Another award for Golden Girl’s book

Bladder Cancer Awareness

Although bladder cancer is less-known than other types of cancers, such as Breast, Prostate, and Lung cancers, it is the 10th most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world, devastatingly impacting the lives of millions of people globally each year. Tis month, many supporters and organizations, including Te Cancer Society of Te Bahamas, are striving to bring much-needed awareness to Bladder Cancer, especially as its prevalence continues to increase. Bladder Cancer is debilitating, but through education, we can help people lower their risk and inspire those who struggle with the adverse efects of this disease.

A disease of the urinary system, bladder cancer occurs when cells grow abnormally within the bladder, a muscular sac in the lower abdomen that stores urine. In the bladder, there are various types of cells, all of which can become cancerous and negatively afect the body. When examining patients, doctors classify bladder cancers based on the type of bladder cell growing abnormally, then use this information to prescribe the most efcient treatment.

Urothelial carcinoma, the most common type of Bladder Cancer, occurs in urothelial cells, which line the bladder, urethra, and ureters. Resulting from the atypical growth of cells that comprise the mucus-secreting glands of the bladder, adenocarcinoma is rare in most countries, while squamous cell carcinoma, usually associated with chronic irritation of the bladder, is most prevalent in areas where specifc parasites cause bladder infections.

While there are many symptoms of Bladder Cancer, the most concerning is blood in the urine, which may cause it to appear bright red or cola in color, depending on the amount of blood present. And though urine can appear normal with the naked eye, health professionals may detect blood when performing lab tests. Other symptoms of Bladder Cancer include frequent urination, painful urination, and back pain, which may begin gradually, but progress over time.

According to scientists, smoking is the leading risk factor for bladder cancer, contributing to approximately 50% of all cases. When smoking tobacco products, such as cigars, cigarettes, and pipes, scientists say that harmful chemicals in the smoke enter urine and damage the fragile lining of the bladder, increasing the risk of Bladder Cancer.

In addition to smoking, increasing age and gender are important risk factors for Bladder Cancer. Although Bladder Cancer can happen at any age, it most commonly develops in older individuals, with approximately 9 out of 10 Bladder Cancer patients being age 55 or older. Furthermore, Bladder Cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer in men, who are four times more likely to be diagnosed with the disease than women.

FOR the second time in as many weeks, the inspiring story of a Bahamian girl who ran sideways to guard against trouble lurking in bushes and sprinted her way all the way to two Olympic gold medals has captured the top spot in memoirs for 2023.

The Track and Field Writers of America just announced it has awarded Running Sideways, The Olympic Champion who Made Track and Field History, its TAFWA Coogan’s Book Award for best biography of 2022. Davis will receive the latest award at the World Athletics Championship in Budapest in August.

In words that rise and fall with the fast pace of a track star and details the stumbles and recoveries, the book details the life of world champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist Pauline Davis.

It lays bare the highs and lows of her life on and off the track, the determined rebounds, the wisdom and motivation she shares with young athletes today and her experiences as the unofficial dame of track taking the stories of The Bahamas to 177 countries.

Earlier this month, Running Sideways took top place in the biography category of the International Book Awards, one of the most prestigious and coveted awards in publishing. That award was announced in Los Angeles in June.

Written with ghost writer and well-known Canadian author TR Todd with interviews over a year, the award places the track star alongside previous International Book Awards winners including Pope Francis, Amy Tan, Vanessa Williams and Julie Andrews. And in the latest accolade from track and field writers, Davis stands side by side with the winner of Track and Field Writers choice for best film, Mo Farah, the Somalian sensation four-time gold medalist in the 5,000 and 10,000-metre, and ambassador for Save the Children.

Davis, one of the original Golden Girls who won the 4x100 relay in the Sydney Olympics 2000 and the individual 200m during the same Games, was the first woman of colour to serve on the World Athletics Council. She was re-elected for 16 terms and is now an honorary member for life.

Lord Sebastian Coe, who chaired World Athletics, wrote the foreword to the story of her journey.

Davis said she is stunned and humbled by the attention and praise Running Sideways has received. “I am shocked if I am being honest with you,” she said,

“that this little Bahamian Girl who didn’t write her book for honours but to simply tell her story of her journey to the world and to encourage other persons who may have a similar journey to never quit and for them to understand that it is not how you start in life it is how you finish won such a prestigious award. Many, many thanks to you and your team for honouring the Girl who ran Sideways.”

Her ghost writer, TR Todd, said he met Davis when he was working in The Bahamas and asked her to be a patron of a race that he and a friend were starting in Exuma called Run for Pompey. The event was new, he said, and there was no guarantee it would attract a lot of runners, but Davis said if it would help provide a scholarship for a student in need, she was in.

“Her enthusiasm was unbelievable, she brought such joy, I just knew there was a story there,” said Todd, when the two decided to collaborate.

At the time, he was just wrapping up his previous work, Pigs of Paradise, The True Story of the WorldFamous Swimming Pigs.

“Every aspect of Pauline’s life is incredible and defies expectation. I hope this book is something the entire Bahamas can be proud of. But beyond that, it’s an opportunity for the whole world to know The Bahamas on a more intimate level, through the eyes of the original Golden Girl. In these challenging times, this is a story of perseverance that we all need.”

The book is available on Amazon.com, at the UB Bookstore or at the Farmers’ Market on Saturdays on Gladstone Road, Nassau.

Other risk factors include exposure to chemicals at the workplace or in the environment, chronic infammation of the bladder, and previous cancer treatment. Also, if you’ve previously battled Bladder Cancer, research shows you’re more likely to get it again.

Like other cancers, there are no guaranteed ways to prevent Bladder Cancer, but you can reduce your risk by not smoking, avoiding exposure to toxic chemicals, and choosing a diet rich in a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables. Also, since Bladder Cancer is highly treatable in its early stages, getting tested soon afer experiencing symptoms is vital to the successful treatment of the disease.

Over the years, Te Cancer Society of Te Bahamas has provided Support Groups and accommodation for cancer patients, giving them much-needed love and comfort as they bravely battle their disease. Not only are services available to cancer patients but also to their caregivers, who, too, can experience emotional turmoil and stress resulting from their loved one’s disease.

Our Caring Center, with its comfortable rooms and modern amenities, is the perfect temporary home for Family Islanders seeking treatment, and we strive to make them feel welcomed and at ease during their stay. Led by professional clinical personnel, our Adult Cancer Support Group ofers cancer patients ages 40 and over a safe space to express their emotions and experiences with others in similar circumstances, which can help them cope throughout their treatment

For further information on our services, kindly visit our website www.cancersocietybahams.org or call us at (242) 323-4441 or send an email to cancersociety@hotmail.com.