Health trends

Cancer survivors struggle with PTSD

A cancer diagnosis can leave lasting psychological scars akin to those inflicted by war, according to a new survey. More than a decade after being told they had the disease, nearly four out of 10 cancer survivors said they were still plagued by symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.

Those symptoms include being extra jumpy, having disturbing thoughts about the cancer and its treatment, or feeling emotionally numb toward friends and family. One in 10 patients also said they avoided thinking about their cancer and one in 20 said they steered clear of situations or activities that reminded them of the disease.

That could amount to a medical problem, in addition to the psychological toll, said lead researcher Sophia Smith from the Duke Cancer Institute in Durham, North Carolina.

Source: Reuters Health (New York).

Lupus Awareness Week

Lupus Awareness Week will be celebrated October 23 to 30 under the theme, 'You are not alone'. The Lupus Foundation of Jamaica will embark on a series of public-education activities, including a church service at the Church of the Transfiguration; a special benefit performance of the play If Walls Could Talk on October 27 at the Pantry Playhouse and the Foundation's annual symposium at the University of the West Indies.

The Foundation will also host in all parishes, in collaboration with the National Library Service, an exhibit under the theme 'You Could Have Lupus'. For further information call 345-6534 or email: kerine@cwjamaica.com.

Source: The Lupus Foundation of Jamaica.