Surgery should remain as mainstay of treatment for acute uncomplicated appendicitis
Monday, 15 March 2021: An RCSI study conducted in Beaumont Hospital in Dublin has found that surgery, rather than antibiotics-only, should remain as the mainstay of treatment for acute uncomplicated appendicitis.
Published in the Annals of Surgery and led by researchers from the RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, the study entitled the COMMA trial (Conservative versus Open Management of Acute uncomplicated Appendicitis) examined the efficacy and quality of life associated with antibiotic-only treatment of acute uncomplicated appendicitis versus surgical intervention. The results revealed that antibiotic-only treatment resulted in high recurrence rates and an inferior quality of life for patients.
Acute uncomplicated appendicitis is a commonly encountered acute surgical condition. Traditional management of the condition has involved surgery to remove the appendix (appendectomy). Antibiotic-only treatment has emerged as a potential alternative option that could offer benefits to patients and hospitals, such as a faster recovery, less scaring, less pain, a better quality of life for patients and reduced demand on operating theatres. There has been a reluctance to adopt antibiotic-only treatment due to previous research that has shown wide variability in failure rates and a lack of evidence regarding the impact on quality of life for patients.
In this research, 186 patients with radiological evidence of acute, uncomplicated appendicitis were randomised to two groups. One group received antibiotic-only treatment and patients in the other group were treated with surgery. Patients in the surgery group underwent a laparoscopic appendectomy. In those treated with antibiotics-only, intravenous (IV) antibiotics were administered until there was an improvement in a patient’s signs and symptoms and this was followed by five days of oral antibiotics.
In the weeks and months following treatment, patients were followed up with questionnaires including a quality of life questionnaire at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 12 months. At these points, the patient’s pain score, need for additional sick leave, surgical site infections and the development of recurrent appendicitis were recorded.
The results from the antibiotic-only group demonstrated that 23 patients (25%) experienced a recurrence of acute appendicitis within one year. In the quality of life questionnaires, it was found that patients in the surgery group experienced a significantly better quality of life score compared with the antibiotic-only group.
Professor Arnold Hill, Head of School of Medicine and Professor of Surgery, RCSI, said: ‘Antibiotic-only treatment of acute uncomplicated appendicitis has been proposed as an alternative less-invasive treatment option for patients. The COMMA Trial set out to establish if antibiotic-only treatment could replace surgery in some cases, which could offer many benefits for patients and hospitals alike. The results indicate that the treatment protocols should not change. Surgery will deliver the best outcomes for patients in terms of quality of life and recurrence and therefore should remain as the mainstay of treatment for acute uncomplicated appendicitis.’
The study was carried out by researchers from RCSI and Beaumont Hospital Dublin. The research was supported by RCSI.
ENDS
About RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
Ranked number one globally for Good Health and Well-being in the Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings 2020, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences is an international not-for-profit university, with its headquarters in Dublin.
RCSI is exclusively focused on education and research to drive improvements in human health worldwide. It is among the top 250 universities worldwide in the World University Rankings (2020) and its research is ranked first in Ireland for citations. RCSI has been awarded Athena Swan Bronze accreditation for positive gender practice in higher education.
Visit the RCSI MyHealth Expert Directory to find the details of our experts across a range of healthcare issues and concerns. Recognising their responsibility to share their knowledge and discoveries to empower people with information that leads them to better health, these clinicians and researchers are willing to engage with the media in their area of expertise.
Oldest Outdoor Group in US Challenges You to Spend 2 Hours Outside Each Week—6 Survival Tips
New York City, NY, March 15, 2021 — This winter, the Appalachian Mountain Club (www.outdoors.org), the oldest outdoor group in the United States, challenges you to spend two hours of outdoor exercise every week (social distancing, of course). Even though the entire country is experiencing two fewer weeks of snow cover compared to 100 years ago, wherever you live in America, getting outdoors regularly will provide mental benefits as well as physical ones. Despite the fact winter may be fundamentally shifting, AMC’s Colby Meehan, Leadership Training Manager, reveals six survival tips for thriving, surviving and basking in everything Mother Nature has to offer during winter 2021:
1. Plan your adventure: Avoid a 911 emergency by mapping out your exact route, choosing an alternate route for emergencies and calculating how long your roundtrip excursion will be. Make a trip plan and bring things like high-energy snacks and water for a more enjoyable day out.
2. Find the forecast:Check the forecast before you go by listening/watching/reading your favorite weather predictions in advance. This will help you prepare for the appropriate climate while you are out and about. Observe weather changes as they emerge and change your plan for the day as needed to avoid severe weather.
3. Dress appropriately: Carry the right gear based on the weather predictions to pack appropriately. Understanding how to layer for winter makes a world of difference. Avoiding fabrics like cotton and opting for ones like polyester or wool can turn a miserable, risky outing into a pleasant one. For good measure, take extra pairs of gloves, mittens and socks for especially cold temperatures.
4. Build a safe and protected outdoor living space: To guarantee a fun and safe small gathering under COVID conditions, you can create the perfect outdoor living space on a variety of different budgets. Fire pits are affordable, secure heat sources, and waterproof seating offers comfort while keeping you dry. Prep meals in advance so you can focus on fun and enjoy your time outside. Maintain social distancing guidelines (at least 6 feet apart) from other campsites when making your own.Finally, remember the Leave No Trace principles when you leave, which ask you to carry out anything that does not belong in nature.
5. Outdoor recreation and wellness: Winter brings a multitude of activities and sports. It can be as advanced as snowboarding and skiing; but you can also have a blast without snow by jogging, picnicking or hiking. Studies show that spending at least 120 minutes outdoors every week boosts your well-being.
6. Explore the city outdoors: City dwellers also have ways to revel outside during COVID. Whether you decide to walk around your neighborhood for 20 minutes a day, take up birdwatching in a local park for an afternoon or even study the surrounding architecture, time spent outside is good for you.
The mission of the Appalachian Mountain Club is to foster the protection, enjoyment and understanding of the outdoors. They envision a world where our natural resources are healthy, loved and always protected, and where the outdoors occupies a place of central importance in every person’s life. For more information, please visit www.outdoors.org.
World Water Day Brings Awareness to Global Water Crisis as COVID-19 Emphasizes Need for Urgent Action
Alberta-based organization CAWST is calling on Albertans to help ensure global access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene
CALGARY, AB, March 15, 2021 /CNW/ - With World Water Day approaching on March 22, the Centre for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology (CAWST) is encouraging Albertans to play an active role in addressing a global challenge – the lack of access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene worldwide. This comes at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has heightened awareness around access to safe water and sanitation as a basic human right.
Practicing simple hygiene, especially handwashing, plays a critical role in reducing the transmission of COVID-19, and yet three billion people worldwide lack basic handwashing facilities with soap and water at home.1 CAWST is committed to addressing issues around clean water and sanitation by empowering communities to create long-lasting change. For 20 years, CAWST has provided people with the knowledge and skills they need to implement these proven solutions through local partnerships, training workshops, online resources and access to simple, affordable technologies.
"COVID-19 has had devastating impacts around the world and has brought other global challenges to the forefront, including access to water," said Shauna Curry, CEO CAWST. "Much like COVID-19, the need for water, sanitation and hygiene is a global crisis that demands world-wide attention and effort to solve it. We're calling on Albertans to join the cause—whether it's by educating themselves, fundraising or donating—to help ensure people have the opportunity to succeed because their basic water and sanitation needs are met."
Partnerships with both international and in-country organizations are key to reaching everyone with clean water and sanitation. CAWST is a leading collaborator in global efforts to achieve safe water, sanitation and hygiene, including its role as a founding partner of COVID-19 Hygiene Hub. With the support of organizations like the World Health Organization and UNICEF, Hygiene Hub provides free technical support, resources and advice to help develop and execute hygiene strategies in low- and middle-income countries.
A United Nations-observance held every year, World Water Day celebrates water and strives to raise awareness of the 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water worldwide.2 This World Water Day, CAWST is calling on Albertans to support this important cause. For more information and to learn how you can help, visit CAWST.org/WorldWaterDay.
The Centre for Affordable Water & Sanitation Technology (CAWST) is a Canadian charity and licensed not-for-profit professional engineering consultancy. CAWST teaches people how to access safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene in their homes, schools and clinics, using simple, affordable technologies. To do so, CAWST transfers knowledge and skills to organizations and individuals in low- and middle-income countries offering workshops, open content training resources and consulting services. To learn more about CAWST and its work towards making water, sanitation and hygiene a reality for all, visit cawst.org.
SOURCE CAWST
Clinical Study Shows Karallief® Easy Climb™ Significantly Improves Joint Comfort in 30 Days
Results confirm herbal formula made with scientifically tested ingredients offers a highly effective and safe joint support option
Participants saw a 71% decrease in discomfort scores
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., March 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Karallief®, Inc., a nutraceutical company that researches, creates and distributes clinically studied combination herbal extract formulas, today announced the results of a new clinical study that found its latest formula, Karallief® Easy Climb™, could be a fast-acting natural solution for joint discomfort. Published in the International Journal of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, the study found that Karallief® Easy Climb™ improves joint health and mobility in as little as 30 days.
The clinical study shows that Karallief® Easy Climb™ could be a fast-acting natural solution for joint discomfort
"Many supplement manufacturers, distributors and consumers are often skeptical about the effectiveness of herbal ingredients for joint support given the lack of clinically backed findings," said Krishna Rajendran, CEO of Karallief®, Inc. "After extensive research and testing of different ingredients for joint health, our team of scientists discovered the synergy that exists when certain standardized herbal extract ingredients are combined in specific ratios. They subsequently developed a unique and effective multi-ingredient formula based on this synergy for supporting healthy joints, including cartilage, tendons and bones."
Karallief® Easy Climb™ was tested over the course of 120 days in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study on participants experiencing age-related knee concerns. One group of 40 participants received 1,000 mg of the Easy Climb™ formula each day, and a second group of 40 subjects served as the control and received a placebo. During the trial, the participants taking Easy ClimbTM experienced a:
71% decrease in discomfort scores compared to a 49% score for the placebo group
25% increase in joint space width, double that of 11% for the placebo group
8% improvement in the range of knee flexion, double that of the placebo group value of 4%
16% increase in the number of sit-stand repetitions versus the placebo group value of 8%
Karallief® Easy Climb™ is a patent-pending herbal formula that is available in powdered form to provide potency and long-term shelf life. This delivery method lends the most flexibility to formulators, making it easy to add to vitamins, supplements, protein powders, beverages and more. Karallief® Easy Climb™ is vegan, Non-GMO Project verified, and made with a potent 1,000 mg per day blend of standardized herbal ingredients known for supporting healthy joints including Cardiospermum Halicacabum (Balloon Vine Extract), Vitex Negundo (Five-Leaved Chaste Tree), Boswellia Serrata (Frankincense), Bambusa Arundinacea, (Bamboo), Citrus Sinensis (Sweet Orange) and Curcuma Longa (Turmeric).
For more information on Karallief® Easy Climb™, please visit www.easyclimb.com.
The statements in this press release not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. These products are not offered for sale to consumers. These products and information here are only intended for manufacturers for professional product development purposes.
ABOUT KARALLIEF®, INC. Based in the U.S., Karallief®, Inc. researches, develops and distributes combination, custom and single herbal extract formulas to companies around the world in the dietary supplement, skincare and food industries. While many ingredient suppliers use inferior, untested materials that lack quality control measures, Karallief, Inc® offers safe, efficacious and scientifically-backed ingredients that are tested through thorough quality control procedures using high-end testing equipment, and their formulas are manufactured in GMP & ISO 22000 certified facilities. For more information, please visit www.karallief.com.
Glaucoma is a Leading Cause of Preventable Blindness: Don’t Skip Eyecare Checkups
New York, NY, March 15, 2021 — Blindness caused by glaucoma is insidious. In most cases, there is no pain, and the loss of vision occurs slowly from peripheral to central. Many people do not even realize it’s happening until they have lost a substantial amount of peripheral vision. But Dr. Daniel Laroche, Director of Glaucoma Services and President of Advanced Eyecare of New York, wants you to know there is a way to prevent the devastating effects of glaucoma: Don’t skip your eyecare visits.
What is Glaucoma? Glaucoma is a disease of the eye characterized by three components:
1. Damage and loss of the retinal ganglions cells and optic nerve described as cupping
2. Loss of visual field
3. Usually increased eye pressure (the mean normal eye pressure is 15mmHG)
People at risk for glaucoma include the elderly, Blacks, people with elevated eye pressure, primary relatives with glaucoma, persons with high myopia, high hyperopia, history of eye trauma and diabetes.
The elevated intraocular pressure from glaucoma damages the optic nerve mechanically and creates decreased blood flow to the eye. The most identifiable cause of glaucoma is the enlarged lens or cataract in the eye. Early cataract surgery and trabecular bypass has become the best option to stop vision loss in patients with glaucoma. The current use of eyedrops and laser help to lower intraocular pressure but do not address the causative mechanism of the glaucoma being the enlarged lens. Incisional cataract surgery and glaucoma surgery is often needed to truly stabilize glaucoma.
All people should be screened regularly for glaucoma as part of a medical eye exam. Screening should consist of an eye examination consisting of gonioscopy (examination of the drainage angle), intraocular pressure measurement with Goldmann applanation tonometry and a dilated optic nerve examination. If there appears to be any damage to the optic nerve or abnormal pressure, then a visual field test should be performed, and optic nerve photos taken. Persons with thin corneas should be more aggressively monitored and treated for glaucoma as the disease tends to be worse in these patients.
If you have eye pressure or glaucoma and feel that you may be losing vision, Dr. Laroche recommends that you seek the care of a glaucoma specialist for a second opinion. DON’T GO BLIND FROM GLAUCOMA! People with conditions such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy that could lead to blindness if left unchecked need to stay particularly vigilant with their checkups. The pandemic shouldn’t keep you from visiting your doctor, but for patients over 60, Dr. Laroche advises it's better to stay home and do telehealth visits or video consultations until the pandemic flattens. He also encourages people to wear face masks on visits and maintain social distancing, even if they are in a health clinic, and if you’re high-risk, consider adding eye protection when in public spaces.
“Eyesight or human vision is one of the most important senses. As much as 80 percent of what we feel comes through our sense of sight. By protecting the eyes, people will reduce the chance of blindness and vision loss while also staying on top of any developing eye diseases, such as glaucoma and cataracts.
“A healthy brain function requires a healthy vision. The brain is our most essential organ, and it allows us to control other organs. Normal and healthy vision contributes to improved learning and comprehension for a better quality of life,” says Dr. Laroche.
About Dr. Daniel Laroche
Dr. Laroche is an exceptional glaucoma specialist in New York. He studied and received his bachelor's degree from New York University and a medical doctorate with honors in research from Weil Cornell University Medical College. He underwent a medical internship at Montefiore Hospital and finished his ophthalmology residency at Howard University Hospital in Washington D.C., where he was the chief resident in his third year. He later completed his glaucoma fellowship at New York Eye and Ear.
Terminal Illness Causes Family Secret to Surface in Heartfelt Story of Severed Trust and Forgiveness
Dallas, TX, March 15, 2021 — Natalia Foster is the family secret that her biological father, Joe Russo, was supposed to take to his grave. But when Natalia learns that Joe, an Italian man she’s never met, is dying of a terminal illness, she’s forced to confront the truth of her parentage and make a difficult decision: Should she remain in the shadows or make herself known to Joe and his family?
The Wool Over Their Eyes, from Dione Martin, is an authentic, heartfelt story about complex family dynamics and the emotions that must be unpacked when long-buried secrets push their way to the surface.
Joe’s immediate family, including his devoted wife, Rosa, know nothing of Natalia’s existence. Her gray eyes — exactly like Joe’s — and simple math prove that Natalia is a product of Joe’s infidelity, making a mockery of Rosa’s marriage. If his family discovers the whole truth — that Natalia is not only illegitimate but also Black — family bonds will be shattered.
In the midst of Natalia’s family drama and pain, another life-changing decision emerges. Natalia must choose between two loves — a long-lost one and a new one. Her ex-boyfriend, Tyler Davis, who captured her heart and connected with her soul, resurfaces. But she meets a handsome doctor, David Duplessis, who’d cared for her father. Just as the relationship begins to blossom, David commits an act that severs her trust and sends her spiraling further into her dark abyss.
The Wool Over Their Eyes is loosely based on Martin’s personal experiences. She drew upon her own memories and insights of growing up without her biological father and being betrayed in her own marriage to inform her narrative and give her characters depth and authenticity.
“I wrote The Wool Over Their Eyes for fatherless girls, for women who have been betrayed, for those who have been rejected because of their race (or otherness) and for families that have been torn apart by secrets, lies and deception,” Martin reflects. “Healing is possible – through change, through empathy, through faith and through forgiveness.”
Author Dione Martin was born and raised in New Orleans, where she spent much of her childhood and teen years reading. She earned her Bachelor’s in English from the University of Minnesota-Morris and her Master’s in Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin. She is currently a senior communications director at Brinker International. She lives in Dallas with her two daughters and enjoys running, cooking, performing arts and attempting DIY projects. The Wool Over Their Eyes is her debut novel, and she is working on her next one.
Powerful True Story Inspires Others to Seek Adventure, Turn Each Day into a Gift
Fort Wayne, IN, March 15, 2021 — Brittany Moser’s short life was not defined by how she died, but rather, by how she lived each day to the fullest and the profound impact she had on those around her. Brittany died from a rare condition, Addison’s disease, in 2017 at the age of 32. She had been a happy-go-lucky flight attendant, soaring high above reality, when her diagnosis suddenly brought her down to earth.
Rather than buckle under the weight of fear, she chose to be fearless and embarked upon the adventure of a lifetime with her best friend — her father. Free and Fearless: The Amazing Impact of One Precious Lifeis Brittany’s unforgettable story as told by her father, Philip Moser.
“This book is not about the grief of losing a child, but about making the most out of what we are given and living our lives positively and not out of fear,” Moser writes. “Brittany inspired me, an ordinary farm boy, to explore life, to climb mountains and to write a book.”
Free and Fearless is an honest, poignant account of Brittany’s legacy and the ripple effect that her outlook on life had on everyone who knew her. Philip hopes that by hearing her story, readers will be inspired by Brittany’s contagious spirit and unwavering desire for new adventures and experiences — even in the shadow of an incurable illness.
Among Brittany’s valuable life lessons that Philip shares with readers are:
1. How precious life is and how we can affect the people around us; 2. How an open mind and a positive attitude can inspire us to do things we never thought possible; 3. How to move out of our comfort zones and into a challenging existence that can turn each day into an exciting gift to be explored; 4. How to not let fear control us, and to use our abilities to seek unique, positive and inspiring adventures; 5. To embrace change as a natural part of life; 6. And finally, that we won’t be remembered by our things or our savings accounts, but by how we made other people feel.
“I want to share the same inspiration that I received for 32 years,” Philip added. “In the end, love truly does conquer all, and Brittany wanted us to know that.”
Author Philip Moser grew up on a farm in Angola, Indiana. After high school, he began working in different aspects of the grocery business, a career that continues to this day. He and his wife, Marilyn Wells, raised two incredible daughters, Camille and Brittany.
Edward & Sons’ Let’s Do Organic® Brand Introduces Vegan & Gluten-Free Organic Sweet Potato Flour & Cassava Flour To Offer Chefs & Bakers Delectably Versatile Alternatives To Traditional Grain Flour
Growing Family Of Let’s Do Organic® Flour Products Also Includes Coconut Flour, Green Banana Flour & Chickpea Flour
CARPINTERIA, CA, MARCH 9, 2021 – Edward & Sons Trading Company™ (edwardandsons.com), a pioneer in the plant-based foods industry that first introduced Miso-Cup® instant soup and gluten-free Brown Rice Snaps® to American consumers in the 1970s, welcomes two new additions to the growing family of deliciously versatile grain-free flour products manufactured under the company’s Let’s Do Organic® brand: Organic Sweet Potato Flour and Organic Cassava Flour.
Offering consumers delectably authentic alternatives to grain and wheat flour, Organic Sweet Potato Flour and Organic Cassava Flour are tailor-made for those following a restricted diet or are simply anxious to explore healthier but equally flavorful flour options for cooking and baking.
Organic Sweet Potato Flour and Organic Cassava Flour join three other popular, grain-free flours already sold under the Let’s Do Organic® banner: Organic Coconut Flour, Organic Chickpea Flour and Organic Green Banana Flour.
Flour Power!
Providing the indulgent flavor and dense nutrition profile of sweet potatoes in a single multi-purpose grain-free flour, Let’s Do Organic®Sweet Potato Flour enables seasoned chefs and amateur home cooks alike to readily add rich layers of subtle sweetness to their favorite foods and desserts. As versatile as it is delicious, Let’s Do Organic® Sweet Potato Flour not only perfectly holds moisture when replacing or enhancing other flours during the preparation of cookies, muffins, breads and cakes, but is an excellent thickener for soups, sauces and gravies as well.
Let’s Do Organic® Sweet Potato Flour is USDA Organic; gluten-free, vegan and Kosher certified. The complete list of ingredients includes…Organic Sweet Potato – that’s it!
Let's Do Organic® Cassava Flour is a whole food, grain-free flour made from organic cassava roots (also known as manioc or yuca). Native to South America, cassava is a staple of tropical diets throughout the world thanks to the plant’s drought tolerance and carbohydrate content.
To enhance quality, edibility and nutritional integrity, Let’s Do Organic® experts wash, peel and slice whole cassava roots before drying them slowly and then milling them into a fine, gluten-free flour ideally suited to a diverse array of special diets and recipes. Baking with Let’s Do Organic® Cassava Flour is incredibly easy since it performs very much like wheat flour in the kitchen. For example, when a recipe calls for 1 cup of wheat flour, home chefs and bakers can simply replace it with 1 cup of Cassava Flour, with no extra eggs or liquid ingredients required.
What’s more, Let’s Do Organic® Cassava Flour adds a delightfully tempting smooth texture and subtle flavor to breads and pastries, is an excellent binder when baking cakes and cookies, and also serves as an effective thickener for gravies and sauces.
Like Sweet Potato Flour, Let’s Do Organic® Cassava Flour is USDA Organic; gluten-free, vegan and Kosher certified. Ingredients: just Organic Cassava Flour!
Available online at https://store.edwardandsons.com/collections/new-products and soon in health food stores and mainstream supermarkets nationwide, Let’s Do Organic® Sweet Potato Flour is offered in 12-ounce packages and Cassava Flour is sold in 14-ounce packages. Both have a MSRP of $5.99.
To check out the full line of Let’s Do Organic® flour products, as well as such other brand favorites as coconut flakes, shredded coconut, coconut milk, tapioca starch and organic ice cream cones, please visit https://store.edwardandsons.com/collections/lets-do-organic.
Commenting on the debut of the two new Let’s Do Organic® flour varieties, Edward & Sons’ founder and CEO Joel Dee said, “With so many home cooks yearning to explore healthier and more adventurous recipes during these challenging stay-at-home times, and trending diets avoiding gluten and grains, demand has never been greater for innovative alternatives to grain flour. Given the enthusiastic response we received after introducing all three previous Let’s Do Organic® flour products, we feel confident that our new Sweet Potato Flour and Cassava Flour will be welcome additions to countless kitchen pantries for many years to come.”
Edward & Sons Trading Company™ brands include Edward & Sons™, Let’s Do Gluten Free®, Let’s Do Organic®, the brand new Ecuadora™ line of Ecuadorian hearts of palm products, More Than Fair®, Native Forest®, Nature Factor®, Road’s End Organics® and organic gluten free specialty sauces under the Premier Japan® and The Wizard's® brands. Please visit www.edwardandsons.com for more information and recipes.
Cancer can't wait: Canadian Cancer Survivor Network (CCSN) tells provinces to prioritize COVID-19 vaccination of cancer patients to save lives
OTTAWA, ON, March 15, 2021 /CNW/ - It is critical that provinces and territories prioritize cancer patients and their caregivers during the second phase of COVID-19 vaccine distribution.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization states that "the goal of Canada's pandemic response is to minimize serious illness and death while minimizing societal disruption because of the COVID-19 pandemic." 225,800 Canadians are diagnosed with cancer every year, but this commonly shared statistic does not represent the many more Canadians who were diagnosed in previous years and are still undergoing treatment today.
Unfortunately, the pandemic response has inadvertently negatively impacted the lives of cancer patients and survivors. This applies to all cancer patients, and particularly to those with lung cancer, who are uniquely vulnerable to complications if they contract COVID-19 due to their diminished lung function and immunocompromised systems.
The Canadian Cancer Survivor Network commissioned two Leger surveys on COVID-19 disruption of cancer care in Canada, the most recent in December 2020. One of the most startling results identified cancer patient and caregiver hesitancy to access care, with 35 per cent of patients and caregivers choosing to cancel, postpone or avoid a healthcare service during the pandemic. This included:
Cancelling or postponing in person appointments with their doctor.
Avoiding booking an appointment with their doctor even when they need one.
Avoiding going to the ER for symptoms related to cancer.
Choosing to cancel or postpone a lab test or diagnostic procedure for cancer.
Cancelling visiting a hospital for cancer care.
Clearly, the ability of cancer patients to access healthcare and cancer care remains in doubt, and may lead to worse outcomes, including later diagnoses and postponed or missed appointments, tests, or treatments. The anxiety and fear that cancer patients and caregivers are experiencing about contracting COVID-19 can be assuaged by the prioritization of COVID-19 vaccinations of cancer patients and their caregivers so that they feel safe when they go to cancer care appointments.
The Canadian Cancer Survivor Network therefore calls on the National Advisory Committee on Immunization as well as the provinces and territories to explicitly include cancer patients and caregivers in Phase 2 immunization plans.
SOURCE Canadian Cancer Survivor Network
HealthPartners poll on the impact of COVID-19 on health charities' work raises the alarm - Canada is in the Silent Wave of a chronic disease shadow pandemic.
OTTAWA, ON, March 15, 2021 /CNW/ - A national poll conducted in January 2021 found 66% of those with chronic disease and major illness have faced some level of difficulty in accessing care and treatment for their illness since the beginning of the pandemic. While diagnostic, screening and treatment delays are worsening Canadians' physical health outcomes with chronic disease, data suggest that it is also deteriorating their mental health and that of their caregivers.
As a result, one in three (34%) have turned to support programs and services (outside the healthcare system) that they did not use prior to the pandemic and are relying more on intermediate services, like those offered by health charities as they await treatment. 64% said they are likely to access more health charities services even after the pandemic is over.
In response to the findings, Eileen Dooley, CEO of HealthPartners, says, "We know that 87% of Canadians are likely to be affected by one or more chronic diseases or major illnesses throughout their lifetime. The impact of COVID-19 on these Canadians – and their families and caregivers – cannot be understated. The threat of the virus itself, coupled with difficulties in accessing services, diagnoses, and supports – at the same time that health charities have seen major losses in funding – is contributing to significant challenges to Canadians living with chronic disease and their caregivers."
"Canadians overwhelmingly see health charities as an ideal partner for a collaborative solution," said David Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data. "Ninety-one per-cent of Canadians want to see the federal government work with health charities to help navigate and solve the immediate strains on the healthcare system caused by delays to treatments and services."
HealthPartners and its member charities are calling on the government of Canada to ensure that Canadians living with chronic disease – and their caregivers – have the support they need during the crisis and beyond. The organisation is also calling upon Canadians to support those they love by supporting their #HealthChampionsCan initiative.
More information on the findings of the report, and the #HealthChampionsCan campaign and the public opinion research can be found online at: www.healthchampionscan.ca
About HealthPartners| Building a healthier Canada
HealthPartners is your connection to Canada's most respected and well- known health charities, which represent some of the most devastating chronic diseases and serious illnesses faced by Canadians. Through a unique partnership with these charities, we engage and connect with employers and employees in the national, provincial and municipal public sectors and in private-sector workplaces across the country.
Abacus Data | Abacus Data is an innovative, fast-growing public opinion and marketing research consultancy. We use the latest technology, sound science, and deep experience to generate top-flight research-based advice for our clients. We offer global research capacity with a strong focus on customer service, attention to detail and exceptional value. We are the only research and strategy firm that helps organisations respond to the disruptive risks and opportunities in a world where demographics and technology are changing more quickly than ever.
