We believe in controlling what we can control. Right?! This philosophy extends to limiting our environmental exposure to chemicals and toxins - when we can - in our efforts to prevent disease and promote health.
Read moreFinancial burden of cancer care
Undoubtedly, cancer takes a physical and emotional toll but cancer can have a big impact on your bank account too.
Read moreJanuary is cervical cancer awareness month: learn some facts
Globally, is it is estimated that 570,000 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer and over 300,000 women will die from the disease this year. Most cervical cancer is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) and this virus spreads through sexual contact. Most exposure to HPV is fought off by our bodies but sometimes the virus leads to cancer. It usually takes several years for normal cells in the cervix to turn into cancer cells.
Read moreFeel better while on chemo
When we see patients prior to their chemo infusion, one thing we always ask about is their side effects. Commonly, chemo causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, decreased appetite, mouth sores or soreness, and weight loss. While we often adjust medications for these symptoms but we have 5 general guidelines that we always recommend that can help people feel better overall.
Read moreColon Cancer Screening
Without any screening, about 1 out of 20 people will develop colon cancer. The risk is even higher for people with a family history of colon cancer. Most (but not all) cancer in the colon begins as a noncancerous polyp or small growth. Over time, polyps can grow and change and become cancer.
Read moreUnderstanding your labs: White blood cell count
White blood cells are a part of our immune system. We can measure the white blood cells that are circulating in our blood which can tell us important information, especially when on treatment for cancer. Since blood counts can be hard to understand, we thought we would break down the important items to focus on regarding white blood cell counts.
Read moreCancer and Genetics: Who should be tested?
The purpose of genetic testing for hereditary cancer syndromes is to identify if there is a genetic variant in an individual that increases their chance of developing cancer. Testing is targeted at certain genes that have been identified as having a link with cancer. As the field of cancer genetics expands, more genes have been found to be linked to particular cancers. Why should we test for genetics?
Lynch Syndrome
Lynch Syndrome is an inherited or hereditary cancer syndrome that increases the risk of certain cancers, especially colorectal cancer. It is also known as hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). The inherited disorder is caused by a mutation in a mismatch repair gene. Genes identified within this syndrome are termed mismatch repair genes (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2) as they function to identify cellular mistakes made during replication and repair them.
Read moreBenefits of a Plant Based Diet
Decreased inflammation
Diets high in plant sources are also high in antioxidants which are known to combat inflammation in our systems and encourage longevity of our cells. Consumption of animal products (including meat, cheese and diary) increases inflammation in our bodies. They are pro-inflammatory and over time, this can cause chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation has been linked to many conditions, including cancer.
Coping with Uncertainty
The process of being diagnosed and treated for cancer is a significant life event and can be filled with uncertainty. Sometimes these questions are not easy to answer. Complications and delays in therapy can be hard to predict. As with any medical treatment, outcomes are not certain. You are not alone. This is one of the many (and common) symptoms we discuss in our Field Guide to Chemotherapy Symptom Management.
Read moreOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month: So, let’s talk
1 in 78 women will develop ovarian cancer in their lifetime. Ovarian Cancer is the 5th leading cause of cancer death in women.
Ovarian Cancer is cancer of the ovaries. Just a quick reminder, ovaries are 2 small organs near the uterus that are responsible for storing eggs and producing estrogen and progesterone.
Ovarian Cancer: What you need to know
1 in 78 women will develop ovarian cancer in their lifetime. Ovarian Cancer is the 5th leading cause of cancer death in women.
Ovarian Cancer is cancer of the ovaries. Just a quick reminder, ovaries are 2 small organs near the uterus that are responsible for storing eggs and producing estrogen and progesterone.
What is a pulmonary embolism
A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lung. Pulmonary refers to the lungs and embolism is a blockage in a blood vessel, hence the term pulmonary embolism. A blood clot that lodges in an artery in the lung usually travels there from a different part of the body. A common area where a blood clot can form is the calf of the leg which is called a deep venous thrombosis (DVT).
Read moreChemotherapy and alopecia: What to expect during your treatment
Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. Chemotherapy induced alopecia is one of the most dreaded and feared side effects associated with chemotherapy. Patients have often told us that it is the one side effect that makes them feel like have cancer. It can be an unpleasant reminder of your illness and it can be an unwanted cue to strangers that you are sick.
Read moreDid you know… cancer patients are at increased risk for blood clots?
Blood clotting is a normal and healthy physiological process to stop bleeding when an injury has occurred. When blood clots happen within a vessel that has not been damaged, they can be problematic. The medical term for this type of problematic blood clot in vein is a deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Damage to or inflammation of a blood vessel increases the risk of a blood clot forming
Read moreWhat are the current recommendations for cancer screening?
We would like to review the current recommendations from the American Cancer Society (ASC). We want everyone to know the recommendations so you can take control of your health and be proactive about screening. These screening tools are proven to find cancer at earlier stages. Finding cancer early may mean less treatment is needed and has higher rates of curability.
Read moreBreast Cancer and Aspirin Use
There has been data suggesting taking aspirin daily can reduce your risk of developing breast cancer or developing a recurrence from breast cancer.
Read moreWhat to eat on the day of chemotherapy
What should I eat prior to chemotherapy?
We get many questions from our patients regarding what to eat while receiving treatment. Here are some answers to a few of the questions we receive along with some tips on nutrition and treatment.
Read moreSoy Products and Breast Cancer
There has been much controversy over the years with soy products and estrogen positive breast cancer. Will I get breast cancer if I eat soy foods? Will I increase my risk of breast cancer coming back if I eat soy products?
Read moreMore People Are Surviving Cancer
The National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society recently released a joint report stating that by 2030 there will be 22 million cancer survivors in this country (up from about 17 million cancer survivors this year).
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