Patcha Foundation

11/17/2025

Do you know that cervical cancer could be the very first cancer eliminated globally? The call to action is clear and simple.

Today for World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action we call on the global health community to prioritize equitable access to HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening and treatment for all women.

We also urge each of us to go our part. Share in the comments how you are fighting back against cervical cancer.

11/16/2025

A mild symptom was bothering a young dad. He had Stage IV lung cancer. He had never smoked and was fit and healthy. What likely saved him?
1. Knowing his body, recognizing that something was wrong and seeking answers;
2. His persistence when he was initially given the wrong diagnosis.

Read more ==>

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/ultramarathon-runner-lung-cancer-non-smoker-northwestern-medicine-michigan/

11/16/2025

Helicobacter pylori or h. Pylori is a bacterium that causes gastritis. Untreated h. Pylori is a leading cause of gastric cancer also known as stomach cancer.

H. Pylori is diagnosed by simple, fast and un-invasive tests. Treatment of choice is a a short course of antibiotics.

At your next doctor visit ask about h. Pylori testing. It is the first step in the elimination of a major often overlooked cancer risk.

.Pylori

11/14/2025

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is on the rise across Africa, often detected too late.
Low awareness, limited screening, and
H. pylori infection contribute to its growing burden. Early symptoms are easy to overlook. but early detection saves lives.

If you experience any of these symptoms contact your doctor promptly.

Early detection saves lives!

Let’s raise awareness. Let’s save lives.



Poster credit: dr.nikhilagrawal

11/12/2025

To***co use remains one of the leading causes of cancer and preventable deaths — and it continues to take a heavy toll on people of African descent both in the U.S. and across Africa.

Smoking increases the risk of lung, throat, mouth, pancreatic, and cervical cancers, among others. Yet, many of these cancers can be prevented by quitting to***co.

Today, we challenge you to make the change.
Even quitting for one day can begin to restore your health and reduce your cancer risk. You are stronger than the addiction — and every step toward quitting counts.

Let’s take a stand together for a to***co-free, cancer-free future for our communities.

Make today your quit day.
Your body, your loved ones, and your community will thank you.

***coFreeAfrica ***coFreeWorld

11/11/2025

Shedding Light on Carcinoid Cancer — The Silent Cancer

Carcinoid cancer, a type of neuroendocrine tumor, often develops in the digestive tract or lungs but can affect other parts of the body as well. Because it grows slowly and may not cause symptoms early on, it is sometimes called a “silent cancer.”

Common symptoms to watch for:
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Persistent diarrhea or skin flushing
• Wheezing or shortness of breath
• Unexplained weight loss

At Patcha Foundation, we believe that awareness leads to action and early detection saves lives. If you or someone you love has been experiencing persistent symptoms, don’t ignore them — talk to your healthcare provider.

Together, we can raise awareness for lesser-known cancers and ensure that no one fights alone.

November is Carcinoid Cancer Awareness Month!

11/08/2025

2025 Medical Mission Report — A Year of Healing and Hope 💜

We are thrilled to share our 2025 Medical Mission Report, a powerful testament to what we can achieve together!

This year, our dedicated team of healthcare professionals, volunteers, donors and partners from all over Cameroon and across the world reached over 2500 individuals in Baloum, a village in West Region of Cameroon, providing vital cancer screenings, medical consultations, treatment, health education, and care.

Behind every number is a story — a mother or father screened early, a son receiving long-awaited surgery, a woman seeing the sonographic image of her unborn child, family given hope, a community empowered with knowledge and the gift of good health. 💜

To our donors, partners, and volunteers — thank you. Your support made this mission possible and continues to drive our work to reduce the burden of cancer and other diseases in African and diaspora communities.

Read the full report here and give us your feedback: https://jumpshare.com/share/H7M9eKqgM8eTVm7p52bF

11/07/2025

Stomach cancer: Stephanie’s story!
With early diagnosis and the appropriate treatment cancer doesn’t have to be a death sentence.
November is Stomach Cancer Awareness Month!

Facing stomach (gastric) cancer with a 29 percent remission rate, 20-year-old Stephanie White found oncologist Mark Duncan, M.D., and the Johns Hopkins K***e...

11/07/2025

More comprehensive information about pancreatic cancer:

Learning about pancreatic cancer can be intimidating. Chee-Chee Stucky, M.D., a surgical oncologist at Mayo Clinic, walks you through the facts, the question...

11/05/2025

November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, and at Patcha Foundation, we’re standing strong with everyone affected by this devastating disease.

Pancreatic cancer is often called the “silent killer” because symptoms may not appear until it’s advanced — but awareness can change that. Together, we can help our communities recognize the warning signs early and save lives.

⚠️ Know the Symptoms:
• Persistent abdominal or back pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite or nausea
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Dark urine or pale stools
• Fatigue or new-onset diabetes

💡 Early detection is key. When caught early, treatment options improve, outcomes are better, and hope grows stronger.

At Patcha Foundation, our mission is to reduce the cancer burden among people of African descent through education, advocacy, and access to care.
Let’s make this month a movement — not just a moment.

💜 Here’s how you can help:
✅ Learn the signs and share them.
✅ Encourage regular checkups.
✅ Support cancer awareness programs in your community.

Together, we can turn awareness into action, hope, and life.

11/05/2025

Novembre est le Mois de la sensibilisation au cancer du pancréas, et à Fondation Patcha, nous nous tenons aux côtés de toutes les personnes touchées par cette maladie dévastatrice.

Le cancer du pancréas est souvent appelé le « tueur silencieux », car les symptômes apparaissent tardivement — mais la sensibilisation peut tout changer.
Ensemble, nous pouvons aider nos communautés à reconnaître les signes d’alerte tôt et à sauver des vies.

⚠️ Reconnaître les symptômes :
• Douleur persistante à l’abdomen ou au dos
• Perte de poids inexpliquée
• Perte d’appétit ou nausées
• Jaunissement de la peau ou des yeux (jaunisse)
• Urine foncée ou selles pâles
• Fatigue ou apparition soudaine du diabète

💡 La détection précoce est essentielle. Lorsqu’il est diagnostiqué tôt, les options de traitement s’améliorent, les résultats sont meilleurs et l’espoir grandit.

À Fondation Patcha, notre mission est de réduire le fardeau du cancer au sein des populations d’ascendance africaine, à travers l’éducation, la sensibilisation et l’accès aux soins.
Faisons de ce mois un mouvement, pas seulement un moment.

💜 Voici comment vous pouvez contribuer :
✅ Apprenez à reconnaître les signes et partagez-les.
✅ Encouragez les bilans de santé réguliers.
✅ Soutenez les programmes de sensibilisation au cancer dans votre communauté.

Ensemble, transformons la sensibilisation en action, en espoir et en vie.

11/03/2025

Did you know that lung cancer is one of the deadliest cancers?

Many believe only smokers are at risk, but that’s far from true. Here are the main causes of lung cancer to watch out for, especially in African communities:

🔹 Smoking & secondhand smoke – causes up to 85% of lung cancer cases.
🔹 Air pollution – a growing concern in cities across Africa and the diaspora.
🔹 Indoor cooking smoke – from charcoal or firewood, especially in poorly ventilated homes.
🔹 Radon gas – an invisible gas that can leak into homes from the ground.
🔹 Occupational exposure – contact with asbestos, dust, or diesel fumes.
🔹 Family history & genetics – some risks run in families, even among non-smokers.

💙 This Lung Cancer Awareness Month, let’s take action:
✅ Support clean air initiatives
✅ Encourage smoke-free homes and communities
✅ Get screened early if you have symptoms or risks

💬 Tell us in the comments: Which of these risks do you think is most overlooked in your community?
Let’s start the conversation and save lives.