, DES exposure before birth, HIV infection, or a weakened immune system should continue to have testing as long as they are in good health.

Women who have had total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix) may also choose to stop having cervical cancer testing, unless the surgery was done as treatment for cervical cancer or pre-cancer. Women who have had a hysterectomy without removal of the cervix (a supra-cervical hysterectomy) need to continue cervical cancer screening. They should continue to follow the guidelines above.

Some women stop having Pap tests once they have stopped having children. This is incorrect. All women should continue to follow the guideline for screening above by the American Cancer Society guidelines.

How to avoid exposure to HPV

Most pre-cancers of the cervix can be prevented by avoiding exposure to HPV. Behaviors below can increase a woman’s risk of getting HPV infection:

having sex at an early age
having many sexual partners
having a partner who has had many sex partners
having sex with uncircumcised males

Delay onset of sexual activity

Limit number of sexual partners

Avoid sex with a partner who has multiple sexual partners

Use condoms: Can lower HPV infection by 70% if used with all sexual activity.

Don’t smoke

Get vaccinated

Vaccines have been developed that can protect women from HPV infections. So far, a vaccine that protects against HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18 (Gardasil^®) and one that protects against types 16 and 18 (Cervarix^®) have been studied. Cervarix was approved in October of this year for use in the United States by the FDA, while Gardasil was approved for use 2006. In October 2009, the FDA also approved the use of Gardasil in males to prevent genital warts. Both vaccines require a series of 3 injections over a 6-month period. Side effects are usually mild. The most common one is swelling, short-term redness and soreness at injection site. Rarely, fainting shortly after the vaccine injection may occur in a young woman. Cervarix is approved for use in girls and young women ages 10 to 25 years, while Gardasil is approved for those 9 to 26 years old. It cost about $375 for a full series. Ask your doctor about getting either yourself or your children vaccinated for those with young daughters.

It is important to note that HPV can be transmitted orally, anally and through the fingers if one indulges in these types of sexual activities. One can also develop oral and anal cancer due to HPV transmission to these parts of the body. Please be careful.

Other risk factors associated with cervical cancer

Family history
Obesity
Prolonged use of birth control pill
Improper use of Hormone replacement therapy
Poor female hygiene

By Dr. Eucharia Iwuanyanwu, PA-C

ACCI Responds to New Mammography Guidelines

acci — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 03:34:38 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 7

The only Cancer Prevention Organization committed to all preventable cancer with special focus on all people of African Heritage is alarmed at new mammography guidelines. ACCI is committed to cancer prevention among African Americans and the African continent. ACCI plans to support the current mammography guidelines.

Africa Cancer Care Inc (ACCI), an organization devoted to propagating information on preventable cancers here in the US among minority populations and the continent of Africa is shocked at the recent screening guidelines for breast cancer. ACCI has been working very hard the past 4 years encouraging early screening for women of African heritage. It is an established fact that although more white women get breast cancer, more women of African heritage dies from the disease. Breast cancer is known to occur earlier in black women and more aggressive. Traveling to various countries in the African continent on prevention missions, we have seen first hand the scourge of breast can. It is affecting both the young and the elderly but more so among women of child bearing age between the ages of 25 to 45. We even found advanced breast cancer in young girls less than 20 years who are unmarried and have had no children. We are now just getting to the point where these women are beginning to take early screening seriously and asking for screening locations and availability of mammogram only to have new recommendations contradicting the need for mammography by age 40. I thought we should be working on developing mammogram capable of identifying abnormality in younger females with dense breast in order to help these susceptible young girls.

We think it’s a big mistake to change the current recommendations especially as it affects women of African heritage. The current recommendation by the task force to screen women from the age of 50 years as opposed to age 40 is unacceptable and will only result in delayed diagnosis and reduced survivorship. The current recommendation that women generally should undergo mammography every 2 years instead of annually also compounds the problem. This new recommended guideline may be adequate for Caucasians and Hispanics; it certainly could mean a death sentence for many African American women and women in the continent. ACCI will continue to preach early screening, early detection for we know that’s the key to survival for all cancers. We need to continue to encourage African Americans to undergo yearly mammography and to have their first mammogram by age 40. Just like prostate cancer where black men start screening earlier because of earlier occurrence and aggressive nature of disease in this population, black women should also initiate mammography earlier that their white counterparts.

Furthermore, the recommendation available for people with family history of colorectal cancer should also be extended to women with family history of breast cancer. This group of women should start screening earlier in life even if screening only entails clinical screening.

Self-breast examination is also being advised against. The reality is that this is the only method of screening available to most women in developing countries where equipments for screening and expertise are simply unavailable. We therefore have to continue to encourage women to check themselves.

Prevention and early detection is the only currently known guarantee for cure and survivorship. We have to stick to early mammograms and fight for it. Insurance companies should continue to pay for this life saving procedure. It is certainly cheaper than the alternative.

ACCI Hosts it’s First Cancer Awareness and Awards Banquet on October 31, 2009

acci — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 03:19:42 +0000

News Release

November 11, 2009

Hon. Chudy Okafor receives ACCI leadership award on behalf of the first lady of Nigeria

ACCI hosted its first ever Annual Banquet and Award Night on October 31st, 2009 at the Westin Galleria Hotel in Houston. The event was intended to commemorate various cancer-related activities conducted by ACCI last year and also to recognize some significant individuals in our local community and the country for their exemplary work towards cancer prevention. Among the dignitaries present at the event were Her Excellency, Mrs. Obioma Liyel Imoke, First Lady of Cross River State and the Consul General of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Hon. Chudi Okafor, and representative of the Liberia Consul General, Hon. Teta V. Banks just to mention a few.

Her Excelency, Mrs. Obioma Liyel Imoke the First lady of Cross River State addressing the audience

Awards were given to seven distinguished individuals for their remarkable services to cancer prevention. They include Her Excellency, Mrs. Turai Yar’ Adua (First Lady of Nigeria), ACCI 2009 Examplary Leadership Award for addressing the growing epidemic of cancer in Africa. Karen Eubanks Jackson, founder of the Sisters Network, ACCI 2009 Spirit of Life Award to a survivor for her courage in fighting cancer; Nancy Brinker, founder of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, ACCI 2009 Outstanding Organization Award for the specific impact of this organization on cancer prevention and control; Rebecca Doss Chapman, ACCI 2009 Outstanding Research Contributions Award, for her distinct contributions to the field of cancer research while at Roswell Park Cancer Center in New York.

Dr. Lovell A. Jones, co-founder of the Intercultural Cancer Council, ACCI 2009 Distinguished Career Award which recognized his long-term leadership in the field of cancer research and his contributions to bridging the gap in cancer care for minorities and the African continent.

Dr. Lovell A. Jones, Director for the CRMH at MD.D. Anderson Cancer Center receives ACCI 2009 Distinguished Career Award.

Princess Nikki Onyeri, ACCI 2009 Outstanding Cancer Awareness Pioneer Award as the founder of Princess Onyeri Breast Cancer Foundation, the first breast cancer NGO in Nigeria, and Dr. Thomas Weber, founder of Colon Cancer Challenge Foundation, ACCI 2009 Oustanding Community Service Award for his grass-root colon cancer prevention initiatives.

During the occasion, Dr. Henrietta Ukwu, a member of the board of Director of ACCI took the audience on a tour of the vision and mission of ACCI. The first lady of Cross River State spoke on the effects of ACCI’s mission to her State in April of 2008 and invited ACCI to help her with the establishment of a cancer prevention center for her people. Speaking, she informed the audience that she has since ACCI visit created the breast cancer “Pink Power foundation” and asked for the help of ACCI in training her people. The Consul General of Liberia made a pledge a mammogram to the organization. ACCI plans to use this in the establishment of their first cancer prevention center.

The climax of the occasion was the unveiling of the design for the International Cancer Center Abuja by the founder and president of ACCI, Dr. Eucharia Iwuanyanwu.

Mrs. Patterson, an Affiliate Director of Susan Komen Foundation here in Houston receives the ACCI 2009 Outstanding Organization Award on behalf of the founder, Ambassador Nancy Brinkers

The audience was entertained by the Kuumba House dancers of Houston and the debate team from Texas Southern University who lamented on the state of Africa, the motherland.

Mrs. Ina Rebecca Doss Chapman, receives ACCI 2009 Outsanding Research Contribution Award.