By Sherna Alexander Benjamin From Caribbean News Now

“Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure — these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart. About a year ago I was diagnosed with cancer. I had a scan at 7:30 in the morning, and it clearly showed a tumour on my pancreas. I didn’t even know what a pancreas was. The doctors told me this was almost certainly a type of cancer that is incurable, and that I should expect to live no longer than three to six months. My doctor advised me to go home and get my affairs in order, which is doctor’s code for prepare to die. It means to try to tell your kids everything you thought you’d have the next ten years to tell them in just a few months. It means to make sure everything is buttoned up so that it will be as easy as possible for your family. It means to say your goodbyes.” ~ Apple founder Steve Jobs

“Left unchecked, cancer is on a trajectory to cause needless human suffering and staggering economic costs. Today, cancer accounts for one in eight deaths worldwide – more than HIV/ AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria combined, and is responsible for nearly $1 trillion in economic losses from premature death and disability. That is why we are proud to partner with UICC on World Cancer Day to shine a spotlight on the growing cancer burden with advocacy resources and information to advance the global fight against this disease.” ~ Dr John Seffrin, Chief Executive Officer at American Cancer Society

In October 2015, Joe Biden announced to the citizens of the United States that he would not be running for president in 2016 and across America many listened attentively to his speech. However, when he said that his biggest goal would’ve been: to be the president who “ended cancer”, this statement stood out to millions as they identified with it, then the inevitable happened, social media platforms began buzzing with Biden’s statement.

The reality is cancer has affected the lives of millions of people across the globe, it knows no borders, has no respect for status, ethnicity or financial standing, each day a life is cut short by this deadly disease and many hold onto hope yet they have lost faith in life, they hold onto the hope of tomorrow of having a few hours without pain, of a time when cancer will be a thing of the past, yet silently hope in a cure seems to be like chasing an elusive dream.

For years scientist have been conducting various types of cancer research with one goal in sight, finding a cure. The following question remains present in the minds of thousands, can a cure be found? In the writings of the Edwin Smith Papyrus (a part of an ancient Egyptian text book on trauma surgery dating back to 3000 BC) in describing breast tumors and ulcers that were removed using a tool called the fire drill, the surgeons back then said, “There is no treatment.”

Years ago, when one was diagnosed with cancer it came across as a horrific death sentence where one should go home and make preparations to die, very soon in excruciating pain, where one would rather take their own life than live through such experiences. Years later cancer is still alive, it still takes lives, it still causes pain and grief, however today, we can say that there are numerous types of treatment available for the person who has been diagnosed.

Millions of dollars have been pumped yearly into research and millions more into early detection, treatment and aftercare, establishing more cancer treatment centres, putting more systems and structures in place to benefit those suffering from the disease and for those who care for them, while extensive millions are used for educating persons about cancer.

Heroic stories of survival and stories of those who fought until the end, giving cancer a run for its money and never giving up hope that a cure may be found for the next victim ringing out from the mouths of those who are still alive, from those who have watched their partner, friend or family member pass onto what many view as a better life. Yet the words of the dying still stand as a haunting memory for many when they shout with their dying breath, “Cancer, you have not won this war.”

“Now, more than ever there is a need for a global commitment to drive policy and implementation of what we already know to push the global fight against cancer to a whole new level. Action taken by every person, organization, and government will reduce the burden of cancer. On World Cancer Day, we must show that cancer is ‘Not Beyond Us’.” ~ Mary Gospodarowicz, UICC Immediate-Past President, Medical Director of the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre at the University Health Network

And while we have countries that have such a high level of service being offered towards those affected, finances play also play a big part in the scheme of things for the client and for the service provider. Many patients who were once considered financially stable soon became paupers as the cost for regular treatment cripples one financially.

Apart from the financial distress experienced by most patients, we cannot count the cost for the psychological and emotional distress, the enormous emotional toll that carries the cancer patient on a roller coaster ride they wish would end, many patients have to deal with the ignorance of societies that lack empathy and compassion, the arrogance of some medical practitioners, the chaos in families who try to make sense of what is happening to their loved ones, the loss of income, the loss of friends many of whom are just counting down the days for their death, they battle with the thoughts of not seeing their precious children again, they grieve over the love they never received or the love they will never again experience, and they ask themselves, who will be there in the end, who will find a cure, and will my voice be relevant even in death, will I be remembered?

For World Cancer Day on February 14, 2016, Prof. Sanchia Aranda, UICC President Elect, Deputy CEO and Director of the Cancer Services and Information division, Cancer Institute NSW, said, “Everyone has the right to access quality cancer services and treatments, regardless of financial situation or geography. Let’s use World Cancer Day to push for stronger health systems, improve access to essential cancer medicines and reduce the financial toll of cancer on individuals and families. Together we can show that improving cancer outcomes is not beyond us.”

When the sod was turned in 2007 on the parcel of land located on the compound of the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC) at Mount Hope in Trinidad and Tobago for the building of the National Oncology Centre, thousands in the country felt a sense of relief, medical practitioners looked towards a future where their skills would be completely utilized for the greater good of humanity, hope was revived among those who was suffering from cancer.

Sadly, eight years later, the building seems to be at a standstill; eight years later and hundreds more have been diagnosed; eight years later and too many have died; eight years later millions of dollars is being wasted; and eight years later no elected administration sees the crucial need for this centre to make the decision to work towards completing it.

On Friday, 22 June 2012, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Port-of-Spain, at a National Oncology Centre Breakfast Meeting, then Minister of Health, Hon. Dr Fuad Khan stated the total construction cost of the National Oncology Centre is $663 million, with an additional $52 million for equipment. He also went on to speak about the services that the centre will provide, and gave a delivery schedule from the commencement of tendering in July 2012 to the opening/operation of the National Oncology Center in November 2014.

One year later, in August 2013, Dr Fuad Khan re-affirmed his commitment and stated that the centre will be completed in 18 months at a cost of $443 million. In that same year the corporate communications manager at UDeCOTT Roxanne Stapleton-Whyms pointed out that UDeCOTT took on the role of project manager in mid-2012 with planning and procurement, she stated that the oncology centre was previously contracted by the ministry of health.

One may beg to ask the question, is it because of the change in project management or contractual roles that the centre has not been completed? Did UDeCOTT seek to review the entire contractual agreement rather than have faith in what the ministry of health did and continue with the project? Did the managers of UDeCOTT seek to have the contractors removed to bring in their own favoured contractors for this project?

One will get some rather interesting answers to these questions from insiders as a push for power, intimidation, nepotism, projected illicit financial gains, collusion, political intimidation, race, and planned corruption may all have a hand in why after eight years the National Oncology Centre remains unfinished.

And while the centre remains unfinished, hundreds of children and adults are affected daily by cancer. Some outpatients endure inhumane treatment at times; you hear stories of those who cry because there exist a shortage of chemotherapy drugs in the country or they were threatened because they found out that their child was being given expired drugs. It has gotten so bad that a patient took to social media recently to highlight this present shortage, which pushed the government to acknowledge this fact.

“To the Hon. Terrence Deyalsingh, Min. of Health. I implore that you look urgently into what appears to be a massive and potentially long term shortage of chemotherapy drugs in the country. It seems to stem from nothing more complex than an exhaustion of credit on the part of the suppliers. This is the second time for 2016 that this problem has arisen and on the last occasion, I must assume that many very sick people died since I have missed their faces at the National Radiotherapy Center when I go in for treatment. One can live of course providing that one can afford tens of thousands of dollars per month to import the needed medication. I do apologize for my method of bringing focus on this problem, but it is a very troubling one which would be greatly alleviated by your timely and welcome intervention. I fully comprehend the monumental challenges faced by the public sector and the national purse in these trying times, but this is a matter of life and death. Regards.” ~ Angelo Bissessarsingh, via the social media platform Facebook, June 2016

It has been costing the taxpayers of Trinidad and Tobago over $3 million a month for the last six months as the contractors are still on site. To cancel and shelve the project will cost the government an additional $300 million, which of course would make no realistic sense, as operators can be sourced from other countries, the contractors have even offered financing assistance to past and present elected government administrations; sadly there has been no response to this offer of financial assistance.

A PAHO/WHO report in 2013 shows that Latin America and the Caribbean account for approximately 50% of cancer deaths in the Americas. It also stated that the highest cancer mortality rates in the region are found in Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba and Argentina. Some facts from the World Health Organization’s fact sheet on cancer:

• Cancers figure among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with approximately 14 million new cases and 8.2 million cancer related deaths in 2012.

• The number of new cases is expected to rise by about 70% over the next two decades.

• Among men, the five most common sites of cancer diagnosed in 2012 were lung, prostate, colorectum, stomach, and liver cancer.

• Among women the five most common sites diagnosed were breast, colorectum, lung, cervix, and stomach cancer.

• Around one third of cancer deaths are due to the five leading behavioural and dietary risks: high body mass index, low fruit and vegetable intake, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, alcohol use.

• Tobacco use is the most important risk factor for cancer causing around 20% of global cancer deaths and around 70% of global lung cancer deaths.

• More than 60% of world’s total new annual cases occur in Africa, Asia and Central and South America. These regions account for 70% of the world’s cancer deaths.

• It is expected that annual cancer cases will rise from 14 million in 2012 to 22 million within the next two decades.

Cancer does not only affect the individual who has been diagnosed, it affects a nation and those who are entrusted to govern must govern well in all respects and working towards the prevention, treatment and reduction of this non-communicable disease.

While establishing a building alone cannot cure or treat cancer it is a step in the right direction, coupled with the building must come research, specialized medical practitioners, professional and timely surgical procedures, prevention and awareness programs that will encourage citizens to have a change in lifestyle, educate persons about dealing with their diagnosis and having a competent and professional staff and comfortable environment.

There must be a collaborative effort made by all organizations and agencies who are stakeholders in this cause to work together to develop strategies and programmes to fully support the patient and their families during times of diagnosis and treatment, some measure of financial assistance must be implemented to aid patients and their family members, emotional and psychological care and support must be included, detailed care plans and support must be put in place with the knowledge that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

One cannot as a nation plan for developed country status when the health of its nation’s richest capital and resource, its citizens are left weighing in the balance. Without nationals you have no nation, no nation means your governance is irrelevant. The time is now when administrations and ministers should develop the fortitude to do what is best for the nation and its advancement and not what is best for its financiers.

Work not to be a political celebrity but a political force that would make a positive change, work for the enhancement and enrichment of life and not to develop a welfare state or a token economy, work towards skillfully diversifying the economy even when it comes to the health care system rather than holding onto archaic old rules and principles. Work towards leaving a history of good governance with equity and equality, transparency and accountability and work so every creed and race will find an equal place.

The present PNM-led Keith Rowley administration seems to be showing some level of interest in revitalizing the National Oncology Centre project. This is not only a wise move; it is a necessary and critical move. If the nation of Trinidad and Tobago is to advance, it must do so from within by developing and enhancing its health care systems among other things.

It is the hope of hundreds of nationals that this building be not only completed but fully equipped and staffed but more so managed and sustained effectively and efficiently, where there would be speed of access and ease of access for all who will walk through its doors, so that the people of Trinidad and Tobago and their Caribbean neighbours can fully benefit from the services that would be offered at the National Oncology Centre.

“If you have seen the face of cancer, experienced its pain, heard the voice of those crying because they fear they would not see tomorrow, if you have held the hands of a loved one who has just a few seconds to live, if you have ever heard the words ‘you have cancer’ spoken to you by your medical practitioner, if you have seen your child’s physical frame deteriorate so much so that they become unrecognizable, if you have seen the determination of a patient who decides to fight and if you have seen the passing on ceremony of those who died, then you too, will become pro-active in this fight and push for life, push for a cure and push for treatment because it is the human thing to do, as the suffering of one is the suffering of all.” ~ Sherna Alexander Benjamin

IMAGES:
cancer_cells.jpg Cancer Cells Under an Electron Microscope. Source: REDDIT Hotspot126
cancer_patient.jpg Cancer Patient created by Sherna Alexander Benjamin in 2008
oncology_centre.jpg Drawing of the National Oncology Center: Source Ministry of Health Website
sherna_benjamin.jpg Sherna Alexander Benjamin is a university student and advocate

For more on this story go to: http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/topstory-Inside-Paradise%3A-The-fight-and-the-right-for-life-30820.html