Guam Cancer Care July 2023 Newsletter

July is… Bladder & Sarcoma/Bone Cancer Awareness month

During the month of July, we shared some facts about bladder cancer and sarcoma/bone cancer. Did you know that bladder cancer is the fourth most common cancer while sarcoma/bone cancer is quite rare? Although people may be diagnosed with cancer that is related to their bones, it is usually a cancer that has spread from another part of the body. Interesting stuff!

As the new school year starts, we hope that you and your kids are ready to take on the new school year! When getting your child’s annual check-up don’t forget to ask their healthcare provider about the HPV Vaccine if your child is eleven years old and above. The HPV Vaccine is a great preventative measure for both males and females to deter cancer in the future. See the following guidelines and information about the vaccine below!

Source: Cancer.net

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HPV VACCINE HERE:

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The CDC recommends the HPV Vaccine For males & females from ages 11 to 26

Contrary to popular belief the HPV Vaccine is meant for males and females. It helps prevent cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus, oropharynx, and cervix.

Age 11 - 14

2-Dose Series

Age 15 - 26

3-Dose Series

Protect Our Children. PREVENT CANCER.

Did you know… Did you know…

Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers, with an estimate of over half a million cases worldwide and 50% of these cases are due to smoking. In the United States, over 82,000 people are projected to be diagnosed with bladder cancer and over 75% of that number is men.

Sarcoma/bone cancer is one of the more rare cancers. The risk of getting sarcoma/bone cancer is based off of your genetics, previous radiation therapy, chemotherapy for another cancer, benign tumors or other bone conditions.

If you would like to read up more on these two types of cancers visit Cancer.net or scan the QR Code Below and be directed to each specific page.

Scan here To learn More about bladder cancer

Scan here To learn More about Sarcoma/ Bone cancer

Source: Cancer.net

Personal Finance Center

July 7, 2023

We were invited to Personal Finance Center’s Annual Employee Health Fair by StayWell Insurance. We had a great time talking to all the employees informing them about getting screened and all the programs and services we have for those afflicted by cancer here on island. Those who answered our Cancer Screening Questionnaire received pamphlets of information on Guam Cancer Care as well as a free wristband, pen, and t-shirt. Thank you StayWell Insurance and Personal Finance Center for having us! We look forward to more events like this one.

JTF Partner Highlights

This month, we welcome our new Join The Fight partner: Cruz Benefits Consultants. This business has pledged to join our alliance, along with many others who have taken the pledge to improve the lives of the people of Guam. The Join The Fight pledge states the commitment of the following:

Promote, encourage, and allow employees to get screened for cancer in line with approved cancer screening guidelines.

Disseminate information to employees, customers, and members in reference to cancer screening, prevention and early detection.

Encourage employees to eat healthily, exercise regularly, and promote healthier work and home environments.

Encourage participation in the “Join The Fight” against cancer campaign/events.

Information About Guam Cancer Care

MISSION STATEMENT

To provide cancer care assistance to ALL individuals afflicted by cancer. Through navigation and advocacy we strive to provide enhanced assistance throughout the screening and treatment process. Additionally, by minimizing barriers to financial assistance, cancer education, and other support services, we ensure patient satisfaction throughout the continuum of cancer care.

Direct Services

PatientNavigation Program

Services provided to patients, newly and previously diagnosed, in identifying a medical/radiation oncologist, eliminating barriers to care, i.e. insurance, financial, transportation, physical needs, communication, cultural needs, or treatment compliance issues. Our navigators also assist in identifying local or national resources that cancer patients on Guam are eligible for in the form of financial assistance, pharmaceutical assistance programs and lodging assistance for patients traveling off-island for treatment services not available on Guam. Guam Cancer Care navigators will personally assist these patients from start to finish.

Financial AssistanceProgram

As part of our navigation program, navigators are trained to assess registered cancer patients need for financial assistance.With the grant received from the Guam CancerTrust Fund, navigators are able to award minimal funding to patients on a quarterly basis to assist in co-payments, co-insurance or out of pocket expenses incurred during cancer treatments. Given that the primary tenet of our organization is to serve cancer patients by finding and providing financial assistance at a time when they have depleted their resources. Helping patients access direct treatment will go a long way in helping extend their precious lives.

PatientTransport Program

Guam Cancer Care introduced its Patient Transport Program to eliminate transportation issues to and from cancer treatments to give our patients a fighting chance in beating the disease without worry of how they will get to their appointments.

CancerScreeningand Prevention Program

By implementing the Cancer Screening Program, Guam Cancer Care takes a stand against cancer and encourages a proactive approach to health through screening. Guam Cancer Care works in collaboration with the Guam Comprehensive Cancer Control Coalition (GCCCC), Public Health, Cancer Clinics, Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Consortium, and primary care clinics and physicians to conduct an all-year-round candor screening program for Guam residents.

PublicOutreachand Education

The Kids for the Cure (K4C) program is a cancer education and outreach effort for 3rd through 5th-grade elementary school students. The mission of the program is to promote healthy communities and instill positive lifestyle choices to participants that can help reduce their risk of cancer and other life-threatening diseases. It is comprised of both an in-class curriculum created by the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s “Cure4Kids” and a physical activity segment. Thousands of local students have participated in this program, with a mission to expand into middle and high schools.