Guam Cancer Care March 2024 Quarterly Newsletter

The Latest Highlights from January - March 2024

Buenas yan Håfa Adai! Can you believe it? We've already completed the first quarter of the year! We hope you have been doing well. In this edition of our newsletter, we're taking you on a journey through the past three months, showcasing the events and initiatives that we have been involved with.

Let's start with January, where we joined forces with incredible organizations and clinics to launch our Cervical Cancer Awareness Campaign. The enthusiasm and support were truly heartwarming and we appreciated everyone’s efforts. Moving into February and March, we've been on the move, participating in numerous health fairs.At these events, we've been fervently spreading awareness about the significance of screening, early detection, cancer prevention, and shedding light on the detrimental effects of tobacco and vape product usage.

Our Patient Navigators have also been making great efforts to assist our new and registered patients with the help of our partner clinics as well. Read on to discover more!

only come from having been given the chance to work through .

“ - Gever Tulley

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

Cervical Cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Annually, there are 12,000 cases of cervical cancer and over 90% of those cases were preventable with the HPV Vaccine. During this month, we raised awareness on the importance of women getting their pap smears done and the importance of getting the HPV Vaccine for both males and females ages 9 - 26 years.

Sources: National Foundation of Infectious Disease; University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; Mayo Clinic; World Health Organization; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Cervical Cancer Awareness Wave #RSTS

On January 12th, we had our 2nd Annual Real Strong Teal Strong Cervical Cancer Awareness Wave! Check out the photos of our awesome participants. We appreciate all of you for coming out and supporting our Survivors, Warriors, Caregivers, and their Families. Together, we can beat Cervical Cancer!

Getting screened is a part of cancer prevention, but there are many things you can incorporate or change in your lifestyle to help prevent cancer as well. One of those things is eating a healthy diet. We did a post on the health benefits of sweet potatoes, and how it has anti-cancer properties, is great for your immune system, and helps with preventing other types of diseases as well. Living on the island of Guam, we have the benefit of purchasing this food item at our local grocery stores and farmer’s market.

February is National Cancer Prevention and Gallbladder & Bile Duct Cancer Awareness Month

Gallbladder & Bile Duct Cancer is a rare type of cancer, but in the past few years there has been a rise in cases. Most times, this cancer goes undetected until it is in the later stages. Remember, it’s important to watch out for changes in your body.

Gallbladder and bile duct cancer usually gets detected when a person gets checked for another medical issue. Staying on top of your annual physicals and bringing up any changes is crucial for earliest possible prevention of any type of cancer.

Have you done your annual physical yet? Here’s your reminder to schedule one with your healthcare provider today!

Other Happenings in February

February 16, 2024

Every third Friday of February, we celebrate National Caregiver’s Day. This is a day where we shine a light on all those who pour their time, love, and care into the lives of others.

The dedication and compassion a caregiver extends, increases a person’s quality of life. They make the world a much more positive place.

If you are a caregiver, we thank you for your efforts. If you’re reading this regardless of the day or month, we challenge you to thank a caregiver you know! Simple words or a token of appreciation can go a long way.

February 4, 2024

Every February 4th is World Cancer Day. This global initiative is led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) to raise awareness, early detection, and prevention.

Raising awareness on cancer and promoting early detection and prevention is important. Making your health a priority is the best investment you can make for yourself. Share what you know!

#KnowledgeisPower

March is Colorectal, Kidney, & Multiple Myeloma Cancer Awareness Month

Did you know that Colorectal Cancer is the 2nd most common cancer here on Guam? Over the years it has also been on the rise in adults younger than 55 years of age. The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force changed the Colonoscopy screenings age to 45 when it was previously age 50 before the year 2021.

Cases of Colorectal Cancer have become more common for people in their 40s and even younger. This is why it is important to get you annual wellness check-ups done and speak to your healthcare provider about any concerns or changes you have noticed for yourself. Early detection is key and so is communication.

Often times, Kidney Cancer is found when imaging tests (ultrasounds, MRIs, or CT Scans) are done for another medical issue. Kidney Cancer does not cause pain in its earliest stages and symptoms of this usually start to show when the tumor grows large enough to affect the surrounding organs.

Always keep an eye out for signs and symptoms by monitoring changes to your body, your vitals when taken, and blood work that you may do routinely.

Multiple Myeloma is a type of blood cancer that occurs in the plasma cells of the bone marrow.

Normal plasma cells make antibodies that help fight off infections. With Multiple Myeloma, these plasma cells transform, become cancerous, grow out of control and multiply crowding the normal plasma cells.

The cancerous cells try to make antibodies but instead produce monoclonal proteins, which the body cannot use. This build-up of monoclonal proteins can cause kdiney damage in the future.

Sources: Cancer.Net; Muliple Myeloma Research Foundation

Other happenings in March

March 9 , 2024

March 8 , 2024

On International Women’s Day, we celebrate all women and the many great things they do and can do to better our society.

To the left is a photo of Jane Cooke Wright. She is a Chemotherapy pioneer who has studied anticancer agents throughout her career and modernized chemotherapy. She was 1 of 7 physicians who founded the American Society of Clinical Oncology in 1964. She had contributed so much to the advancement of cancer treatment for nearly 60 years.

We were honored to be chosen as one of the beneficiaries for Bank of Guam’s Hagatna City Run & Block Party! As always, we greatly appreciate all the hard work Bank of Guam does to help us in our mission to bridge the gaps our cancer community may face here on island. Check out some of the fun photos from our water station at the run!

1919 -2013

A huge thank you to Triple J Auto Group for their generous donation to our organization! We, along with other awesome non-profits, were chosen as beneficiaries for Triple J’s Annual Bubble Color Run 5K/10K. Here are some photos of us and volunteers at the event.

Biba Triple J Auto Group!

Guam Power & Waterworks Authority Personal Finance Center

LeoPalace Resort Guam

Guam Telephone Authority

Judiciary of Guam

McDonald’s Easter Egg Hunt & Health Fair

JTF Partner Highlights

In the months of January - March, 2024, we welcome our new Join The Fight partners: Todu Guam Foundation, Paradise Fitness, and International Sports Center. These businesses and organizations have 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.

Paradise Fitness

Todu Guam Foundation

International Sports Center

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.