Patcha Foundation

11/21/2025

Today is the Great American Smokeout!
Every cigarette not smoked is a victory for your health — and for your future.

To***co use is the leading cause of preventable cancer deaths, but quitting — even for one day — is the first step toward freedom from addiction and a healthier, longer life.

Whether it’s your first attempt or your tenth, today is the perfect day to start again.
You don’t have to do it alone — seek support, talk to your doctor, and connect with others who are quitting too.

🚭 Make today your quit day.
Your body, your loved ones, and your future self will thank you.

***coFree

11/18/2025

Lung cancer often shows no early signs, but when symptoms do appear, they shouldn’t be ignored. Watch for:
• Persistent cough or a cough that gets worse
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Unexplained weight loss
• Coughing up blood
• Frequent lung infections (pneumonia or bronchitis)
• Fatigue

Early detection saves lives. Ask your doctor about lung cancer screening, and if you or someone you love is experiencing these symptoms, seek medical care promptly.
‼️

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.