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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PROSTATE CANCER

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The prostate is a gland in men which helps make fluid to carry sperm. It sits underneath the bladder and surrounds the tube that carries urine out of the body.

What can go wrong?
Just like any other cancer, sometimes the cells in the prostate can grow uncontrollably this is known as prostate cancer.

Who is at risk?
• Men and in particular those above the age of 50 and are at higher risk.
• Family history of prostate cancer or breast cancer because it means you are more likely to inherit the mutated gene.
• Recent research shows a link between obesity and prostate cancer.
• Obesity and poor diet
• Poor lifestyle decisions e.g. not exercising

Prostate Cancer in Kenya:
In 2020, The Global Cancer Observatory reported a total of 3,412 new cases of men diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in Kenya.

The exact number of people living with prostate cancer in Kenya is unknown as so many people are not screened for it as they show no symptoms.

When can you see symptoms?
You will start to see signs when the cancer presses against the tube you urinate through but when you will see symptoms depends on where your cancer has started growing in the prostate.

Symptoms are:
• Needing to pee more frequently.
• Difficulty in starting to pee.
• Long time to pee.
• Weak flow.
• Feeling that bladder has not emptied fully.
• Blood in urine or blood in semen.

When to see a doctor?
If you have any above symptoms bring them to your doctors’ attention.

Diagnosis for Prostate Cancer
Screening for Prostate Cancer is done through these 4 common ways;

• Urine sample to check for infection.
• Prostate-Specific Antigen testing
• Digital rectal examination
• Biopsy to diagnose prostate cancer.

Further testing for advanced prostate cancer could include an MRI Scan, CT Scan or PET Scan.

Treatment for prostate cancer

The aim is to cure or delay symptoms and prolong life so your doctor will decide what treatment will be best for you depending on:

• The stage of cancer you are on
• Whether your cancer is in the same place or if it has spread to different parts of your body
• The size of the tumour.
• Your general health

Types of treatment:
• Active surveillance and watchful waiting are two approaches to keep an eye on the cancer. If the cancer progresses then other methods for treatment will be recommended.

• Surgically removing the prostate gland is used to cure the cancer if it hasn’t spread very far. However, you will not be able to conceive through sexual intercourse after removing your prostate.

• Radiotherapy uses radiation to kill cancerous cells. However, you should be aware of the side effects that are associated with radiotherapy.

• Brachytherapy is a form of radiotherapy where the radiation is delivered inside the prostate gland. This type of treatment was designed to minimise damage to other tissues.

• Hormone therapy is often used with radiotherapy but it can sometimes be recommended after radiotherapy to stop the cancerous cells growing back by stopping the production or inhibiting testosterone. If Hormone therapy doesn’t work steroids might be used.

• Trans-urethral resection of the prostate does not cure prostate cancer but relieves pressure or any other symptoms you might have with urination.

• High-intensity focused ultrasound is used to treat localised prostate cancer by releasing sound waves to kill the cancer cells.

• Cryotherapy is a method of killing cancer cells by freezing them.

• Chemotherapy is used to treat prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. It does not cure cancer but can keep it under control. However, there are side effects.

How can you help yourself?

• Do annual screenings for prostate cancer. Book an appoint with our partner doctors at My Health Africa or call 0705 -110011 to speak to a medic
• Find out more about your treatment and side effects from your doctor
• Aim for a healthy diet and exercise regularly
• It will be a very hard process, so find someone to talk to.
• Ask your doctor if there are any groups for support.

References:
(1) https://cancerresearchkenya.org
(2) https://gco.iarc.fr/today/data/factsheets/populations/404-kenya-fact-sheets.pdf
(3) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0749208111000660?casa_token=ubuP0UcpkWMAAAAA:PXG6BSl_bUxAH29cdzEjIEFpjfrlNXoa9UMb6-EY71eO6KDv3QPfHtP8IYN9Bk7AlH_OVPu3U08
(4) https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40659-017-0140-9

 

THE DIABETIC FOOT

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When you have diabetes, you have a risk of developing foot problems. For example, you can get severe foot infections on the soles of your feet, ankles and sometimes on your leg. Don’t worry, there are simple steps you can take to prevent foot infections from getting worst but speak to your doctor for more advice.

 

Why do diabetics have a risk of developing foot infections?

 

  • Diabetics have a poor blood circulation, it’s caused by glucose damaging blood vessels. This means, if you have cuts or sores they will heal at a slower rate.
  • The second cause of foot infection is the loss of sensation because of poor blood circulation but high blood glucose can also damage your nerves. So, when you can’t feel for example, a cut. Bacteria will start growing and infection will increase.
  • Another cause is glucose, bacteria can use glucose as fuel to grow and infect the site of injury faster.

 

What happens if you don’t treat your sores, cuts and ulcers?

  • If you don’t treat your sores, ulcers or cuts. They can become infected or the infection will get worse.
  • When ulcers are infected, sepsis can occur and lead to gangrene of the toe.

 

What are signs of a serious foot problems?

If you see any of the following signs speak to your doctor for more advice.

  • Tingling sensation or pins and needles.
  • A dull ache.
  • Shiny, smooth skin on your feet.
  • Hair loss on your legs and feet.
  • Loss of feeling your legs and feet.
  • Your feet don’t sweat.
  • Wounds or sores that don’t heal.
  • Cramps in your calves when resting or walking.
  • Blisters and cuts that you can see but don’t feel.
  • Foul smell coming from an open wound.

 

Tips on how to prevent foot problems?

  • Manage blood glucose levels, blood pressure and cholesterol.
  • Get expert advice.
  • Check your feet every day.
  • Make sure your footwear fits.
  • Eat a healthy balanced diet and stay active.
  • Be careful when you cut your nails.

 

You can check your blood pressure for free at one of our Goodlife stores. Along with free blood sugar and cholesterol tests.

Factors that could increase your risk of getting breast cancer

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In 2020, 6799 new cases of breast cancer were reported in Kenya! The cause of breast cancer is still not fully understood because some women develop breast cancer and others don’t – and in rare cases it also applies to men.

However, there are some factors that could increase the risk of developing breast cancer in women.

  • Research shows that the risk of getting breast cancer increases with age. Most breast cancers are diagnosed after the age of 50.
  • If you have a close relative who has breast cancer or ovarian cancer. You could have inherited the mutated genes BRCA1 or BRCA2 which increases your risk of breast cancer.
  • If you have had previously breast cancer or benign breast tumors, this increases the risk of those cells growing abnormally.
  • If you have been exposed to too much of the hormone oestrogen for example, from hormonal replacement therapy, oestrogen stimulates breast cells to grow.
  • If you are overweight or obese your body produces too much oestrogen.
  • Drinking alcohol can damage cells and can also stop cells repairing.
  • Long term exposure to radiation therapy

Risks of developing Breast Cancer in Men:

  • Genes and Family history – inheriting the mutated genes BRCA1 or BRCA2 increases your risk of breast cancer.
  • Conditions that increase the level of oestrogen in your body.

Check out our blog on how to do a self-breast exam and check for lumps here. We have also partnered with Dial Daktari and My health Africa, in case you need further consultation, kindly book an appointment with them.

How to do a breast self-exam and check for lumps

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Every woman’s breasts are different so it’s important to be aware of how your breasts normally look and feel as this will help you notice any changes.

How to check for lumps in 5 steps:

  1. 1. Start by standing in front of a mirror, with your undergarment off, make sure there is good lighting. Then begin looking at your breasts in the mirror with your shoulders straight and hands on your hips. Check whether your breasts are their usual size, shape and colour. Check to see if you have any bulging of the skin, dimpling, redness, a rash, swelling, or has your nipple changed position.
  2. 2. Now, raise your arms and look for same changes.
  3. 3. While still looking at the mirror, look for any signs of fluid coming out of one or both nipples.
  4. 4. Next, feel your breasts while lying down. The use your right hand to feel the left breast and then the left hand to feel the right breast. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few finger pads of your hand, keeping the fingers flat and together. Use a circular motion using different pressures.
    Make sure you cover the entire breast from your collar bone to the top of your abdomen (top to bottom) and from your armpit to cleavage (side to side).
  5. 5. Finally, feel your breasts while you are standing up or sitting. Use the same hand movements described in step 4. If you see any changes, bring it to your Doctor’s attention

A little reminder, your breasts can change:

  • During your menstrual cycle, a hormone changes the texture of your breast that could make them feel lumpy (your glands swell for a possible pregnancy). If you don’t get pregnant your breasts will go back to its normal size. Your breasts could also feel sore and painful.
  • After Menopause your breasts might feel soft, less lumpy and less firm.

So be aware of how your breasts normally feel and look during these periods and after.

Breastfeeding

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Congratulations you are a mum!

Breastfeeding is different for every mum and baby so don’t worry. It can be quicker for some than others. There are alternatives to breastfeeding but breastfeeding is encouraged for the first 6 months of a baby’s life (World Health Organisation 2021)

You can check your health and baby’s health on our Goodlife App.

Diet

You don’t need to follow a special diet during breastfeeding. Just eat a healthy diet which includes:

  • At least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. One portion is 80g of any fruit and vegetable but you need 5 portions for example, one portion of banana, one portion of spinach, one portion of carrots, one portion of mango and one portion of courgette! So you could spread your portions out across the day but It should make up to one-third of your diet a daily.
  • Starchy foods such as potatoes and rice should make up the other one-third of your diet.
  • Plenty of fibre which is found in your vegetables and fruit along with your starchy foods
  • Protein, such as chicken, lean meat and two portions of fish are recommended a week.
  • Dairy foods, such as milk, cheese and yoghurt
  • Drink plenty of fluids

Tip. Vegetables and fruit along with your starchy foods are your main food groups because this is where you will get the majority of your energy from. Think about the plate you have in front of you Every plate you have should have one third veg and fruit, one third starchy foods and the rest is filled with protein and dairy or dairy alternatives. But be mindful about the amount of calories and vitamins.

Nutrients

What nutrients you need as a mum:
A healthy balanced diet will provide all of the nutrients your body needs during breastfeeding. If you would like some advice, you could speak to a qualified nutritionist at one of our Goodlife stores and get a vitamin test all for free. Some of the nutrient requirements have additional amounts to make sure there is enough in your breastmilk for your baby whilst meeting your body requirements. You can do this by adding a bit more of the food sources below to your diet, or supplements are available from our Goodlife stores if your diet can’t meet the recommended requirements.

Water soluble Nutrients

Type of Nutrient What it does Recommended amounts: Recommended additional amounts Sources:
Thiamin (B1) Helps the development of the baby’s nervous system. 0.8 mg/d 0.2mg/d Whole grains, nuts, meat, fruit and vegetables
Riboflavin (B2) Release energy from food and important for heart health 1.1 mg/d 0.5 mg/d Mushrooms, milk, eggs, legumes and green vegetables.
Niacin (B3) Release energy from food and prevents pellagra 13 mg/d 2mg/d Meat, wheat, eggs, dairy products.
B12 Plays a role in the nervous system. 1.5 ug/d 0.5mg/d Meat, fish, cheese, eggs, milk
Folate Helps in healthy blood cell formation and role in nerves system. 200 ug/d 60 ug/d Green leafy vegetables, peas, bananas, oranges.
Vitamin C Protects cells from damage and aids Iron absorption. 40mg/d 30 mg/d Citrus fruits, berries, green leafy vegetables, peppers

Fat Soluble Vitamins

Type of Nutrient What it does Recommended amounts: Sources:
Vitamin A Eye health, cell growth and helps immune system. Diet should contain 350ug. Carrots, green leafy vegetables, dairy products, milk, mangoes and apricots
Vitamin K Normal blood clotting and bone structure. Safe intakes 1ug/kg/d Green leafy vegetables, dairy products and meat.
Vitamin E Protects cells from oxidative damage Safe intake is 3mg/d but depends on your calorie intake. Vegetable oils, nuts and seeds.

Supplements you want to include:

Vitamin D

The amount of vitamin D found in breast milk correlates with the diet. The diet can’t meet requirements so 10 ug/d is recommended. You can find an array of supplements at our Goodlife stores but if you are not sure which one to get, you are always welcome to ask for advice in one of our shops or online! We would be happy to help 😃

A few little tips and hints for breastfeeding:

  • Hydrate!
  • The baby’s suckling will stimulate your milk supply and the amount.
  • Learn a bit more about positioning and attachment by asking your nurse, midwife or doctor.
  • Learn your baby’s cues when he or she is hungry and getting enough milk.
  • Nursing pillows might make it more comfortable.
  • Wear comfortable breastfeeding clothes such as a poncho or a nursing bra could help.
  • Skin-to-skin contact will help the baby feel calm and warm.
  • Some supplements might help stimulate your milk supply.
  • Wear breast pads, this can stop your clothes becoming wet from breast milk.
  • Nipple cream for sore or itchy nipples.
  • Find the right type of breast pump for you. It could be manual or electric.
  • Don’t forget about the milk storage bag after using a breast pump. You can get different sizes or storage bottles.
  • Sterilize bottles and bottle teats! You can get sterilising fluid or tablets
  • Different size feeding bottles and teats.
  • Nipple shields or protectors.
  • You can find supplements, breast pads, nipple cream and breast pumps, milk storage bag , storage bottles, nipple shields, sterilising fluid or tablets at one of our Goodlife stores.

What are the benefits of breastfeeding for your baby?

  • It will help you and your baby bond.
  • There is a natural, satiety hormones in breast milk that will make your baby feel full, this is beneficial in the long term because it might reduce the risks of childhood obesity.
  • Breast feeding is the best and natural source of nutrients for the baby because it’s safe for their kidneys and digestive tract.
  • Protein is easy to digest from breastmilk.
  • Contains enzymes which could improve baby’s digestion.
  • It has inflammatory mediators that can help the baby fight infection as their immune system develops.
  • Breast milk also has an amino acid that helps develop the brain and retina.

What are the benefits of breastfeeding for mums?

  • It might help you lose weight.
  • It is a natural contraceptive for up to 6 months. If you continuously breastfeed.
  • Might reduce the risks of type 2 diabetes
  • Might reduce the risk of breast cancer.

What should you avoid during breastfeeding?

  • Smoking : reduces milk volume and your baby could die of sudden infant death syndrome
  • Illicit drugs : Will have the same harmful effects on the baby like it does on the mother.
  • Alcohol : can reduce the baby’s hunger and reduce the production of milk.
  • Caffeine : might make baby’s irritable.
  • Medicinal Drugs : Ask about possible side-affects that could occur during breastfeeding because some medicinal drugs are compatible but others not. You can ask a Goodlife pharmacist or ask for a doctor to come to one of our Goodlife stores for a consultation.

What about everyday personal care for Mum and Baby?
A gentle reminder for mums, try not to forget about your personal care routine. It might get very hectic once you have a little one and you might be new to motherhood! Remember to maintain your hygiene by

  • Cleaning your face and moisturize!
  • Washing your hair, body and clean your nails.
  • Brush your teeth.

Carry deodorant, lip balm, tissues and face wet wipes (and baby wipes) in your bag. These few essentials could be very useful! Not to mention a water bottle. Stay hydrated.

For your baby, you have to be careful of the products you use, as your baby’s skin is very sensitive! Products that are gentle for baby’s is important so they don’t have a allergic reaction.

A few essentials that you might like to get for your baby but make sure they are designed for baby’s!

  • Diapers
  • Nappy ointment
  • Baby shampoo
  • Baby bubble bath
  • Baby wet wipes
  • Baby moisturising lotion (used daily)
  • Baby powder.
  • Baby sun cream.

Topical products to prevent or treat:

  • Baby creams to helps treat eczema, rashes, cuts and grazes.
  • Baby jelly to prevent dry, itchy or rough skin.

Accessories:

  • Neck chew Bib.
  • Baby nose cleaner.

Others:

  • Baby mozzie repellent

You can find these products at one of our Goodlife stores. But it’s important to be advised by a pharm tech or beautician to avoid any allergic reactions from these topical products. It will also help you understand the different choices of products 😃

Kenya to get first batch of vaccines in next 45 Days

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Dr Tanya, an assistant professor in Paediatrics Infectious Disease at Mt Sinai and daughter of Prof Kama Rogo receives her Covid [Moderna] vaccine in New York City. [Courtesy]

The first shipments of the Covid-19 vaccine are expected to arrive in Kenya in the next 45 days.

Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said on Friday Kenya anticipates deliveries of the coronavirus vaccines to start at the end of this month or mid-next month as the country assess its range of vaccine options.

“We have ordered vaccines. We are hoping that the vaccines will be here by the end of January or up to the second week of February,” said Kagwe.

The Health CS further said Kenya had developed protocols that would guide how the jabs would be given and that frontline medical workers would be given priority.

Not compulsory

“We have a system to indicate who will be first to get the vaccines,” Kagwe said, further revealing that vaccination would not be compulsory.

The government intends to start the inoculations with the healthcare workers, police officers, teachers and students, Kagwe explained.

While no firm date of delivery for the tranche of vaccines was given, the news offers a glimmer of hope to a country brought to its knees by the ravaging respiratory disease as numbers of infections and deaths continue to rise.

Kagwe said the country was also in discussion with Synopharm in China in its quest to get vaccines.

“We are looking at all the other vaccines that have been approved within the World Health Organisation (WHO) so that we will not be relying only on one type of vaccine.”

The ideal thing to do, said Kagwe, would be to use several vaccines so that the efficacy chances would be higher.

Among the options that the Ministry of Health is considering is the AstraZeneca and Oxford University vaccine. Kenya, through the Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri), has been collaborating with Oxford and the vaccine trial is currently ongoing at the Kemri-Wellcome Trust Research Programme facility in Kilifi.

Just last week, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the UK approved the AstraZeneca vaccine for use in the UK.

Kenya has ordered 24 million doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, which is preferred over other approved vaccines, for its ease in distribution because it does not require special refrigerators.

Kenya is among 92 low and middle-income countries and economies that will be able to access Covid-19 vaccines through the Covax scheme, which is run under WHO.

The scheme guarantees developing nations an equal opportunity to access the vaccines regardless of income level. Through Covax, countries such as Kenya expect a share of at least 1.3 billion donor-funded doses of approved vaccines this year.

Covax has ordered 470 million doses of the Oxford vaccine, 500 million of the Janssen and 200 million of the Sanofi, according to a platform run by Duke University, which is tracking the orders for the vaccines.

Vaccinate programme

Kenya is seeking some 24 million doses through this programme to vaccinate about 20 per cent of the population. Kenya made its application to Covax on December 7.

Some countries in Africa such as Egypt have negotiated bilateral deals with vaccine manufacturers in China.

Egypt received the first batch of a Chinese coronavirus vaccine on December 10. The vaccine was developed by China National Pharmaceutical Group, Sinopharm.

Unicef, which is coordinating the delivery of the vaccines under Covax, is recruiting a consultant whose job will be, among others, assessing Kenya’s preparedness to handle the virus.

The consultant will review relevant documents, tools and materials on Covax vaccine, including the vaccine readiness assessment tool to understand the local context and preparations towards vaccine introduction.

Source : The Standard Media, Nairobi ,Kenya,  1/3/2021