Voice Cancer – Eye Care and Health Blogs

Best Preparatory Tips to Get You Ready For Laser Eye Surgery

September 19, 2022

by Maryann B. Zink Laser Eye Surgery

People get anxious and scared as the date of their laser eye surgery approaches. And that’s okay. It is typical for patients to cloud their minds with many assumptions concerning how they will have a problem-free session during laser eye surgery.

Indeed, the thought that a surgeon would make an incision in your eyes can wreck your nerve, causing you to experience mental stress before surgery. You don’t have to panic, no matter the stage or level of your vision imperfection. Instead, what’s most important for you is to ensure you make proper preparation to prevent poor performance.

Before enrolling for laser eye surgery, it is essential to research what is expected of you and your surgeon. More so, your research will give you foreknowledge and put you at ease as you patiently wait for the date to come.

Additionally, adequate preparation will help you have a smooth surgery session. It also contributes significantly to the overall outcome of the procedure. From experience, surgeons prefer working with a patient who knows what to do and has kept all the rules before entering the surgery center.

To help you have a successful laser eye surgery, here are the things you need to do in preparation for the surgery.

Things to Do When Preparing For Laser Eye Surgery

1. Make sure you are a good candidate

For the records, laser eye surgery is not for everyone. There are a few criteria that determine whether you will be eligible or not. You need to visit an optometrist for proper examination and recommendation to know your eligibility.

Ideally, a complete evaluation of your eyes will involve a series of tests for vision and prescription testing, corneal thickness and mapping, eye pressure and pupil dilation, and more. At first, you may find loads of tests somewhat intimidating. But, if you work with an experienced ophthalmologist, the tests are easy and painless.

Before an optometrist recommends laser eye surgery, you must have gone for a consultation. The professional will examine your eyes to know your overall health condition. In case of deficiencies, he would administer adequate treatment until you are fit for the surgery.

When your health is confirmed perfect, the optometrist will then recommend you for an expert ophthalmologist who performs the surgery. Before you can have the surgery, you must have ticked all the following standards:

You must be above 18 years old
You must not have an eye infection
You must not be pregnant or breastfeeding
You must have thick corneas
Your prescription range must be stable

If you comply with the above criteria, you are good t proceed with laser eye surgery.

2. Expose your medical history

Before your doctor recommends you for laser eye surgery, he would have invited you over for a serious discussion. During the interview, you must be sure to provide all information about your medical history, whether it seems necessary or not. Visit http://2020voicecancer.org/most-faqs-about-laser-eye-surgery-for-first-timers/ to read about Most FAQs about Laser Eye Surgery for First-timers.

Your doctor needs to know everything about what you have been through medically, even from childbirth. However, he has been there with you. So, you will do well for yourself by helping your doctor with every detail. There is nothing like excess information when answering your doctor’s questions. You must be truthful with your answers and provide evidence and reports on request.

Tell your doctor about any medication you regularly take, legally or illegally. If you also have some allergies, it is better to expose everything. In all, ensure you feed your doctor with adequate information to make him know everything about your medical history. That way, you are preparing to have an effective laser eye surgery.

3. Stop wearing makeup

When your laser eye surgery date remains about two or three weeks, you may have to stop wearing makeup. The aim is to keep your eyes area clean and debris free. Meanwhile, makeup contains some substances that may be harmful to the eyes. So, you may have to stay away from it when the surgery date approaches.

Before you go for laser eye surgery, wash your face thoroughly but gently to ensure there are no traces of makeup left over on your face. Your doctor will advise you on the exact date you need to start going natural and teach you what to do to make yourself look attractive when going out without makeup.

4. Stop wearing contact lenses

Suppose you have been wearing contact lenses to correct your vision. In that case, t is best that you switch to eyeglasses at least one week before laser eye surgery. You may stop wearing hard lenses four weeks before the surgery if you wear them. The reason is that contact lenses can alter the shape of your cornea. Since contact lenses are worn close to the eyes, it may cause inaccurate measurements making the surgery less effective.

Suppose you must stop wearing your contact lenses about a month before the surgery. In that case, eyeglasses can be your best option to enjoy corrected vision before surgery.

5. Keep your face away from creams and lotions

About a week before laser eye surgery, stop applying creams and lotion on your face. In a nutshell, keep away from moisturizers and other substances that can make your face feel glossy. Besides, facial treatments can cause infection when they come in contact with your eyes.

6. Get comfortable clothes for the day

You cannot afford to wear something that would make you uncomfortable for laser eye surgery. Though the process takes less than 30 minutes, you still need to wear clothes that can make you warm as the laser technology operates at a lower temperature. Before the surgery date, you may have to select the actual cloth you are wearing to the surgery center. You can read more about Eyes – laser eye surgery by clicking here.

Finally

It is essential to rest for several hours before laser eye surgery. The best way to achieve a good rest is to keep off your electronic devices like mobile phones, computers, television, and more. You can also download some podcasts on your favorite topics or other materials that can entertain you and listen for long hours. It is also good to contact your surgeon during your preparatory period for a professional guide.

Most FAQs about Laser Eye Surgery for First-timers

September 19, 2022

by Maryann B. Zink Uncategorized

If your doctor has recommended you for laser eye surgery, there’s nothing to worry about. Ideally, your ophthalmologist should have given you a hint of what the procedure is all about. But we’ve got you covered if you still have a few questions unanswered.

This article will provide comprehensive information about laser eye surgery. It’s a compilation of different questions people have asked from top professional laser surgeons across the globe. Indeed, we are sure you will find answers to every question you are about to ask and know what you should expect before, during and after the surgery.

Most Frequently Asked Questions about Laser Eye Surgery

1. What is laser eye surgery?

Best laser eye surgery remains a refractive surgery that corrects different levels of vision impediments. The procedure includes using a laser to reshape the cornea to enable the eyes to focus more light on the retina. Laser eye surgery is arguably the most commonly practised eye surgery across the globe, having been done for millions of people worldwide.

The procedure is the perfect alternative to eyeglasses and contact lenses. It gives people the sharpest and brightest vision possible.

1. Is laser eye surgery painful?

No! Laser eye surgery is a pain-free procedure. Though it is possible for patients to feel slight discomfort when the doctor makes an incision in their eyes, all of that will disappear after the surgery.

Before the surgery, your surgeon would have administered some anaesthetic eye drops to make you feel more relaxed and less nervous. Meanwhile, the level of discomfort a patient would experience depends on the type of surgery performed. However, you will experience a shared vision afterwards.

3. How long does it take to have laser eye surgery?

Laser eye surgery is a superfast procedure. Though the incision and reshaping of the cornea take only a few seconds, you are expected to complete the entire surgery in less than 30 minutes. However, you may stay longer in the session depending on your prescription’s complexity and your surgeon’s professionalism. Click here to read about Laser eye surgery enhancement procedures.

4. How soon can I get my result?

You will experience improved vision within 24 hours after laser eye surgery. But, you would have to wait until your vision recovers completely before getting your desired perfect vision. Mind you; the recovery period may take up to 3-6 months depending on how consistent you are with your post-surgery medications

Typically, your surgeon will give you some drugs to administer for quick recovery and prescribe dosage and timing. Once you can adhere to your surgeon’s instructions, you can be sure of rapid healing.

5. What’s the cost of laser eye surgery?

No doubt, laser eye surgery can be relatively expensive. Experts would charge up to $2000 per eye. But recently, laser eye surgery has become affordable due to the increasing technological advancements.

6. Can I swim after laser eye surgery?

Yes! You can go swimming after having laser eye surgery. But, you must leave at least 2-3 weeks to allow your eyes to heal perfectly before exposing them to water. Exposing your eyes to water early after laser eye surgery may result in eye infections. Most importantly, you must discuss the issue of swimming with your eye care provider to know when you can resume activities involving water.

7. Is success guaranteed after laser eye surgery?

Laser eye surgery is super effective. Indeed, ophthalmologists are confident when recommending the procedure to patients, knowing its efficacies. LASIK and LASEK are significant types of laser eye surgery with the highest success rate in history.

Millions of people enrol for laser eye surgery and give reviews on how they have enjoyed the best vision of their lives after the surgery. If your surgeon has asked you to do laser eye surgery, we can assure you of excellent results without regret.

8. How long can the effects of laser eye surgery last?

The results of laser eye surgery can last for life. All things being equal, the surgery is once in a lifetime. Once your vision becomes perfect, you can enjoy a life full of bright vision till old age. However, some patients might experience less improved vision after laser eye surgery, and that may call for the need for a secondary procedure.

Your surgeon will have to wait for six months, study your recovery process and suggest if there’s going to be another surgery to make things perfect.

At old age, we may experience some natural age-related changes that may weaken our sight. Nevertheless, that doesn’t nullify the long-lasting efficiencies of laser eye surgery.

9. Can my surgeon treat both eyes at the same time?

During laser eye surgery, surgeons only treat one eye at a time. But, if both eyes suffer from vision impediments, they can be treated on the same day, not at the same time.

10. Can laser eye surgery heal astigmatism?

Aside from near and farsightedness, laser eye surgery is the ideal corrective measure for people with different levels of astigmatism. Though, treating astigmatism can be somewhat challenging. But, if you approach an experienced surgeon, you will have a tension-free session and achieve an improved vision in no time.

11. Is laser eye surgery suitable for athletes?

Yes! Laser eye surgery is the best corrective measure for athletes with poor sight. The reason is that athletes aren’t comfortable running around the pitch with eyeglasses or contact lenses. More so, eyewear makes athletes drop in terms of performance. You don’t have to endure the discomfort and recurring expenses arising from frequent repairs, replacements and maintenance. Laser eye surgery can help fix your vision permanently.

In Conclusion

You can get the best from laser eye surgery if you understand the purpose and efficiency. We hope the above answers address your questions and give you clarity on the surgery. You may also visit your eye caregiver for questioning and examination to know your eligibility for the procedure. An expert optometrist better decides to have laser eye surgery. You can also read about Everything You Should Know About Laser Eye Surgery by visiting http://2020voicecancer.org/everything-you-should-know-about-laser-eye-surgery/

Everything You Should Know About Laser Eye Surgery

September 19, 2022

by Maryann B. Zink Uncategorized

Laser eye surgery sydney is becoming the most commonly recommended for people with different vision problems. It has gained more popularity for its incredible efficiency in restoring impaired vision. In most cases, laser eye surgery gives patients perfect vision, far better than what they have ever experienced in the past.

Meanwhile, laser eye surgery is not the only corrective procedure for solving vision problems. A few more options can help you see clearer visions in the medical world today. And they follow a similar process.

People have heard about or seen different refractive surgeries, which is why many mistake lasers for other options. While some use laser eye surgery interchangeably with LASIK surgery, others think laser and LASIK are of different types or kinds.

Do you also know what laser eye surgery means? Or can you separate it from other refractive surgeries? This article will clear all your doubts. You must understand laser surgery and other options to decide when your ophthalmologist recommends it.

What Is Laser Eye Surgery?

Laser eye surgery involves using lasers to reshape the impaired eye’s surface (the cornea) to help you have a sharper and clearer focus. Laser eye surgery is perfect for correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and other severe eye problems. You can also read about Best Preparatory Tips to Get You Ready For Laser Eye Surgery by visiting http://2020voicecancer.org/best-preparatory-tips-to-get-you-ready-for-laser-eye-surgery/

Laser eye surgery is a lasting solution for people relying on eyeglasses and contact lenses for a long time. Though some people may still have to use eyeglasses for a short while after the surgery based on the doctor’s prescription, the procedure may give you sharp vision within the first 24 hours.

Who Can Undergo Laser Eye Surgery?

Laser eye surgery is correct for people above 18 years. Suppose you are a few days to 18 years when you are diagnosed. In that case, he will advise you to opt for other corrective measures like eyeglasses or contact lenses pending the time you are over 18 years before enrolling you for the procedure.

Aside from the age factor, a few other factors may qualify you for laser eye surgery. To be eligible, you must:

Be healthy
Have thick corneas
Not be on medications
Have not had any change in your prescription for the past year
Not be pregnant or breastfeeding a baby
Not have severe eye infections like dry eyes and others.

Laser Eye Surgery Vs Lasik Eye Surgery

Laser eye surgery is not different from LASIK. LASIK is a kind of laser surgery. If you still doubt, the acronym’s meaning will give you more insight. LASIK stands for Laser-assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. So, if you have been taking a laser for LASIK, you may not be wrong. After all, LASIK is a laser-assisted procedure

For the records, there are three types of laser eye surgery. The list below explains each in detail.

The 3 Major Types of Laser Eye Surgery

LASIK – this procedure involves using two lasers. One helps to open a thin flap in the cornea’s surface, while the other is used to reshape the cornea beneath. The surgeon will then have to smoothen the protective flap until it stays in place without stitches. LASIK is the most expensive among the three types. It is also the most commonly performed laser procedure out of other options available. Based on research and success stories, LASIK heals faster than other types of laser procedures.
SMILE – this procedure involves reshaping the affected cornea through a small, self-sealing hole. During this laser surgery, the ophthalmologist has nothing much to do. A SMILE patient is also expected to have a clearer vision within 24 hours if done adequately with professional hands.
Surface Laser treatments – there are a few kinds of laser eye surgery in this category. They include PRK, TransPRK and LASEK. During these laser procedures, the surgeon removes the clear skin covering the cornea’s surface. That will allow the surgeon to use the laser to reshape the cornea. After the procedure, the surgeon does nothing to replace the skin. Why? The skins would grow back naturally in a few days.

The above types of laser eye surgery serve almost the same purpose and bring similar results. Despite this, there are a few criteria that qualify you for each of the options. Your ophthalmologist will decide the kind of laser eye surgery most suitable for you after a detailed examination of your entire body. You can also read more about Laser eye surgery by clicking here.

What are the benefits of undergoing laser eye surgery?

The most attractive benefit of laser eye surgery is the permanent solution it gives people with severe vision impediments. After a laser procedure, you don’t have any reason to rely on any eyewear, such as eyeglasses and contact lenses.

Other benefits you can get from undergoing laser eye surgery include:

Sound sleep – people using eyeglasses or contact lenses mostly have issues at bedtime. The pain and stress of removing the contact before sleeping is enough to spoil the night if much care is not taken. At the same time, sleeping with eyeglasses will limit your flexibility on the mattress and restrict you to a boring sleeping position all night.
Better performance at work – laser eye surgery makes you more efficient, unlike wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses. It makes you feel lighter and more flexible.
Ability to drive at night – eye infections can cause night blindness or make you resist exposure to light while driving at night. Laser eye surgery corrects your cornea and allows you to drive at night without hindrances.

Are there any risks involved?

Though laser eye surgery is meant to correct your vision impediments, there can also be a few complications after the surgery. They may include:

Eye infections such as ocular herpes or keratitis.
Cataracts
Glaucoma
Large pupils
Dry eyes
Double vision
Glare

Most of the above-listed symptoms are expected to surface a few moments after the surgery. Still, they should automatically disappear after a few days. Meanwhile, it is important to continue visiting your eye care provider for professional advice on what to do and avoid to make the healing process faster.

In Conclusion

Laser eye surgery is one of the most beneficial eye surgery that gives a permanent remedy to vision problems. Opting for the procedure you desire is an excellent idea to experience the best vision possible. Meanwhile, it is advisable to first have routines of body examination with your doctor and allow the professional to recommend the best type of laser eye surgery suitable for you.

Cancer & Alcoholism

December 12, 2019

by Maryann B. Zink Cancer Fact File

Not the nicest topic I’ll grant you but nevertheless an important subject that we need to deal with. Cancer is an exceedingly stressful condition and I’m a great believer that stress/chronic stress is the biggest killer of all, regardless of what the anti-smoking nutters say or the ‘lifestyle guru’s’ profess to know! Without even trying these two factions cause people more stress than they realize – though they would never admit it. They are simply another case of the ‘do-gooders’ doing badder! Clint Eastwood has just celebrated his 88th birthday but according to the anti-tobacco & anti-alcohol mobsters, he should have had the decency to depart this world 20/30yrs ago!

We all like a drink at some time or other and the majority of us have a pint or two at the weekend or at family functions etc; ie, we drink in moderation mostly. However, lack of moderation causes its own problems, such as depression, low self-esteem, worthlessness, etc resulting, more often than not, in imbibing more and more so as to blot out the realities of life and its hardships. And, strangely enough, it works in the reverse order too!

If you remember from one of our first posts, smoking & alcohol, although contributory factors ARE NOT the main causes of oral/throat cancers. “Yes they are” I hear you yelling at me, but the truth is that the HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) is the main culprit and that virus is passed on from human to human via sexual activity mainly. The American University found that 65% of oral/throat cancers were caused by the HVP, 21% from alcohol abuse, 12% from smoking/chewing tobacco & 2% unknown/unaccountable. The strange thing is that there is no determination of ‘alcohol abuse! Does that mean 1pt of beer per day or is that 10pts per day? Is it 1 glass of wine per day or is it a bottle of wine with every evening meal?

Did you know that the ‘medical genius’ who determined how many units per day we could safely drink used no scientific formula, no tests, no mathematical equations whatsoever: he simply stated that (eg) 4 units per day for men & 2 units per day were the safe level! Some science that is – and I can tell you now that I have since seen the following sign in hospitals:- Beware-There is NO safe level of alcohol. The same route as the SHS brigade and absolute hogwash of course, but then it is their intention to use the fear factor in all matter prohibition. With smokers/smoking they got away with it but with 95% of the population enjoying a drink at some time or other ‘they’ have no chance of following the smoking route with alcohol etc.

We have been sent a very in-depth piece by a gentleman by the name of Mr Paul Bailey who knows what he is talking about, being an ex-alcoholic himself. It highlights the immense dangers of alcoholism and I do advise people to read this and take note of what can become of them.

Guide to Alcohol and Cancer. A matter-of-fact guide by Paul from “Rehab 4 Alcoholism” explaining the cancer risks associated with drinking alcohol. See more at:

http://www.rehab4alcoholism.com/article/47/ultimate-guide-to-alcohol-and-cancer

I think the important thing to remember is that this view from an ex-alcoholic is simply another pointer for you all to consider. We all now know that cancer is nothing but a lottery, some will & some won’t but this is just another step in the right direction of possible avoidance.

Must Read:

Best Preparatory Tips to Get You Ready For Laser Eye Surgery

Everything You Should Know About Laser Eye Surgery

Most FAQs about Laser Eye Surgery for First-timers

Tonsil Cancers

December 3, 2019

by Maryann B. Zink Cancer Fact File

What is tonsil cancer?

Tonsil cancer is cancer that occurs in one of the three types of tonsils of the throat.

palatine tonsils (most common) which are located on either side of the throat
pharyngeal tonsils (also called adenoids), which sit behind the nasal cavity
lingual tonsils, which are at the back of the tongue.

always check yourself out, viz… (small torch & mirror make it easy)

The back third of your tongue
The soft area at the back of the roof of the mouth (the soft palate)
The tonsils and two ridges of tissue in front of and behind the tonsils
The back wall of your throat

Most tonsil cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, which we have previously mentioned, although it is possible for lymphoma (a type of immune system cancer) to develop in the tonsils. As with most throat cancers, it has been found that the human papilloma virus (HPV), the commonest cause being oral sex, is the single most causation. the combination of smoking and alcohol use yields an even greater risk than using either substance alone. Smoking is a common risk factor for squamous cell carcinomas of the tonsils as is alcohol:

Symptoms of tonsil cancer include a sore at the back of the throat that does not heal or one tonsil that is bigger than the other. It may or may not be painful. Tonsil cancer is known to cause bleeding, bad breath, or altered taste. Larger cancers can interfere with eating, talking, or breathing, and may make it difficult to open the mouth. Lumps on the side of the neck have also been noted.

How far your cancer has grown into local tissues
Whether it has spread to nearby lymph glands
Whether it has spread to any other part of the body – this is called staging cancer. Your doctor will be able to tell you more about which treatment is best for you once your cancer has been staged.

Radiation therapy or surgery can be effective in treating early tonsil cancer, and chemotherapy can be effective in treating more advanced tonsil cancer. Following surgery to remove cancerous tissue, reconstructive surgery can help restore structures that have been removed and rehabilitation can help you relearn how to eat, swallow or talk if needed.

Some complications of tonsil cancer can be serious. Seek immediate medical care (call 999) for serious symptoms, such as uncontrolled or heavy bleeding or respiratory or breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, labored breathing, wheezing, not breathing, or choking. You have the best chance of curing tonsil cancer if you catch it early.

Seek prompt medical care if you have bleeding in the throat, notice sores or lumps in the back of the throat, have difficulty eating, swallowing, or speaking, or have any other symptoms that concern you. please note that with tonsil cancers, if treated early enough, there is every chance that cancer will NOT spread thus causing loss of voice-box/larynx. This simple knowledge, above all else, should ensure that any worried persons should report to their doctor immediately for a full check-up.

Must Read

Salivary Gland Cancers

Best Preparatory Tips to Get You Ready For Laser Eye Surgery

Everything You Should Know About Laser Eye Surgery

Most FAQs about Laser Eye Surgery for First-timers

Salivary Gland Cancers

November 18, 2019

by Maryann B. Zink Cancer Fact File

Salivary Gland cancer kills Adam Yauch (Beastie Boys)
Cancer of the salivary gland is quite rare, The statistic given by NCI is 2.5 to 3 new cases out of 100,000 population, or about 1,000 new cases per year in the US – according to the National Cancer Institute. Cancer only represents 3 to 5 percent of total head and neck cancers.

Cancer begins in the salivary glands in the head, which are located in the mouth, throat, and neck. The most common place for cancer to start is in the parotid gland — near the front part of the ear.

Adam “MCA” Yauch, a member of the iconic Beastie Boys, has passed away after being diagnosed with cancer of the salivary gland, according to news reports.

Yauch, 47, was treated for cancer in 2009, and in 2011, there were false reports that he had beaten it. But he actually was never cured of the disease.

Not all salivary gland tumors are cancerous, according to the National Institutes of Health. When the tumor is benign, a doctor may choose to just remove the salivary gland. However, other treatments like radiation therapy and chemotherapy are needed if the tumor is malignant (surgery to remove the cancerous tumor is also an option), according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Salivary gland cancer is most common amongst people in their 60s and 70s, according to the National Cancer Institute. Risk factors include being exposed to radiation (like that which is used to treat other cancers in the head or neck), and exposure to substances used in asbestos mining, plumbing, and rubber manufacturing signs of salivary gland cancer include:

having a typically painless lump in the mouth
or near the ear, jaw, lip, or cheek,
ear fluid drainage,
a numb or weak sensation in the face,
problems with swallowing,
and facial pain – according to the National Cancer Institute. Tests to diagnose cancer include screenings like MRI, CT or PET scans, an ultrasound exam, and endoscopy.

The Cleveland Clinic reported that a number of factors can influence how deadly salivary gland cancer will be, including how old the patient is and how healthy he or she is; what kinds of cancer cells the tumor is comprised of; which salivary gland the cancer is in; and the size of the cancer tumor.

*****

Salivary Cancer-general information

The salivary glands make saliva (spit). This keeps your mouth moist and helps food slide down the gullet into the stomach. The largest salivary glands are the:

sublingual glands, which are found underneath the tongue
parotid glands, which are found at the sides of the mouth just in front of the ears
submandibular glands, which are found under the jawbone.

There are also many more tiny glands in the lining of the mouth and throat. These don’t have individual names but are known as the minor salivary glands and cancers affecting the salivary glands are rare, with approximately 550 new cases in the UK each year. They can occur at any age but are more common in people over 50. There are different types of salivary gland cancer, depending on the type of cell that has become cancerous.

Like many other forms of cancer, the exact causes of salivary gland cancer are unknown. Non-cancerous tumors of the salivary glands are a lot more common than cancerous tumors apparently!

Tumours affecting the salivary glands are not infectious and cannot be passed on to other people. They are not caused by an inherited faulty gene, so the relatives of someone with salivary gland cancer won’t be queuing up for a bout of salivary cancer!

Things to look out for are swelling on the side of the face, just in front of the ears, or under the jawbone and some people suffer some numbness and drooping of one side of the face (facial palsy)-a bit like having a stroke.

These symptoms may occur with different conditions; ie, other than cancer, and most people with these symptoms won’t have a salivary gland cancer-very few do. However, like most cancers, salivary gland cancers are best treated when diagnosed at an early stage. You should tell your GP about these symptoms if they do not improve over a few days.

Must Read

Dealing with cancer

November 18, 2019

by Maryann B. Zink Cancer Fact File

I have read through what KB has to say and I think it may well be of value to many of you out there, for, at the end of the day, cancer is cancer and anything that helps has to be a bonus ball. I state here and now that we may not agree with all that is written & there will be bracketed opinions along the way but each person must make up their own mind as we go along! I hope they’ll ease the minds of anyone going through a difficult time due to a cancer diagnosis.

Nine ways to reduce your cancer risk:

1… Don’t smoke – or use any form of tobacco. If you’ve never smoked or have already quit, congratulations – you don’t have to do a thing. If you do smoke or use tobacco products, you can cut your cancer risk by stopping right now. Quitting isn’t so easy, but the benefits are almost instantaneous: Medical experts have found that a person’s health can improve within minutes of the last puff (or snuff) – and the health advantages can last a lifetime. Here’s a simple step-by-step plan to get you started.

(Having stated the above, one has to remember that smoking/snuffing/vaping is a freedom of choice & some people are simply born to smoke, and some do not. It is also worth remembering that the six (6) oldest people ever to live all smoked for at least 70 years! Another couple of interesting facts are that 80% of lung cancer cases occur in NON-smokers & 49% of lung transplants come FROM smokers/ex-smokers. Smoking does NOT actually cause lung cancers but it is a ‘risk factor). Bizarrely, back in the mid 60’s the then Surgeon General USA (Dr Richard Carmona) declared that even standing next to a smoker (smoking) could give you cancer/cause you to have cancer – but never a mention of the highly toxic & dangerous road traffic fumes! (food for thought there).

2… Make your home (and car) smoke-free. Okay, so you don’t use tobacco, but is the rest of your life up in smoke? All the cancer-causing ingredients in cigarettes, cigars, and pipes are also found in secondhand smoke. Even the remnants of tobacco smoke on surfaces, known as thirdhand smoke, can be a health hazard. If you live with a smoker, ask him or her to quit – or to smoke outside, away from your home or car. Adults, kids, and even pets are all at risk from the danger of secondhand and thirdhand smoke.

(Firstly, it is impossible to make your home or car smoke-free. Secondly, SHS has now been officially declared harmless by the WHO, which is a total backtrack on all the lies spouted a decade ago so as to gain smoking bans worldwide! True scientific research has caught up with the WHO and they now have little option but to comply with the truth which is simply that as the world became more & more industrial so did cancers become more prevalent.

As for harmless ‘third-hand smoke’, [only a theory by the way] so-called by Dr Winnickoff, who put the telephone down on me some years ago, it is basically a scaremongering tactic that quickly gained worldwide recognition as a household danger [courtesy of the ever greedy media, etc] -but then so are dust particles, cooking odours, air pollution generally – and a whole host of other things that you wouldn’t even think about – that’s why we now have ‘antiseptic wipes’ and ‘Dettol sprays’ these days. By the very nature of the beast, it is impossible to avoid airborne toxins when driving the car or simply traveling in a car! Either fumes from the car in front, behind, next to you, or you own car will get to you for the simple reason that they are forced out of the car via the exhaust system. However, rigorous testing has proven unequivocally that a window or two, opened only 1/2″, will greatly help to dissipate all such unseeable fumes.)

Asbestos – What You Need to Know:

This section deals with the dangers of asbestos, a much-used material back in the late 40’s & 50’s as it was cheap, very usable, and easy to get hold of! Now, most of this is written for our American friends but I will point out that over here in Britain the easiest way to dispel fears of asbestos if refurbishing a property was to leave it in situ if possible, especially as a dividing wall [which it often was], and simply PVA (which seals the outer surface) & plasterboard straight over it, then a double coat of plaster! Simple, cheap, and very effective.

You see good people, where folks go wrong is they adhere to all the scaremongering and think they need to call in the very expensive ‘professional asbestos removers‘ [who look like spacemen in all their protective gear] when in actual fact they don’t! I know of an elderly gentleman who had an old style ‘asbestos sheet garage‘ that needed clearing out: the council informed him that there would be an £800-£900 charge.

A few lusty blows in the right places soon razed said garage to the ground, leaving for 30 minutes to let those nasty little spores dissipate/settle and the offending asbestos was quietly bagged up and taken to the local tip – total cost…..£3 in petrol!

Wearing a protective mask is always a great idea when dealing with any asbestos as the airborne spores do not do anyone any favors but generally, if asbestos is treated with respect there is very little danger of it causing any form of cancer. You may well laugh but it is not a bad idea to gently ‘hoover up over the old concrete base so as to be clear of any random spores. As always, it is up to the individual as to what they decide to do with their asbestos-if they even have any.

ASBESTOS 11:

This is a detailed composition of how you should go about removing any asbestos in your home – American style – with costs ranging from $1,000 & $2,500 and involving people dressed as spacemen for the duration of their removals. As per normal you are treated as if you are dealing with ‘sarin gas‘; ie, well OTT and most of you will find it far easier to follow my route (which is not illegal) as detailed above.

Creative play – Helping children cope with cancer:

This department is way beyond my humble knowledge so we’ll rely on all the good work done by ‘KB’ and simply pass the information onto our good selves.

This is a very tricky area to go into and best left to the professionals but I do know of a couple of ‘characters’ who chose their own path and drank until the day they passed away. Now whether the drink subdued the physical or mental pain I know not, but they simply did what suited them so who can really argue with that? One thing that is for sure is that no one single person can state exactly how the next person should be feeling when the news hits them nor how they will react. So, read all of these ‘mini-chapters’ carefully prepared by ‘KB’, and perhaps something will be of help to you or a loved one who has embarked on this rocky path. Good luck to you all.

I also know of cannabis smokers who swear by the plant for easing the aches & pains of cancer and I could never ‘knock them’ for using the stuff. The law, in Britain, is an ass as far as cannabis use is concerned but, as is our way, if the Judiciary see a simple way of making money through criminal proceedings (fines, etc) then they will not change a stupid law that would benefit so many people in so many ways – especially those suffering from the many forms of terminal cancer! Though having never used cannabis myself I would not hesitate to purchase some for a loved one if it eased their pain.

21 Simple Ways to Prevent Air Pollution in Your Home:

Here are some simple steps you can take:

Avoid smoking indoors
Use craft supplies in well-ventilated areas (toxins in various types of glue etc)
Make sure your gas stove is well-ventilated (cook away, but open a window)
Minimize clutter
Remove carpeting if possible (shame as we all love a nice thick shagpile under our feet)
Use a dehumidifier and/or air conditioner to reduce moisture
Keep trash covered to avoid attracting pests
Remove shoes at the door
Have car emissions tested regularly (if you are fortunate enough to have one)
Minimize air freshener use (another ‘fresh air‘ myth blown away!)
Test your home for radon
Use carbon monoxide detectors
Fix water leaks (only a fool would waste water anyway!)
Dust surfaces and vacuum frequently (remember our Dettol wet wipes?)
Wash bedding weekly in hot water
Make sure exhaust fans are functioning in your bathrooms and kitchen
Keep a lid on scented candles (so much for your strawberry-scented room!)
Avoid using open fires (fire hazard & carcinogenic)
Check gas fires for gas leakages (carbon monoxide poisoning, house fire, etc)
Avoid neighbors bonfires/binfires (close all windows immediately)
Ensure your BBQ is ‘downwind’ from your house (BBQ fumes are just as dangerous as other gases!)

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Gift Aid

September 22, 2019

by Maryann B. Zink Donations

Under the Gift Aid scheme, UK charities can claim back the basic rate tax already paid on gifts of money received from individuals who pay or have paid UK tax.

The scheme also allows UK companies to make gifts of money to charity before any tax is deducted.

In practice, this means that for every pound you give, we will receive an extra 25p from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). (What a splendid thought that is )

For higher rate taxpayers there is the added advantage that you can reclaim tax for yourself by entering details of your gift aid donations on your tax self-assessment form.

You can donate using Gift Aid if the amount of tax you have paid (in the tax year of the donation) is sufficient to cover the amount of tax all of the charities you have donated to during the tax year will reclaim against the donations. The tax paid by the donor may be income tax, capital gains tax or tax credits on UK company dividends.

Tax years start on 6 April and run until 5 April the following year.

Links:

Gift aid – how it works; the HM Revenue and Customs considerations.

To download a Gift Aid Declaration form, go directly to the HMRC website here

My Donate is also involved in the gift aid scheme (we have applied for the necessary exemptions etc) so you will soon be able to donate directly through them as well. Simply go to this page and enter “20-20 Voice” Cancer and we will pop up at the top of the list. You will then have a simple choice to either View your profile & events or simply Donate Now. That’s how simple it really is.

If you choose the former option you will see this appear, so you will have a choice of what you want to do: fancy starting your own fundraiser? or just sponsoring someone who is already doing a fundraiser – the choice is yours.

How you can help us

Start fundraising – Create a fundraising page and collect donations online for this charity

-or-

Sponsor a fundraiser who is raising money for this charity

Donate to this charity

Don’t forget folks, we have the links on the front page too so you cannot go wrong-make that donation now and know that you are making someone’s life a whole heap better!

Obesity, Smoking & Cancer

September 18, 2019

by Maryann B. Zink Cancer Fact File

Interestingly the latest studies/research/findings have all concluded that obesity is a major cause of cancer. Not ‘A’ cancer but ALL cancers if you please. Now we know that all the lies, all the manipulations, all the fabrications prior to the implementation of the smoking bans are coming apart at the seams because, to the horror of the medical profession, cancer cases are still rising on a daily basis (now at 900 new cases per day – Macmillan).

We already have the proof that the vast majority of head/neck/throat cancers are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus and a recent study has simplified matters even more by declaring that it is literally 50/50 as to whether you are lumbered with some form of cancer or not! (For those that might be interested: the HPV study found that 65% were due to oral sex, 21% due to alcohol consumption & 14% due to smoking). Now that obesity has been thrown into the mix it will be interesting to see how the figures are massaged to suit – though to be fair, obesity does cover ALL types of cancer!

So that proves that all the medical hype behind the greatest destruction of any social environment was simply at the behest of ‘Big Pharma’ and those that detest tobacco usage in any form.

“Cancer deaths are soaring in parts of the UK with the highest obesity levels, new figures have revealed. In pockets of the country where vast swathes of the population are overweight, rates of the disease are rocketing.” –Campaigners warned today if drastic action is not taken to stem the rising tide of obese and overweight people, cancer will continue to claim more and more lives.

There you have it, folks, you already know what the next tobacco is going to be (after sugar & alcohol of course!)

After the war we had lean times where the man went to work, woman tended the home & some of the gardening-man produced crops at evening time & weekends – usually before disappearing off down to the pub! What this did was create a homegrown vegetable economy, which of course has now long since passed as we mostly buy vegetables by the bag or tin, these days.

The other important factor we need to take on board is the fact that since the first Wimpy Bar opened in the early 60s, there has been an explosion of cafes, takeaway joints & snack bars. Anyone can now eat virtually any type of food at any time of the day or night… ‘eating on the hoof‘ has fast become the norm as our daily life becomes ever more hectic.

High unemployment/retirement areas seem to be the fattest!

Again, after the war, industrialization boomed. There were jobs aplenty as businesses thrived in post-war Britain but the silent killer was also on the increase, whilst smoking rates (72%-75% in the late ’50s) started to diminish (25% – 2005), as more people decided for themselves not to smoke. With the rapid increase in industrialization came the inevitable cancerous death toll – yet hardly anyone put the two together!

Now, of course, we have the anti-smoking lobby sitting there simply waiting for any excuse to blame the poor old tobacco plant for all the world’s ills. It is so simple for them to do so and also keeps their funding in place from various sources. Should their funding ever be withdrawn I dread to think what the likes of ASH, FRESH, etc will do for finance because public donations will amount to very little indeed.

Note the lowest obesity figures in busy, busy London!

It is interesting to note that they (the medical profession/governments/lobby groups) are fast running out of things to hide behind as major causes of cancers (air pollution is the latest!) for back in the 1980’s one woman dedicated her life to ascertaining what mostly causes cancers.

Dr. Kitty Little blew the lid on the causation factor by announcing that diesel fumes & industrialization were, without doubt, the major causes of cancers developing – she was hushed up, silenced, ignored, etc as it didn’t suit the then-new anti-smoking agenda, lead by that eminent tobacco hater Sir George Edward Godber at that time. Strangely enough, the World Health Organisation (a complete & utterly disgusting dictatorship) finally came out of the closet and agreed with her findings-but not until the worldwide destruction of people’s choices & social structures had taken place! Strange that the WHO will happily allow 4,000 people per day to die in places like Africa through disease, and lack of food/water, yet will waste $bns on tobacco cessation!

We have to ask the question here: who allowed all these ‘takeaway’ businesses to flourish in this country? The Friday night treat, when I was a kid, was fish n chips from the corner chippy-and oh boy, it was a treat. But now….. well, you can go out all night, drink, be merry and grab a Chinese, Indian, Turkish, Thai, or whatever other culinary delight tickles your tastebuds and stagger home ‘filling your face’. (hence the abundance of ‘fast food’ litter each day to be cleaned up!

So you see folks, we have bred a culture whereby we have created the perfect storm for deadly diseases like cancer. We eat, we drink, we smoke, we ‘slob out and more of us die from cancer but the flip side is that we are only here once so we enjoy whatever time we have on this planet. Cancers will always abound and they will always be a statistical victor too as they will always claim lives-age is no barrier to cancer I can assure you!

I am also fairly certain that we will end up going ‘full circle as there is much ‘hoo-haa’ about the dangers of crop-spraying etc so the time is now approaching where homegrown vegetables will once again be a booming but safe industry. Allotments are becoming more fashionable again as people try to cut down on the general cost of living – and with the use of ‘freezers’, any amount of fresh vegetables can be semi-cooked & frozen for use at a later date.

What we do have to remember is that cancerous cells are in every single one of us, it just takes something to trigger off the mutations. Once those mutations have been triggered it is then up to the medical world to act quickly and either remove the offending cells (ie, invasive surgery) or ‘kill’ them off (chemo/radiation). It is the speed with which these cells are dealt with that determines the patient’s longevity and that is why we at “20-20 Voice” Cancer are simply ‘hell-bent’ on providing the up-to-the-minute technology to our local hospitals – and that is where you can help us!

I have set up a personal page on the MyDonate website where the aim is to reach £1,000,000.00, for that is what we need to be able to buy the equipment required to provide the all-important diagnostics for head, neck & throat cancers. All donations go directly to “20-20 Voice” Cancer and every penny counts so we would be very appreciative of your donation. Thank you all.

Laryngectomees & Suicides

September 18, 2019

by Maryann B. Zink Cancer Fact File

This may not be the best subject for many to read about but it remains a sad fact that suicide rates amongst laryngectomees are 3x higher than any ‘normal’ suicide rates!

Patients with head and neck cancer have more than 3 times the incidence of suicide compared with the general population, with rates highest among patients with cancers of the larynx and hypopharynx, according to a study published by JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.

Dr Itzhak Brook has written the following and his words should be heeded!

High Suicide Rate for Patients with Head and Neck Cancer

Patients with head and neck cancer have more than 3 times the incidence of suicide compared with the general population, with rates highest among patients with cancers of the larynx and hypopharynx, according to a study published by JAMAOtolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.

Dr. Chan Woo Park R, M.D., of Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, and colleagues examined the incidence rate, trends, and risk factors of suicide in patients with cancer of the head and neck between 1973 and 2011. Compared with the suicide rate of the general population, the researchers found that patients with head and neck cancer have more than 3 times the incidence of suicide. Suicide rates were higher in those treated with radiation alone compared with those treated with surgery alone.

There was a nearly 12-fold higher incidence of suicide in patients with hypopharyngeal cancer and a 5-fold higher incidence in those with laryngeal cancer. The authors suggested that this may be linked to these anatomic sites’ intimate relationship with the ability to speak and/or swallow and that loss of these functions can dramatically lower patients’ quality of life. It is possible that the increased rates of tracheostomy dependence and dysphagia [difficulty swallowing] and/or gastrostomy tube dependence in these patients are exacerbating factors in the increased rate of suicide observed.

The authors recommended that additional research and effort should also be devoted to the psychological toll that cancer, treatments, and resulting morbidity have on patients.