DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE: Why we can’t stop emphasizing the importance of relentless

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Awareness campaign, especially in sub-Sahara Africa

n March 04, the World celebrated International

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Awareness Day.

With initiatives of this type, the world as a whole

utilize the power of human connection to fight

health conditions by rallying together to spread

knowledge and support for a range of courses.

Information, educational, and fundraising events are

often held to create a wave of positivity and

empowerment for not only those living with health

conditions, but also those engaged in health care, in

organization and institution of health management,

and in disease prevention. Thank goodness,

humanity has gone a long way understanding that

the commemorations are useful for all, especially for

planning health safety and disease prevention. Thank

goodness, awareness campaigns for particular

commemorating day and event are often

commendably substantial. But while this positive

attitude lasts, we must still have to deal with the

obnoxious reality that certain forms of diseases and

health menace are so noxious and restless that they

demand our relentless efforts to curb or control

them. The HPV menace is one major noxious,

pernicious, perilous, deleterious, dangerous, health

issue we have to constantly measure with.

HPV is a group of (over 100) viruses that are very

common worldwide. It is mainly transmitted through

sexual contact; (not only penetrative sex but skin-to-

skin genital contact is also a well-recognized mode

of transmission). At least 14 HPV types are cancer-

causing, of which Cervical Cancer is the most

common. Nearly all cases of cervical cancer can be

attributable to HPV infection. And, infection with

certain HPV types are also often responsible for

cancers of the anus, vulva, vagina, penis and

oropharynx.

1, 2, 3

In fact, there is no way one can overemphasize the

HPV threat, given the propensity of the threat itself.

Data from very reliable sources like a June 2019,

Congressional Briefing on HPV-Related Cancers

(by the American Association for Cancer Research

(AACR), in partnership with a host of other

organizations and institutions like the American

Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the Union for

International Cancer Control (UICC), etc.), highlight

that globally, 630,000 cases of HPV-related cancers

are diagnosed each year – thus representing a

significant global disease burden. The congressional

briefing also highlight that fortunately, due to

advances in vaccination, screening and treatment,

the elimination of cervical cancer – and ultimately

all HPV-related cancers – is within reach. But this

goal will require a strong commitment from

governments, public health organizations, health

care workers, parents and other stakeholders in the

world.

FWHPWI has no doubt, stronger commitment is

needed in sub-Sahara Africa where reliable studies

have revealed that HPV-related cancers (cervical,

penile, anal, vulvar, vagina, head, and neck) are in

the increase. And, the increasing incidence of these

HPV-related cancers has been attributed to changes

in lifestyle-related risk factors, most notably sexual

behavior.

In the light of facts, therefore, effective

HPV awareness campaign need not be a one-day-

ceremonial thing. I am confident that constant search

for ways to get information to the grassroots,

constant guard and relentless awareness campaign is

the way to remedy the situation in sub-Sahara

Africa.

Director’s message

Why we can’t stop

emphasizing the importance

of relentless Human

Papilloma Virus (HPV)

Awareness campaign,

especially in sub-Sahara

Africa

FWHPWI’s Events

FWHPWI January Meeting/

Awareness Talk on COVID

19 Vaccine

Research News

European society for medical

oncology (ESMO) explains facts

about COVID-19 vaccination in

cancer patients

Trouble for drug-resistant

cancers

Research shows similarities in

Risk for COVID-19 and Cancer

Disparities

T Cell immunotherapy for

Ovarian Cancer shows potential

New strategy for fighting brain

cancer

Pathogenesis of Keratinocyte

Carcinomas and the Therapeutic

Potential of Medici-nal

Plants and Phytochemicals

Cancer News: Africa

Agreements to lower prices and

increase access to lifesaving cancer

treatment in sub-Saharan Africa

Approval of breakthrough cancer

medicine will offer ‘renewed

hope’

A research in South Africa seeks

to understand possible solutions to

promote adhere-nce to medication

and follow-up, needed for breast

cancer

Marine Resources also do serve

for the fight against Cancer

Researchers have investigated the

anticancer properties of aqueous

extract from fermented African

locust bean seeds on human

cancer - hepatocellular (Hep-G2)

and cervical (HeLa) cell lines

Health and lifestyle

The most common gynaecological

cancers - cervical, endometrical

and overian cancers are

frequently characterized by

mutations which might be dietary-

dependent

Growing Demand for

Integrative Medicine (IM)

among women with breast

and gyneco-logical cancer

The contribution of physical

activity, sedentary behavior,

and obesity to cancer etiology

(Guava Salad) Vegan Asparagus

Recipe

April, 2021

FWHPWI

Foundation for Women’s Health Promotion and Welfare Initiatives

In this Issue:

Click to join us

share information about the cancers

Dr. F. N. Alaribe Nnadozie,

(Director, FWHPWI)

Page 1

FWHPWI’s scheduled January 30, 2021 meeting

and outreach was promptly held. Dr Sylvia Kama-

kieghe (UK based General Practitioner, founder and

Lead Clinician of AskAwayHealth.Org) was the

guest speaker.

Dr Kama-kieghe’s awareness talk was on ‘COVID-

19 Vaccine’. She highlighted challenges of coming

into terms with the impact of a pandemic disease;

and lucidly explained facts of vaccine hesitancy and

scepticism. Dr. Kama-Kieghe provided clarity on

some questions regularly asked by the public, such

as: Is COVID-19 vaccine bigger threat than the

disease? Does the vaccine transform human DNA?

Who should have the vaccine? Etc.

Dr Kama-kieghe’s talk also provided clarity on

‘types of COVID-19 vaccine present at the

moment’, their content, manufacturers, how the

vaccines work and some common observed side

effects. As usual, participants were able to

exchange questions and answers at the end of Dr.

Kama-Kieghe’s talk. And Dr. Kama-Kieghe urged

participants to try and get vaccinated so as to help

curb the spread of COVID-19 virus.

European society for medical oncology (ESMO)

explains facts about COVID-19 vaccination in

cancer patients

Although evidence regarding vaccination in patients

with cancer is limited, there is enough evidence to

support anti-infective vaccination in general  (exclu-

ding live-attenuated vaccines and replication-

competent vector vaccines) even in patients with

cancer undergoing immunosuppressive therapy.

The level of efficacy may be expected to be genera-

lly reduced in certain populations of cancer patients

with intense immunosuppression, such as recipients

of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. However,

based on data extrapolation from other vaccines and

the mechanism of action of the COVID-19

vaccines, it is conceivable that the efficacy and

safety of vaccination against COVID-19 may be

estimated to be similar to that of patients without

cancer, although data from clinical trials are

lacking. Beyond stem cell transplantation, the

efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines can also vary in

patients with distinct contexts of malignant disease

(tumour type, disease extent, intrinsic or therapy-

induced immunosuppression); however, the

benefits of vaccination seem to significantly and

substantially outweigh the risks.

Trouble for drug-resistant cancers

ETC-159, a made-in-Singapore anti-cancer drug

that is currently in early phase clinical trials for use

in a subset of colorectal and gynecological cancers,

could also prevent some tumours from resisting

therapies by blocking a key DNA repair mechanism.

Research shows Similarities in Risk for

COVID-19 and Cancer Disparities

According to an article in the renowned American

Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Journal

Clinical Cancer Research, some root cause

contributions for risk disparity overlap between

COVID-19 and cancer. While cancer is a genetic

disease that is influenced by tissue microenviron-

ment, COVID-19 is an infectious disease that is

enabled by cellular expression of angiotensin-

converting enzyme 2 receptors. However, socio-

economic disadvantages, level of education, lifestyle

factors, health comorbidities, and limited access to

medical care appear to fuel underlying risk for both

cancer and COVID-19 disparities. For instance,

African Americans demonstrating higher risk of

acquiring and dying from either disease, are

underrepresented in clinical trials involving cancer

or COVID-19. Long-term disparities are present

with survivorship from cancer and may be likely

with survivorship from COVID-19; both have

revealed untoward effects on post-diagnosis

economic viability.

T Cell immunotherapy for Ovarian Cancer

shows potential

Ovarian cancer is diagnosed in an estimated 300,000

women around the world each year. While signi-

ficant advances have been made in conventional

treatments, survival rates have only modestly

improved. An Ovarian Cancer and Immunotherapy,

November 2020 Cancer Research Institute (CRI)

Virtual Summit discloses ongoing research for

combating ovarian cancer with T cell Immuno-

therapy.

New strategy for fighting brain cancer

The mean survival of patients with the most

common and aggressive type of brain cancer,

glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), is 14 months.

Huang, a member of the Cancer Biology research

program at Massey, pinpoints a gene called

YTHDF2 as a crucial link in a chain leading to the

development and growth of GBM. It works through

a process set in motion by another gene with a well-

established reputation for driving cancer

progression, EGFR."These findings are exciting

because we can potentially target YTHDF2

expression by using YTHDF2 small molecule

inhibitors to control glioblastoma tumor growth and

spread," says Huang.

FWHPWI’S EVENTS

HPV

OVERVIEW/SYMPTOMS

HPV is the most common

sexually transmitted infection

(STI).

Many people with HPV

don't develop any symptom

but can still infect others

through sexual contact.

Symptoms may include

warts on the genitals or sur-

rounding skin.

There's no cure for the virus

and warts may go away on

their own. Treatment focu-

ses on removing the warts.

A vaccine that prevents the

HPV strains most likely to

cause genital warts and

cervical cancer is recomm-

ended for boys and girls.

Cancer is a leading

cause of premature

death in every

country in the world

But many of these

deaths can be

prevented

The Cancer

Atlas

RESEARCH NEWS

Page 2

Share valuable

information, experiences

and ideas about women

cancers and general

healthy lifestyle

FWHPWI

Online Community

CLICK HERE

Pathogenesis of Keratinocyte Carcinomas

and the Therapeutic Potential of Medici-

nal Plants and Phytochemicals

Keratinocyte carcinoma (KC) is a form of skin

cancer that develops in keratinocytes, which are the

predominant cells present in the epidermis layer of

the skin. Keratinocyte carcinoma comprises two

sub-types, namely basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and

squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). In an article

published this April in Molecules, Josiah, A.J. et.al.

of Council for Scientific and Industrial Research

(CSIR) Pretoria, provides a holistic literature

assessment of the origin, diagnosis methods,

contributing factors, and current topical treatments

of KC. One of the principal concepts highlighted in

the article is the adverse effects linked to

conventional treatment methods of KC and how

novel treatment strategies that combine

phytochemistry and transdermal drug delivery

systems offer an alternative approach for treatment.

Agreements to lower prices and increase

access to lifesaving cancer treatment in

sub-Saharan Africa

In June 2020 the American Cancer Society (ACS)

and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI)

announced agreements with pharmaceutical

companies Pfizer, Novartis, and Mylan to expand

access to 20 lifesaving cancer treatments in 26

countries in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.

Purchasers are expected to save an average of 59

percent for medicines procured through the

agreements.

Approval of breakthrough cancer medicine

will offer ‘renewed hope’

KEYTRUDA®, previously used to treat certain

types of skin and lung cancers, has been approved

for the treatment of bladder cancer and first-line

non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCL) by the SA

Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA).

The regulatory approval follows the review of

studies and clinical trial data that showed the

medicine was safe and effective against additional

cancer types. This opens the door to many more

cancer patients receiving effective treatment.

A research in South Africa seeks to under-

stand possible solutions to promote adhere-

nce to medication and follow-up, needed for

breast cancer

Living with breast cancer often causes women

varied physical, emotional, and psychological

challenges due to enduring treatment, with some

describing treatment as highly traumatizing and a

period of severe emotional suffering.

Total mastectomy remains the most common

surgical treatment today in South African public

health services, despite breast conserving surgery

being the surgical treatment of choice in high-

resource settings. Education around breast cancer

prognosis and treatment and the fear of mastectomy

and chemotherapy impede women from care-

seeking, in part, because these treatments frequently

cause significant side effects and are associated with

emotional distress and trauma. Many women

experience stress associated with physical mutilation

of the body, emotional distress associated with a

cancer diagnosis and treatments, and lingering

depressive symptoms, particularly when women

depend on an underfunded public sector where

psychological support services are limited or non-

existent.

Marine Resources also do serve for the

fight against Cancer

Many patents have been issued for African marine

resources – for development of cancer and other

disease fighting items. Below are some examples:

CancerNews: Africa

The COVID-19

pandemic is not over.

Never

forget this practice!

It is necessary

for your health

now and always.

Do it often.

The best for you is to

keep safe for yourself

and for us all.

Page 3

A scientist

Jackson State University,

Mississippi

obtained a US patent

(6,849,604, issued 1/2/2005)

on extracts of

Vernonia amygdalina,

an African medicinal plant

sometimes called Bitterleaf

(or Bitter Leaf).

According to the patent,

the extracts are effective

against cancer. The inventor

obtained samples in Benin

City, Nigeria.

Do you

know?

COUNTRY

Eritrea

ORGANISM

Sponge extracts

(Raspailia sp.)

Patent OWNER

Instituto Biomar, S.A.,

Ozonilla, Spain

COMMENT

and/or QUOTE

The extracts are named

“Asmarines” (as in Asmara)

COUNTRY

Mauritius

ORGANISM

Sea Hare extracts

(Dolabella auricularia)

Patent OWNER

Arizona State

University, US

COMMENT

and/or QUOTE

...The sea hare was

collected in 1972; but it and

other collections continue to

provide patented compounds

for Arizona.

COUNTRY

South Africa

ORGANISM

Sponge extracts

(Haliclona tulearensis)

Patent OWNER

PharmaMar S.A., Madrid,

Spain

COMMENT

and/or QUOTE

Source of toxins. From the

patent: “collected in Sodwana

Bay, Durban, South Africa”

Source:report entitled “Out of Africa: Mysteries

of Access and Benefit Sharing”, pp.27-28;

published by Edmonds Institute, Washington

USA.

Image/Brief description of the potentials

of the Marine Organisms

Agelasines, asmarines and related compounds are natural

products with a hybrid terpene-purine structure isolated from

numerous genera of sponges (Agela sp., Raspailia sp.) The

asmarines have shown potent antiproliferative activity against

several types of human cancer cell lines

Sea hares (family Aplysiidae) are a rich source of bioactive

substances. Especially, over the past 40 years, the genera

Aplysia and Dolabella have afforded numerous bioactive

secondary metabolites that exhibit antitumor activity. For

example, the depsipeptide dolastatin 10 and its analogue are

currently in cancer clinical trials.

There are up to 112 nitrogenous secondary metabolites from

classified and unclassified Haliclona sponges as well as from

their symbiotic microorganisms. Most of these substances have

only been found in Haliclona sponges, and display diverse

bioactive properties with potential applications in new drug

discovery.

Researchers have investigated the anti-

cancer properties of aqueous extract from

fermented African locust bean seeds on

human cancer - hepatocellular (Hep-G2)

and cervical (HeLa) cell lines

African locust bean (Parkia biglobosa) species

represents one of the indigenous medicinal plants

available across West and Central Africa. The

fermented African locust beans is a soup/stew

condiment prepared by natural fermentation of

Parkia biglobosa seeds. The condiment is well

researched and reported to possess diverse

nutritional and medicinal properties. This condiment

can be eaten directly but it is mainly used as a spice

in the preparation of various delicious meals. The

fermented seeds are given various names depending

on location, these include dawadawa in Ghana and

northern Nigeria; iru in Benin Republic and southern

Nigeria; and soumbala in Burkina Faso. Various

extracts from the fermented seeds of Parkia

biglobosa have been studied for their usefulness in

the prevention, treatment, and management of

various disease conditions (using various models)

including diabetes mellitus, hypertension,

antioxidant and hypolipidaemic effect. There is

however no study in the literature that has reported

the cytotoxic activity of fermented Parkia biglobosa

(FPB) seeds. The present study was done to

investigate the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of the

aqueous extract of FPB seeds on Hepatocellular

(Hep-G2) and cervical (HeLa) cell line. Read more

See below image of the Parkia biglobosa plant:

The most common gynecological cancers –

cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, and

ovarian cancer are frequently characterized by

mutations which might be dietary-dependent

Presented epidemiological data indicate that female

genital cancers are still a serious public health

concern. Various first-line treatment strategies are

administered based on the tumor stage and cell type,

but surgery and chemotherapy are the most

frequently included. Despite the significant

therapeutic advances in recent years, the current

therapeutic options for gynecological cancers are

insufficient. Novel promising targeted agents with

potential anticancer effects comprise of

antiangiogenic agents, poly (ADP-ribose) poly-

merase (PARP) inhibitors, tumor-intrinsic signaling

pathway inhibitors, selective estrogen receptor

downregulators, and immune checkpoint inhibitors,

which target the main causes responsible for cancer

development. High-risk human papillomaviruses

(HR-HPVs) are considered as the main etiologic

factors of female lower genital tract malignancies.

Image source: Wikiamedia Commons

Just a few ways to

reduce your risk of

gynecological cancers

advised by

National Foundation

for Cancer Research

Have your Pap test

by age 21

The Pap test looks for abnormal

cell changes in the cervix to

detect cervical cancer in its early

stages.

Protect yourself from

Human papilloma

virus (HPV)

Talk to your doctor about

getting the HPV test and HPV

vaccine. Also, limit your sexual

partners and, when you do have

sex, use a condom.

Don’t smoke.

Smoking increases the risk of

different cancers including

cervical, ovarian, vaginal and

vulvar cancers.

Make healthy

choices.

It’s important to maintain a

healthy weight, be active and eat

a healthy diet consisting of fruit,

vegetables, lean proteins and

whole grains.

Share your family

history with your

doctor.

Genetic testing is now available

to see if you carry a BRCA1 or

BRCA2 mutation, which could

put you in a high-risk category

for ovarian and breast cancer. If

you carry a genetic mutation

associated to Lynch Syndrome,

a heredity condition that

increases your risk of colon

cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine

cancer, etc.

Contact your doctor

if you notice any of

these symptoms.

Abnormal vaginal

bleeding or discharge

Pelvic pain or

pressure

Abdominal or back

pain

Bloating

Changes in bathroom

habits (increased

urination, constipation,

diarrhea)

Itching or burning of

the vulva

Changes in vulva

color or skin (rash,

sores, warts, ulcers).

nfcr.org/

HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE

Raspailia Image source: habitas.org.uk/

Dolabella Image source: Aqatic Life Wiki

Haliclona Image source:Marine Aquariumsm SA.

Page 4

Click here to Donate

FWHPWI

For this reason, HPV testing is an important part of

gynecological cancer screening, and immunization

against HPV using vaccines has been a major step

forward towards gynecological cancer prevention.

The most common gynecological cancers are

cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, and ovarian

cancer. The aforementioned cancer types are

frequently characterized by mutations in K-RAS,

H-RAS, BRAF, PTEN and TP53, among others,

each of which might be dietary-dependent. In

recent years, there has been an increasing number

of studies indicating the possible anticancer effects

of individual dietary components, especially those

of plant origin. For this reason, the authors present

the results of epidemiological, experimental, and

clinical studies indicating the possibility of using a

plant-based diet and its components in the

prevention of gynecological cancer.

Growing Demand for Integrative Medicine

(IM) among women with breast and gyneco-

logical cancers

There has been a marked increase in the demand

for IM in the oncological patient population over

the past years. IM is being used by up to 43% of

all cancer patients worldwide (e.g., 50−70% in

Germany, 45−49% in Australia, and up to 95% in

the US). The use is particularly pronounced among

breast cancer patients who apply IM strategies in

up to 90% of cases. Owing to patients’ varying

cultural backgrounds, resulting in differences in

their acceptance of IM, there is great heterogeneity

in the implementation of IM around the world.

The contribution of physical activity, sedentary

behavior, and obesity to cancer etiology

An estimated 30–40% of cancers can be prevented

through changes in modifiable lifestyle and environ-

mental risk factors known to be associated with

cancer incidence. Despite this knowledge, there

remains limited awareness that these associations

exist. The purpose of this review article was to sum-

arize the epidemiologic evidence concerning the

contribution of physical activity, sedentary behavior,

and obesity to cancer etiology and to provide an

overview of the biologic mechanisms that may be

operative between these factors and cancer inci-

dence. Strong and consistent evidence exists that

higher levels of physical activity reduce the risk of

six different cancer sites (bladder, breast, colon,

endometrial, esophageal adenocarcinoma, gastric

cardia), whereas moderate evidence inversely

associates physical activity with lung, ovarian,

pancreatic and renal cancer, and limited evidence

inversely correlates physical activity with prostate

cancer. Sedentary behavior, independent of physical

activity, has been shown to increase the risk of

colon, endometrial, and lung cancers. Obesity is an

established risk factor for 13 different cancer sites

(endometrial, postmenopausal breast, colorectal,

esophageal, renal/kidneys, meningioma, pancreatic,

gastric cardia, liver, multiple myeloma, ovarian,

gallbladder, and thyroid). The main biologic mecha-

nisms whereby physical activity, sedentary behavior,

and obesity are related to cancer incidence include

an effect on endogenous sex steroids and metabolic

hormones, insulin sensitivity, and chronic

inflammation.

General enquiry

+27 604301958; +27 715512248

WhatsApp+27 610054712

http://foundationforwomenshealth.com

Postal Address/Office

1101 Zethuishof, 620 Park Street, Arcadia

Pretoria, South Africa

Email:

info@foundationforwomenshealth.com

foundationforwomenshealth@gmail.com

You can also deposit your donation

directly into our bank account below.

Account Name

Foundation for Women’s

Health Promotion and

Welfare Initiatives

Bank Name

Standard Bank

Account Number

10122435964

Branch Code

011545

Swift address

SBZAZAJJ

To make Guava Salad

2 Large Guava, A handful of Fresh coriander, Ginger - 1/2 inch piece,

Green chilli - 1 (optional), Salt (taste), A pinch of Black pepper powder,

Few drops of Lime juice.

Begin with washing to remove impurities, remove the stalk and cut

guavas into bite size pieces, finely chop ginger, green chilli and coriander

In a mixing bowl take guava pieces, chopped veggies, salt, pepper powder,

lime juice, and mix to combine well.

Guava Salad is ready to serve.

Source: sunayanagupta.com/

Guava has

antiproliferative

effect in MDA-MB-435 and

MCF-7 human breast cancer cell lines

Image credit: itsmontse.com/

Please do visit

our Fundraising

Campaign

Webpage

For our Women

Cancer Survivors

YOUR GENEROSITY IS

HIGHLY APPRECIATED

CLICK HERE