Anthony Kvaternik’s Post

📊 Did you know that 1 in 8 men in the UK will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, and globally, more than 1.4 million men were diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2020? It’s one of the key health challenges facing men today, alongside mental health and social isolation. In recognition of International Men's Day yesterday, Jennifer Barry, Senior Consultant at Delta Capita shares insights on the importance of men’s health and how organisations can foster a supportive environment. 💬 How is your organisation addressing men’s health and well-being? 🔗 Read more here: https://lnkd.in/e8ynszzD #MensHealth #InternationalMensDay #ProstateCancerAwareness #Reinventing #DEI #Movember

Brilliant article and insightful report led by Dr Seidler. The importance of expert generalists (us GPs!) and long term relationships as the basis of quality care. "Dr Zac Seidler, the co-lead author of the report and the global director of research at Movember, says that some of the most common preventable causes of death among men, such as coronary heart disease, lung cancer and stroke, “all require an ongoing relationship with the health system”. The report says that women’s relationship with the health system is often established earlier due to their reproductive and sexual health needs, such as getting a prescription for birth control in adolescence, and remains ongoing because women suffer from higher rates of non-fatal illnesses throughout their lives. Men, by contrast, are less likely to have a trusting relationship with a health professional, and as a result, miss out on the health literacy (knowing when, where and how to get help) and preventive health advice that comes with that relationship, the report says. Seidler emphasises the importance of the “door handle response” where often a patient will come in to see a health professional about one issue but will mention another important issue or symptom as they are about to leave."

Cancer Survivor and now what? What does it mean to be a cancer survivor? Are there cultural differences in how we deal with the topic? Is it affordable to survive cancer? How important is it to have an electronic patient record (#EPD)? The article in the #NZZ successfully elucidates the complexities of cancer, extending beyond just tumor treatment. While American culture fosters a community to address post-treatment physical, mental, and emotional challenges, we in Switzerland have the advantage of accessible healthcare that does not yet depend on income. However, our healthcare discussions often focus on cost and efficiency, neglecting the patient-centered approach taken by practitioners. The article highlights the importance of electronic patient records, which are not just about cost-saving but about giving patients the right to their health data. Patients need solutions that help them monitor their #health status. #cancersurvivor #EPD #Healthcare

Embracing Strength and Courage: Alexandra Trudnowski's Breast Cancer Journey🌸 In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month (Pink Month), we are deeply moved by her inspiring story of resilience and openness in facing breast cancer. Alexandra navigated this challenging journey with remarkable courage and shares her experience to offer hope and encouragement to others. 🎇 A cancer diagnosis is a life-altering moment, and Alexandra’s testimony reminds us of the power of support — whether from loved ones, friends, or colleagues. She highlights the importance of having the right medical team, seeking second opinions, and deciding how to communicate openly about one’s condition. Her message is clear: no one should feel ashamed or need to hide their illness. We are committed to support our people in every circumstance. Alexandra benefited from flexible working arrangements, mental health resources, and initiatives like our Mental Health First Aiders and PME Family Service, which empower employees to prioritize well-being while staying connected to their work. We believe that a good employer supports every path, whether it's stepping back to focus on health or continuing to stay engaged at work. 💡 Alexandra's openness has not only aided her healing but also sparked important conversations about how employers can make a difference during times of personal health challenges. Her efforts extend beyond her role at dentsu, including her work on the Healthcare Frauen e.V. advisory board, where she contributes to resources for navigating cancer as a leader. 👏 Her advice to those facing health struggles is both heartfelt and practical:  - Take care of yourself first; you are your most important partner.  - Avoid people and situations that don’t promote healing.  - Move forward one step at a time.  - Engage in activities that bring you joy as often as possible.    We are proud to have leaders like Alexandra who embody strength and share their journeys to help others. Let’s continue to support each other, raise awareness, and create a workplace where everyone feels empowered to be open and receive the support they need. 💫 dentsu health #dentsu #dentsuHealth #BreastCancerAwareness #PinkMonth #MentalHealthMatters #EmployeeWellbeing

Once upon a time in my young adult days, I contemplated moving to the United States to study and work…well it did not pan out that way…30 years later I now live and work in Sweden. Life being a succession of sliding doors I sometimes reflect on the ‘what if’. My friends say ‘you hit it right: high quality of life and universal healthcare coverage’…wait a minute…UNIVERSAL healthcare coverage: REALLY? Not so sure. Very recently I came across these two articles from Dagens Nyheter, the largest Swedish daily publishing. They read like this a) Sweden tops EU number of osteoporotic fracture and b) women above 75 years old don’t have access to breast cancer screening. Healthcare catering the needs of elderly women seems to be often down prioritized for economic reasons. So back then to the question: Swedish universal healthcare coverage? It very much depends on who you are and who you ask… #breastcancer #diversityandinclusion #osteoporosis #ethics https://lnkd.in/dGffBxMx https://lnkd.in/dT3A4kDN

Since 2003, Movember has built a global men’s health movement, funding more than 1,320 projects around the world, challenging the status quo, shaking up men’s health research and transforming the way health services reach and support men. We’ve taken on three of the biggest health issues affecting men: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. Here are 10 men’s health projects made possible, thanks to our amazing Mo community. Supporting mental fitness in young athletes New prostate cancer therapy is ‘safe and effective’ Scaling promising mental health projects Boosting peer support for men with testicular cancer Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men. Our Nuts & Bolts digital resource has been designed to provide user-friendly information and peer-to-peer support for men with testicular cancer following their diagnosis, during and after treatment. Helping friends and family to support each other MovemberSpeakEasy facilitated workshops aim to normalise everyday challenges and encourage everyone to be more open, especially when they are going through a tough time. Designed with men in mind, the 90-minute workshops build skills that foster better social connection and help friends and family to support each other. Preventing disease progression in prostate cancer The world’s first online training program for therapists Supporting sexual health in prostate cancer care TIGER Trial reaches full recruitment Personalised active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer A new Movember-funded program is aiming to develop a personalised risk-adjusted approach for men with low-risk prostate cancer so their disease can be safely monitored and spare them from unnecessary tests and treatments. https://lnkd.in/fBzXSSt The Movember inspired A- Z of Men’s Health blogs for the 2023 and 2024 campaigns are available for view at www. https://lnkd.in/ghY6bMF2 #movember #Mo-Bros #menshealth #ama #amaq #mensmentalhealth #prostatecancer #testicularcancer #suicideprevention #suicideawareness #suicide #depressionawareness #move

"#No One Should Face Breast Cancer Alone: A Call for Comprehensive Support" World Breast Cancer Day 2024 emphasizes that "No one should face breast cancer alone." This theme highlights the need for holistic, patient-centered care that addresses medical, emotional, psychological, and social support while tackling gender and socioeconomic disparities in access to treatment. #The Importance of Patient-Centered Care #Holistic Support Medical Care: Timely diagnosis and effective treatments are crucial for improving patient outcomes. Emotional Support: Counselling and support groups can help patients manage fear and anxiety. #Psychological Well-being Mental Health Services: Professional support is essential for coping with the emotional challenges of a cancer diagnosis. Mindfulness Programs: These can empower patients to manage stress and maintain resilience. #Social Connections Community Support: Involvement in local organizations fosters belonging and reduces isolation. Patient Advocacy Groups: These provide vital resources and promote better care through collective efforts. #Addressing Inequalities in Access to Care Gender Disparities Women in underserved communities often face barriers to quality care, making it essential to address these issues. #Socioeconomic Factors Financial Assistance: Providing resources can help alleviate the costs associated with treatment. Access and Transportation: Solutions like telehealth and transportation services are vital for ensuring patients can reach care. #Education and Awareness Raising awareness about breast cancer and available resources empowers individuals to seek help, especially in marginalized communities. World Breast Cancer Day 2024 reminds us that no one should navigate breast cancer alone. By fostering a comprehensive support system and addressing disparities in care, we can ensure that every individual receives the support they need and deserve. Together, we can make a meaningful difference. #JVEdtechMedovation #DrJyotiDongreRao #MarilynOlivera #SahilChoure #SajinSantosh #AbdulSheikh #VishakhaSaraogi #SavitaManvel

When we hear 'Breast Cancer' it is a shattering experience. #Awareness regarding breast cancer and ways of detecting it early are the key features for emphasis. Today along with awareness one extra step that the #theme, 'No One Should Face Breast Cancer alone' is support. Let's not just be passionate about raising awareness but be there for those around being diagnosed with Breast cancer. Support enables and empowers to face the situation courageously. #BreastCancerAwareness #EarlyDetection #SupportToAll

Thank God it’s (Fibroid) Friday! This week’s #FibroidFriday topics explore breakthroughs in research that could benefit ALL women, but especially those with fibroids. If this is your first Fibroid Friday, welcome! Fibroid Fridays are presented in partnership between the Fibroid Foundation and Mayo Clinic to bring information about fibroid research to those who need it most - women with fibroids! Which topic interests you the most this week? -DoD Commits $500 Million for Women's Health Research, Supports Better Care for All Women The Department of Defense (DoD) is taking major steps to address women's health disparities for service members, veterans, and their families. This includes a commitment to spend $500 million annually on women's health research, focusing on conditions that uniquely or disproportionately affect women, such as fibroids, autoimmune diseases, and cancers. Starting October 2024, a new research policy will ensure that women's health is prioritized throughout all research stages, emphasizing sex as a biological variable. This aims to improve the understanding of health conditions that impact men and women differently. The DoD is also working with small businesses to promote innovation in women’s health through the SBIR and STTR programs and collaborating with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to enhance women’s healthcare, benefiting over 2 million women in the military community. Full Text: https://lnkd.in/e23aHSNb -Younger Patients Have More Regrets About Hysterectomy A recent study found that patients under 30 who had a hysterectomy experienced significantly higher regret compared to those over 30. Among the younger group, 32.5% regretted the surgery, and 39% regretted the loss of fertility, versus 9.1% and 13.4% in the older group. Younger patients were more likely to undergo the procedure for pelvic pain and required more follow-up surgeries. The study emphasizes the need for thorough counseling for younger patients, considering the risks of persistent pain and surgical regret. -Full Text: https://lnkd.in/eAZk6W7P -Drinking Soda Might Make Period Cramps Worse. Here’s Why A new study suggests that soda consumption may increase menstrual cramps by 24%, particularly among women in rural areas, where the odds rise to over 40%. Experts believe caffeine and sugar in soda may cause vasoconstriction and inflammation, leading to more severe period pain. Interestingly, coffee was found to reduce the likelihood of cramps by 55%. While further research is needed, these findings highlight the potential role of dietary choices in managing period discomfort. If cramps persist or disrupt daily life, it's advised to consult a healthcare provider. Full text: https://lnkd.in/eFiWv-FM

→ While community is invaluable, particularly in navigating #breasthealth, it can also be life-threatening. We still encounter cases where patients come in for breast procedures, such as breast conservation surgery, only for family dynamics to complicate the process. In one instance, elders arrived and declared, “We’ve decided as a clan,” implying they had already determined the appropriate treatment. A decision that went against the patient’s desire for breast conservation. Her voice was effectively silenced because the family was paying for the treatment, leaving her with no agency in her own healthcare decisions. In another situation, children insisted their aging mother undergo #chemotherapy without revealing her #breastcancer diagnosis. They intended to protect her from stress, but shielding patients from the reality of their condition denies them the right to make informed decisions about their health. Our sense of community is often our strength in African culture. However, this strength can become maladaptive when ' collectivism', decisions made by the community override the patient’s agency, leading to outcomes that may not align with the patient’s needs or wishes. This highlights the challenges breast cancer patients face when it comes to navigating health decisions within family dynamics. In African culture, family involvement is often crucial in deciding when to schedule screenings or how to handle a diagnosis. However, there are challenges: 🔹 Overstepping Boundaries: Family members may offer unsolicited advice or push their own opinions about breast cancer treatment, leading to tension or overwhelming the patient. 🔹 Emotional Strain: The emotional burden of a loved one’s health journey can weigh heavily on the entire family, sometimes causing burnout. 🔹 Cultural Taboos: In some communities, discussing breast health is still considered taboo, making it difficult for family members to engage in open and supportive conversations. → So YES, family decision-making is important; even more, is striking a balance with professional guidance. Remember, your health journey is uniquely yours. Integrate family support, but don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion if something doesn’t feel right. This will help us achieve better health outcomes and empower women to take charge of their health. #KeepingAbreastWithDrMiriam #StuffIdTellMySister #BreastCancerAwareness #BreastHealth #YourHealthMatters