Ebola: Signs & Symptoms

High-Risk HPV: Cancer of Penis

By: Roslyn A. Douglas, M.A., Founder of Central Health - Grenada

In recent months there was a huge campaign in Grenada to raise the awareness of cervical cancer among women, however the commonest cause of this disease, High-risk human papilloma virus (HPV), can also cause cancer of the penis.  Due to this fact, men need to be aware that they too are at risk of developing cancer from this sexually transmitted infection.

Dr. Francis Martin, who holds the position of Senior Medical Officer and Director of Primary Health Care within the Ministry of Health wants residents of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique to start taking this health concern seriously, “HPV is a very serious infection.  It is very common.  It is the main culprit for sexually transmitted infections and for cervical cancer.  And not just cervical cancer, but we have seen men with cancer of the penis as a result of HPV.  I personally have managed men with cancers of the penis as a result of HPV.  So again, the implications are far reaching and the population should take serious note of it and its consequences it can have on our population.”

Photo Source: WikiHow.com

The American Cancer Association (ACA) states on their website that high-risk HPV strains numbers 16, 18 and 31 have been linked to cancer of the penis, vagina, vulva, and cervix. Low-risk HPV strains numbers 6 and 11 cause the growth of warts on the genitalia of both men and women.  Their website went on to say that, “In most people, the body is able to clear the infection on its own. In some, however, the infection does not go away and becomes chronic. Chronic infection, especially with high-risk HPV types, can eventually cause certain cancers, including penile cancer. Men who are not circumcised are more likely to get and stay infected with HPV.”

Statistically, women are diagnosed with reproductive cancers at higher rates than men, and according to Dr. Amy Baldwin, Associate Professor at St. George’s University in the Department of Microbiology - School of Medicine, this adds to the misconception that men have nothing to worry about when it comes to HPV, “A lot of misconceptions going around about any number of viruses especially things that are sexually transmitted, but one main [misconception] is that men seem like they really don’t have to worry about much with sexually transmitted infections. And this goes to the very realistic fact that women get the crappy end of the deal on a number of things in life and one of those is the brunt of sexually transmitted infections. And so you have men having a less number of cancers that will result, less number of symptoms et cetera, and so there becomes a misconception that it’s not a problem for them. Or maybe even they think that they don’t even get infected with the virus and there is a lot of danger in that because it is a sexually transmitted infection. [Men] in fact do get infected and then they transmit the infection to others when they have sex."

If abnormal cells on a man’s penis are found early it can often be treated and/or removed with minimal damage. However, according to the ACA because some men avoid going to the doctor for abnormalities on their penises over time things can get worse, “If a cancer is found early, it can often be removed with little or no damage to the penis. If it is not diagnosed until later, part of or all of the penis may need to be removed to treat the cancer. It is also more likely to require other, more invasive treatments, and may even be life threatening.”

All sexually active men, especially uncircumcised men, should see their doctor immediately if they notice any of the following things on their penises, whether or not pain is involved:  any abnormality, blisters, sores, ulcers, and/or white patches. 

Help Your Pharmacist, Help You

By: Roslyn A. Douglas, Founder of Central Health - Grenada

It is very important that a person who is on a medication regiment to control a chronic illness, such as diabetes, have a good relationship with their pharmacist.  This was the general sentiment expressed during a recent public forum organized by the Grenada Pharmacies Association and the Caribbean Association of Pharmacists, in conjunction with the Grenada Diabetes Association.

The event which was held on August 19, 2014 at the Public Workers Union in Tanteen, St. George’s, was part of the Caribbean Association of Pharmacists annual convention outreach health education targeting patients with chronic non communicable diseases.

Local Grenadian pharmacist Brian James served as moderator for the lively forum which included distinguished health care professionals and health leaders such as Dr. Alister Antoine  - Vice President of the Grenada Diabetes Association(GDA); Lydia Duncan – President of the Grenada Association of Pharmacist;  Dr. Francis Martin – Director of Primary Health Care of the Ministry of Health; Yvonne Read – President of the Caribbean Association of Pharmacists (CAP); and Endocrinologist Dr. Sebastian Peter.  Testimonies from two male diabetics Alexander Smith and Francis Balwant, who serves as Treasurer for the GDA, added a human touch to the discussion as they shared their journey of how they got diagnosed with diabetes and how they manage their glucose (sugar) levels daily with medication and/or insulin.

According to the President of CAP Yvonne Read, the forum birthed out of a desire to have an outreach activity into the communities, “About three of four years or so ago, public education activity became a focus of our convention, because we felt it was important to have an outreach in the communities where the local pharmacists can reach the community. And, also to show trends of what the profession can do when others from other parts of the Caribbean come together to collaborate.”

In keeping with the goal of the public forum/community outreach lead by pharmacists, the real meat of the forum came from an interactive presentation lead by Barbadian Pharmacists Cherylann Yearwood.  She gave some practical advice to the diabetics present on how they can have a good working relationship with their pharmacists and the importance of that partnership. “The pharmacist helps you by filling your prescription; by giving you information on your medication; by liaising with your physician about your medication - about how often you have been taking it.”  Yearwood went on to say that the pharmacists is available to thoroughly explain to patients how their medicines should be taken.  For example, information provided may include but not limited to clarifying if the tablet needs to be taken with or without food, during a meal or directly after a meal and side effects. 

Yearwood posited that many times for various reasons patients switch doctors and do not share with their new doctor the medicine regiment that they are currently on.  This is why according to Yearwood all attendees who are on a pill regiment need to keep track of the names of the medication; the number of times it must be taken a day; how it must be taken, and share that information will the new doctor and any other specialist seen.  Failure to do so can lead to many problems such as over-dosage.  If the new doctor, for example, gives the patient the exact same medication the previous doctor prescribed and unbeknownst to the patient the brand name may be different and the patient takes both pills – this could lead to serious consequences.  “This is why it is important that you see one pharmacist. Visit one pharmacist for all your medication, so that they can have a database of information on your medication.  They can have your medication history,” said Yearwood. 

In part of her closing remarks Yearwood gave advice on what patients can do to help their pharmacists effectively do their job, “You can learn about your medication. You [should] know what you are taking.  Don’t go to the pharmacists and tell them, “I take the big white tablet.””

The theme for this year’s convention was, “Shaping Our Profession With One Mission and One Voice.”  Over 100 delegates from the Caribbean, the Unites States, Canada, Latin, North and South America attended the conference which included networking opportunities, and continuing education lectures. 

Passing of Dominic Paul Acknowledged

By: Roslyn A. Douglas, Founder of Central Health - Grenada

Late Dominic Paul
Founder/Director of Spice Isle Imaging Centre

Dominic Paul, the Founder and Director of Spice Isle Imaging Centre died on Tuesday August 12, 2014.  

Mr. Paul must be recognized as a progressive thinker and responsible for making advance medical screening services  available to Grenadians while at the same time leading a staff to provide superior customer service.

As Founder of Central Health - Grenada, I met with Mr. Paul as recent as a week before his death in his office.  He was gracious to support the End Cervical Campaign and made Spice Isle Imaging Centre one of ports for interested persons to fill out the petition form. 

During our weekly impromptu meetings, when I swung by his office for completed forms, he proudly introduced me to his sons - who at the time were having lunch in his office. Its a beautiful thing to witness a father's eyes light up when his offspring are surrounding him.  

We had plans to work together on a radio project that focused on diabetes and hypertension, after Carnival. 

I will always remember Mr. Paul for being gracious, a progressive thinker and a man with a very open mind to improving health care in Grenada.  

Condolences are extended to his immediate family, close friends and the staff at Spice Isle Imaging Centre.

Conception Toastmasters Welcomes Central Health - Grenada

On Thursday July 10, 2014 Conception Toastmasters provided Central Health - Grenada the opportunity to promote the End Cervical Cancer Now Campaign at its monthly meeting.  Seven members signed up via hard copy.  Every signature counts.  

For more information go to www.endcervicalcancernow.org

CH-G Promoting Cervical Cancer Campaign @ Body Image

On Monday July 7, 2014, Body Image graciously allowed Central Health - Grenada to give a presentation at their Move Ur Mass event held at Excel Plaza in Grand Anse, St. George's.

35 individuals, mainly women, participated in the campaign by adding their signature to demand more affordable access to cervical cancer screenings in the Caribbean and Latin America.


To Learn More Go To:  www.endcervicalcancernow.org

Central Health - Grenada & Grenada Cancer Society Working Together

St. George's, Grenada - June 30, 2014 - L-R - Roslyn A. Douglas, MA, Founder of Central Health - Grenada and Dr. Barrymore Mc Barnette, President of Grenada Cancer Society.

The Grenada Cancer Society (GCS) has joined forces with Central Health - Grenada (CH-G) for the promotion of the Healthy Caribbean Coalition's Caribbean Cervical Cancer Electronic Petition Campaign. 

CH-G which began efforts at the beginning of June is now being financially supported by GCS until October 1, 2014 to continue with the local awareness campaign in businesses, schools and institutions dominated by women.

To learn more residents of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique are encouraged to visit
http://www.endcervicalcancernow.org/ to learn more and support the campaign.