Tajikeimɨk’s Post

So many people who work in the #AYA space, are AYAs which makes them Uber Experts. Alique Topalian, PhD, MPH being one of them. Thanks to success with #cancertreatment, more and more people are living beyond their diagnosis. Some for decades. Now, let's focus on optimal care for #cancersurvivors so they can live their best life. #supportivecareforlife #AYACSM #cansurv #oncology #cancerresearch

Empowering Change: Addressing Barriers to Physical Activity for Black Cancer Survivors The article, “No one told me”: exploring factors influencing physical activity participation in Black Nova Scotian cancer survivors, by Joy Chiekwe, Barb Hamilton-Hinch, Scott Grandy, Jonathon Fowles, and Melanie Keats shines a light on the silent struggles faced by African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) cancer survivors in Nova Scotia. Despite understanding the benefits of physical activity, they often lack the support and information needed to engage safely and effectively in exercise. The themes of "No One Told Me" and "See ME" resonate deeply, highlighting a critical gap in communication between healthcare providers and patients. The study calls for a more inclusive approach in cancer care, advocating for spaces where ACB individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered to participate in physical activity. Are we doing enough to bridge these gaps and ensure equitable access to exercise programs? Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dMjxaX5Q #OncologyResearch #CancerSurvivorship #HealthEquity #PhysicalActivity

🎶🎄 The 7 Days Post Plan Release, Carlton Gave to Me 🎄🎶 🎁 On the third day post plan release, Carlton gave to me... strategic actions for every stakeholder to see, a deeper look into the cancer burden and 20 goals to reduce Texas cancer mortality! The Plan is a guide for everyone in the fight against cancer. Whether you’re a public health professional, healthcare provider, nonprofit leader, policymaker, or advocate, the plan includes tailored strategic actions to help you make an impact. From increasing cancer screenings in communities to advancing survivorship care for patients, the plan equips stakeholders with actionable strategies to reduce the burden of cancer statewide and help us reach our goals. View these strategic actions and more here https://lnkd.in/g-_gasdj #CancerPrevention #TexasCancerPlan #TexansConquerCancer

🌸 Day 8: The Power of Community Support in Breast Cancer Care 🌸 In the fight against breast cancer, community support can make all the difference, especially in underserved areas where access to medical care is limited. When women and men face the challenge of breast cancer, they need more than just medical attention—they need emotional, financial, and logistical help to navigate the journey. This is where community efforts come into play, offering vital support systems for patients and their families. Community-driven initiatives have been proven to improve outcomes in breast cancer care. Programs that educate women about the early signs of breast cancer and train community health workers have significantly increased early detection rates, saving lives. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2021) highlights how grassroots efforts reduce the strain on healthcare facilities, while the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC, 2021)emphasizes the importance of local projects focused on prevention and early diagnosis. Beyond statistics, there’s a deep cultural understanding of the power of collective action. In our communities, we often say, "One hand no fit tie bundle," meaning that one person alone cannot tackle everything. This reflects the need for collective action in supporting cancer patients—no one should have to fight cancer alone. we believe that strength comes from togetherness. By standing with cancer patients and their families, we can ease their burden and provide the care they deserve. Whether it’s offering a listening ear, helping with transportation to medical appointments, or supporting them financially, every act of kindness counts. 💡 Join us in empowering communities to fight breast cancer with compassion and care. #PBOHI RecReconciliation and Development Association -RADArWorld Health Organization (WHO)CUICC - Union for International Cancer ControlaShaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre

Recently had the opportunity to discuss the stark disparities in breast cancer survival rates among Black women in the U.S. with theGrio. As a physician-scientist, I am proud of the progress that has been made in the prevention, detection, and treatment of breast cancer in recent years, yet I am painfully aware that these advances don’t impact all populations equally. Even with scientific advancements, Black women are still 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women and Black individuals have lower cancer screening rates overall.   To achieve health equity for all, these existing disparities must be addressed – and these challenges cannot be tackled alone. Pfizer has a long history of collaborating with advocacy organizations and other stakeholders to address barriers to cancer care and drive toward health equity for all. The #ChangetheOdds initiative on which we’re partnering with the American Cancer Society is one way we are working to help address cancer disparities among Black women and other medically underrepresented communities across the United States. Through this initiative, we will raise awareness of no- and low- cost screenings, enhance access to support and patient navigation services and provide general information about clinical trials for Black women.   You can read more about these challenges and what we can do to address them in the full article below: #BreastCancer #HealthEquity #WomensHealthMonth

According to recent reports, the shortage of oncologists has hit critical levels, leaving many cancer patients in rural areas stranded without the specialized care they desperately need. This insightful conversation, hosted on Oncology News Central's Peer-spective podcast between Harsha Vyas, MD, and Robert A. Figlin, MD, dives into the intricacies of why this oncology shortage exists, why it affects rural populations the most, and what possible steps can be taken to address this problem. At We Are Here, our team is dedicated to delivering comprehensive cancer resources directly to the doorsteps of those most affected by this shortage. From mental health resources to educational materials and support networks, we're working tirelessly to ensure that no patient is left behind. Join us in our mission to make quality cancer care accessible to all, regardless of location. Together, we can bridge the gap and provide a beacon of hope for those facing this daunting journey. 💪 #CancerCare #WeAreHere #BridgingTheGap https://lnkd.in/ga2sZhqj

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer affecting women and the most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide. The often quoted five year survival rate of breast cancer is not and should not be the ‘end’ of the breast cancer story - it is simply the beginning. There is significant disparity in the care provided, both between countries and also within countries (e.g. urban vs regional, public vs private, priority population groups, etc). In light of this, I am delighted and excited to join the Global Breast Cancer Care Council in partnership with AstraZeneca to ensure that every breast cancer patient receives the best standard of care, irrespective of where they live. #breastcancer #womenshealth #healthpolicy #patientadvocacy #healtheconomics #globalinitiative #healthdisparity

Tanya first attended the Global Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Congress in 2023 and is now joining us for a second year in Melbourne, Australia! 🌎 She shares why she's excited to be attending for a second time, as part of the working group behind organising the conference 👇 "My first time attending Global Congress was in 2023 in LA. I was doing a master’s in Political Science and Global Health, and I was specifically interested in the “Cancer Gap”, which refers to the inequity across the globe in cancer diagnosis, treatment and prognosis, determined by socioeconomic and geographical factors. "I was invited to come along with Teenage Cancer Trust, and was on a panel for how cancer affects psychological wellbeing in young people. This year, I was asked to be part of the working group organising the conference and it has been incredible to have a behind-the-scenes insight into it all. "I will be facilitating some oral plenary sessions, building connections and networks with the other young people with lived experience, and attending lots of workshops and interactive sessions. "I am so excited about the AYA-specific programme which will focus on cancer advocacy and what it means to be an advocate. There will be some leading experts coming to talk to AYAs about finding our voice, owning and shaping our narrative and building confidence. I think it’s going to be amazing! "As a young person with lived experience, I believe it's incredibly important for us to be present at the Congress. First and foremost, our voices give an authentic perspective on the challenges we face—things like age-specific treatment needs, emotional struggles, and the impact on our lives outside of just the physical. "It’s our chance to raise awareness about the specific issues we face - like fertility concerns, career disruptions, and mental health challenges - and push for real change. By speaking up, we can help ensure that AYA cancer patients get the attention, support, funding, and research we deserve." #AYACancerCongress

2 things: As we find ourselves at the end of Hispanic heritage month and mid-way through breast cancer and liver cancer awareness month, I want to challenge us to think about 2 opportunities to truly advance diversity in clinical trials, while addressing multifactorial disease contributors. 1. We are not a monolith, and we need higher and more specific diversity bars. As a Cuban Afro-Latina, I’m often troubled by the categorization and separation of race and ethnicity. Particularly when it comes to increasing clinical trial diversity. I think our bar needs to be higher and more specific. * “Hispanic or Latino refers to individuals born in Latin America or whose ancestors were born in Latin America (Mexico, all countries in the Caribbean, Central, and South America) and have continental ancestral backgrounds (mostly European, Indigenous American, and African, and to a lesser extent, Asian). Until recently, the diversity within this population had not been systematically addressed in cancer research. The lack of data breaking down subgroups of Hispanics and Latinos has resulted in these individuals of varied racial backgrounds being considered as one category.” https://lnkd.in/eHgwnRpX 2. Our cancer risk is determined by nurture AND nature, and both must be considered in clinical trial recruitment strategy. * As humans, our bodies are an interconnected set of systems that cannot be considered in isolation from each other, or apart from our environment and its influence. Not only is October breast cancer awareness month, but it is also liver cancer awareness month. Dr. Pinheiro and colleagues at the University of Miami recently noted that “To date, studies examining the burden of [liver] cancer have been hospital-based, failing to consider the underlying population at risk, thereby limiting epidemiological information. Hospital studies are subject to selection bias due to referral and health insurance patterns, which tend to limit the overall impact on marginalized populations.” * Furthermore, the article noted that “Black, Asian and Hispanic populations have marked differences by subgroup — Cuban, Haitian, Chinese, Japanese, for example — and social factors, which influence major causes of liver cancer.” https://lnkd.in/eeN_u9hm [image: black sweatshirt with the word Hope in alternate hot pink ribbon letters for breast cancer awareness month and emerald green ribbon letters for liver cancer awareness month, available for sale https://a.co/d/bQ99uzs]