I spend 2 sessions at our community Hospice ( “Helderberg Hospice” ) every week and bring Palliative care to patients. Palliative Care (pronounced pal-lee-uh-tiv) is specialized medical care for people with serious illnesses. It focuses on providing patients with relief from the symptoms, pain, physical stress, and mental stress of a serious illness—whatever the diagnosis. The goal of such therapy is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family and is provided by a team of physicians, nurses, and other health professionals who work together to provide an extra layer of support. It is appropriate at any age and at any stage in a serious illness and can be provided along with curative treatment. Helderberg Hospice specifically offers care and support to those living with cancer, HIV/Aids, Motor Neurone Disease and any end-stage illness. See http://helderberghospice.org.za The mainstay of Palliative Care is not to hasten or delay dying but to embrace quality of life. Recent developments are challenging this central ethical premise and we are in South Africa discussing the possibility of a new treatment option of assisted suicide. We as a society need to reflect carefully on benefits and risks to our community of these new possible treatment options. Dr Mark Hosking 27/10/2013 Cancer Screening -- Dr. Herman FrankenCancer screening and early diagnosis remains the most useful weapon in the fight against cancer as it can have a significant impact on the morbidity and mortality associated with this dreaded diagnosis. The following is a list of common cancers and screening methods used as well as appropriate ages to commence screening. Please ask your doctor to assist you if one of these is applicable to your current life stage. Cervical cancer: - PAP-smears should be initiated 3 years after first vaginal intercourse but not later than 21 years of age. - After this a PAP-smear should be done every 2 years if your doctor/pathology lab is using liquid-based cytology methods. Breast cancer: - A clinical breast exam should be performed annually as part of your yearly check-up from the age of 20. -Yearly mammogram should be done from the age of 40. -In high risk individuals with a very prominent family history screening with mammogram or MRI can be started as early as 30. Prostate cancer: - The prostate should be examined by digital rectal examination as well as a yearly blood test (PSA) from the age of 50; people with a strong family history should be screened from age 45. Colo-rectal cancer (Cancer involving the colon and/or rectum): - A routine colonoscopy should be performed at age 50. -A flexible sigmoidoscopy can then be performed every 5 years or a colonoscopy every 10 years. -A faecal occult blood test can be performed annually. -If any of your first degree relatives have been diagnosed with colo-rectal cancer routine testing should be started at age 40. Skin cancer: -Please ask your doctor to routinely have a look at any skin lesion that is worrying you, he will then asses for asymmetry, the border, the colour and the diameter and will advise you based on this assessment. |
Authors:These articles are written by the doctors of New Street Surgery on a variety of topics. |