Jim Kelly Battling Cancer Recurrence
Hall of Fame NFL quarterback Jim Kelly has been diagnosed with cancer. The year old was diagnosed with oral cancer last June and underwent surgery to remove part of his jaw. When he was initially diagnosed, Kelly experienced pain in his jaw that was unresponsive to antibiotics. Surgery to remove a cyst in his gums and nasal cavity revealed the malignancy. Follow up testing has shown the cancer has returned and Kelly will undergo further treatment to treat the disease....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Cancer)
Source: About.com Cancer - March 15, 2014 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
Do You Believe These Cervical Cancer Myths?
I receive a lot of questions about cervical health, especially from young women who have heard incorrect information about Pap smears and cervical cancer. I decided to address these questions in a new article, "9 Commonly Believed Cervical Cancer Myths". By reading I hope you learn something new and empower yourself to make good decisions about your cervical health. (Source: About.com Cancer)
Source: About.com Cancer - February 28, 2014 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
When You Should Worry About Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain has plagued women since the beginning of time. It can be a normal sign that ovulation is occuring or part of pre-mentrual syndrome. Pelvic pain and cramping are things we have been told are just part of being a woman. As cancer research has progressed over the last few decades, we have learned that pelvic pain can be a sign of something more serious. From endometriosis to gynecologic cancer, pelvic pain can be a strong symptom. But, how do you discern between your average, run of the mill pelvic cramping that is normal and pelvic pain that is serious? Read more about pelvic pain and when you should see ...
Source: About.com Cancer - February 28, 2014 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
Chemotherapy Can Affect Your Sex Life: Here's How
Most people expect certain side effects of chemotherapy like hair loss and nausea, but they are usually surprised when it affects a very personal part of their life -- their sex life. The sexual side effects of chemotherapy are plenty, but what you experience and the severity greatly depends on what chemotherapy drug(s) you are taking and at what dose. From the loss of sexual desire to male impotence, chemotherapy's sexual side effects can pose unique challenges in the bedroom. The good news is that the side effects are usually temporary and can often be relieved with OTC medications and products and in some case...
Source: About.com Cancer - February 28, 2014 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month
March kicks off National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month! This month we aim to raise awareness about a disease that strikes about 100,000 Americans each year (based on the American Cancer Society's 2010 facts and figures). Did you know that about 50, 000 American died of colorectal cancer last year? It time to spread the word about screening, symptoms, and risks. What are you going to do?...Read Full Post (Source: About.com Cancer)
Source: About.com Cancer - February 28, 2014 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
Should You Toss Sunscreen From Last Year?
Warm weather will be soon upon us! The drugstores are stocking a wide array of sunscreens, sunblocks, and self tanners. You may be tempted to buy a bottle or two, but then remember that you have some left over from last summer. But, is it still good?...Read Full Post (Source: About.com Cancer)
Source: About.com Cancer - February 28, 2014 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
Do You Have a Mole That Itches?
Not long ago, a reader wrote to me about a mole that had become incredibly itchy. She was concerned that because the mole had suddenly became itchy that it may be a symptom of skin cancer. She also mentioned that her mole recently changed from flat to raised. Do you think that she may be experiencing skin cancer symptoms? Check your answer here....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Cancer)
Source: About.com Cancer - February 28, 2014 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
When You Feel Ashamed About Your Cancer...
In the public eye, all cancers are not judged equally. For that reason, it may be difficult for some cancer patients to talk about their disease, even to the point of not tell friends and family. Recently, I received an email from a reader who is battling anal cancer is feeling shame and embarrassment because of it. Her feelings of shame have been so strong that it has prevented her from adequately coping with the diagnosis....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Cancer)
Source: About.com Cancer - February 28, 2014 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
Exercise is the Key to Fatigue Prevention
If you are about to undergo chemotherapy or in the middle of a regimen, exercise may be the last thing on your "to-do" list. Your mode of thinking may be that if you are too tired to even go grocery shopping, how in the world can you go walk a mile or take a yoga class? What is great about exercise is that it can help fight fatigue! Research has repeatedly shown that exercise combats fatigue, depression, insomnia, and also improves self-esteem and confidence in people undergoing chemotherapy. Some studies have shown that people who exercise during treatment experience fewer side effects than those who don't exercise....Rea...
Source: About.com Cancer - February 28, 2014 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
Feeling Tired During Radiation Therapy?
Whenever I speak to patients about side effects of cancer treatment before treatment actually begins, they are always concerned with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and hair loss. These can all be common side effects and difficult to tolerate, but I am always surprised that there is little concern for potential fatigue. One patient explained to me that it's perfectly acceptable to be tired in public, but having diarrhea or throwing up was a whole different ballgame. Very true, but what many new patients don't realize is that fatigue is a side effect that can truly compromise your quality of life during cancer treatment. For mo...
Source: About.com Cancer - January 31, 2014 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
What to Do If You Have Blood In Your Urine
Finding blood in places where you don't normally or shouldn't find blood can be a frightening experience. When people discover blood in their urine, their initial reaction often involves panic. After all, it's not exactly natural to have blood in the urine and can be a shocker to see on tissue or in the toilet. After a quick Google search, most people are relieved that the likely culprit is likely an infection, but other look deeper into less likely causes, like cancer....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Cancer)
Source: About.com Cancer - January 31, 2014 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
The Dreaded Pap Smear
"I can't wait to have a Pap smear", said no woman ever. Although the actual time it takes to have a Pap smear is probably less than saying your ABC's (not counting speculum insertion time), it isn't the most pleasant experience. You are naked from the waist down, usually cold, and feel pretty vulnerable. If you are like me and have your Pap smear done at a teaching hospital, you might be surrounded by a group of bright eyed and bushy tailed med students who look way too eager to get their hands on a speculum and cotton swab. It's not exactly my idea of fun and probably not yours either, but it's essential for cervical heal...
Source: About.com Cancer - January 31, 2014 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
"Catching" Cancer: Is Cancer Contagious?
One of the most common questions I hear when someone is diagnosed with cancer is about the disease being contagious. While the question often is asked by a child of a parent with cancer, it can be a concern for partners, spouses, and friends of cancer patients. Many feel selfish or even embarrassed for asking, but it is a common concern. Recently, a reader emailed me and spoke of her boyfriend, who was recently diagnosed with lymphoma. She was worried that the disease may be contagious through unprotected sex, kissing, and generally the exchange of bodily fluids. Read my response to the reader's question about cancer...
Source: About.com Cancer - January 31, 2014 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
How to Donate Hair to Pantene's Beautiful Lengths Program
If you have been thinking about donating your hair to a cancer charity, please consider the Pantene Beautiful Lengths Program. Pantene teamed up with The American Cancer Society a few years ago to create a program for women with cancer who have lost their hair during cancer treatment. Today, over 24,000 women have received a wig though the program!...Read Full Post (Source: About.com Cancer)
Source: About.com Cancer - January 31, 2014 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
Thrush... Another Chemo "Surprise"
Most people undergoing chemotherapy come to expect certain side effects of treatment -- hair loss, stomach upset, and sometimes weight loss. But, when white/yellow patches begin to develop in the mouth or on the tongue, it can come as a total surprise. I have had many people say, "I thought babies only get thrush". While its most common in infants, thrush can occur in people with compromised immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy. During treatment, the immune system has a hard time regulating fungus that is naturally found in the mouth. The result is overgrowth. Learn more about oral ...
Source: About.com Cancer - January 31, 2014 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
