Comedy night October 3rd

 Have we got a fun and funny night coming up for you! Saturday October 3rd at Rumor's Comedy Club, 2025 Corydon Avenue, Winnipeg. Tickets are $25 each. Get your tickets now! All proceeds to help cancer patients in Manitoba.

HPV and Cervical cancer screening in Manitoba

 Cervical cancer is NOT just a woman's issue! It can affect men too, as it can be passed through HPV infection and can cause penis cancer and cause genital warts in all genders.

In Manitoba cervical cancer testing is done through Cervix Check. https://www.cancercare.mb.ca/screening/info/cervix. All women are eligible for a screening test, called a pap test, every three years from age 21 to 69. A pap test involves the person lying down, a speculum inserted into the vagina to hold it open and a small swab is used to collect cells from the cervix. It is quick and painless, although it can sometimes be a little uncomfortable. Your family doctor can do this for you or you can go to the cancer screening clinic near you. In Winnipeg there are at least 10 clinics and there are many more throughout the province. Simply enter your postal code on the screening clinic website to find a facility near you. No referral is necessary.

An abnormal pap test is not cause for alarm. The next step is either to wait and repeat the test in a few months or to have a biopsy, called a colposcopy, taken. Most commonly an abnormal pap test is due to inflammation, infection or minor non-cancerous changes. If it happens to be cancer the next steps would involve removing it, beginning with a minor procedure in a doctors office and graduating up to a total hysterectomy, depending on stage. It is not necessary for women aged 70 and over to be screened as cervical cancer develops slowly and at this age, the risk is very low as long as previous pap smears were normal.

Many abnormal changes in the cervix, including most cervical cancer is due to Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infections. HPV is transmitted through sexual contact and Manitoba Health provides free vaccination to both males and females beginning at age 12. It is important to be vaccinated before first sexual activity for better protection, although it can be given later as well. Being vaccinated can prevent cancer! It's important for parents to realize that their children will eventually become sexually active and helping protect them from cancer is a gift. As the new school year is starting, another new cohort of students will become eligible for the HPV vaccine. https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/diseases/hpv.html

Thank you

 Not long ago we received a heartfelt response from a woman to whom we provided some financial assistance. She wrote:

1. How did Cancer Crossing’s support make a difference to you?

a. The funds provided by Cancer Crossing allowed me to breathe just a little

easier for a few weeks. I really appreciated the funds provided in the tough

times I was in and currently in. Every little amount has helped.

2. What advice would you give to a newly diagnosed patient?

a. To provide advice to a newly diagnosed patient is difficult. As many handle

the news so differently and they have to learn to digest / accept the

diagnoses.

Personally, I would not have advice as I would be in a position to listen to

understand, if the patient wanted / needed to talk. Listening to understand,

rather than to respond makes a difference for me and hopefully the newly

diagnosed patient.

3. What surprised you the most about your cancer journey?

a. My biggest surprise is that the friends I have who we consider family, have

been too busy to visit, to call, to facetime, text, check in, etc. Understandably

life continues for those who aren’t in the position I am in, however not

showing up in some form has been a huge surprise for me. We were in each

other’s lives daily, checking in, always doing something with them for 25+

years, 10+ years. To go from that, to absolutely nothing. Huge surprise and

HUGE disappointment. Thankfully, my partner (of eight years) and a former

colleague (of three years) have been a constant in my life. They have been

authentic / genuine with their support, kindness and patience, definitely not

forced. Can’t say the same for others. Thankfully, that I do have a support.

Young woman with colon cancer

 Recently we were told of a young patient with colon cancer. She unfortunately has a genetic cancer, which is aggressive. There is nothing she could do to prevent this except what she had been doing - have regular colonoscopies. Fortunately she was able to have surgery in just two weeks and is now undergoing chemotherapy. She is feeling positive about her recovery and is ready to soon say that she is cancer free! The problem is that she had been unemployed for less than two months at time of diagnosis and has been unable to job hunt while she undergoes treatment. This is where Cancer Crossing has been privileged to step in to provide some help. Our small contribution is helping her to focus on her health. We rely on people like you to donate so that we can help others. Please go to http://www.cancercrossing.org/. Tax deductible receipts are provided.

Interlake man

 Recently Cancer Crossing was asked to assist at retired gentleman from the Interlake area. He has head and neck cancer and must travel to Winnipeg for treatment. This involves 35 trips from his home, north of Gimli, which puts a lot of pressure on his retirement income. His wife is also on CPP and OAS and yet must continue to work part time in order to help make ends meet. Besides the burden of finances, he is receiving radiation and chemotherapy at the same time, which is taking a physical toll. Luckily his cancer social worker reached out and we were able to provide some financial relief as long as our best wishes for a return to full health.

Please help your fellow Manitobans in need by donating at https://cancercrossing.com/ We are a registered charity, tax deductible receipts are provided.

LAST CHANCE!

 The big lobster dinner fundraiser is tomorrow! It's your last chance to buy tickets NOW.

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/cancer-crossing-inc/events/lobster-reloaded/

8 Days til the lobster dinner

 EIGHT DAYS until our lobster dinner fundraiser. Buy your tickets now before we are sold out!

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/cancer-crossing-inc/events/lobster-reloaded/