6 Cancer Screening Tests for Women
Cancer screening tests are essential for detecting cancer early, but some studies show that women aren't being screened as recommended. There are several different types of cancer screening tests for men and women, but there are six tests that most women should have regularly (frequency based on their health history and risk)....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Cancer)
Source: About.com Cancer - May 31, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Esophageal Cancer
Being diagnosed with cancer is a frightening and stressful experience. When I first heard the doctor use the "C" word, a whole wave of emotions came over me. They were so overwhelming that when they doctor asked the standard "Do you have any questions?", I simply shook my head, grabbed my stack of patient information papers, and left....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Cancer)
Source: About.com Cancer - May 31, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
Staying Motivated on the Low Iodine Diet
The words 'low iodine diet' provoke a wide array of emotions in people who have had thyroid cancer or another thyroid condition. The diet restricts the amount of iodine you can consume to help prepare for radioactive thyroid scans and ablation. You never quite realize how much iodine we consume until you are forced to limit it in your diet. No fast foods, restaurants meals, or processed foods are allowed. Say goodbye to dairy, seafood, most chocolate, and anything with iodized salt. You can see how easily one could get discouraged, especially when you have to be on the diet for 2-3 weeks prior to a scan....Read Full Post (...
Source: About.com Cancer - May 31, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
Coping with Cancer Shame
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 - May 31, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
How Much Alcohol Increases Your Cancer Risk?
It's no secret that consuming alcohol can increase your risk of developing several types of cancer. Experts warn us of the risk, but often don't elaborate on how much alcohol actually increases our risk. Is it a daily wine glass? Or a 12 oz bottle of beer? What about liquor?...Read Full Post (Source: About.com Cancer)
Source: About.com Cancer - May 31, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
Angelina Jolie Undergoes Preventative Double Mastectomy
In yesterday's New York Times, actress Angelina Jolie revealed she recently had a prophylactic double mastectomy after learning she was at high risk of developing breast cancer after undergoing genetic testing. Angelina penned her story in a published op-ed piece that discussed the genetic mutation that increased her risk of breast cancer and how she came to the decision to have such a drastic surgery. The 37 year old actress publicly disclosed her medical history and decisions so other women may "benefit from her experience". Her words deliver an empowering message that maintains its focus on breast cancer. Never does the...
Source: About.com Cancer - April 30, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
Paying for Cancer Treatment
Recently, I received an email from a reader who is in a financial dilemma because of the cost of cancer treatment. She is currently employed and on medical leave. Her leave is about to expire, but isn't quite ready to return to work as she is still undergoing treatment. If she does not return to work, she will likely lose her job and benefits....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Cancer)
Source: About.com Cancer - April 30, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
How Do You Deal With Unwanted Medical Advice?
There are some people, though they have no medical training, like to lend medical advice to others. When you have cancer, it seems to bring out the "inner-physician" in some people, prompting unwanted medical advice to be given. Though they may mean well, it surely can become annoying!...Read Full Post (Source: About.com Cancer)
Source: About.com Cancer - April 30, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
Help! Insurance Won't Pay for Chemo...
I have a love/hate relationship with my health insurance provider. When they cover my medications and tests, I am thrilled. But, when I get a letter saying they do not cover a procedure, medication, or test that my doctor believes I need, I feel deflated. Every day, cancer patients receive these denial of coverage letters and phone calls -- even for vital medications like chemotherapy drugs. So, what's a cancer patient to do? What to do when you insurance won't pay... (Source: About.com Cancer)
Source: About.com Cancer - April 30, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
Will I Lose Weight During Chemotherapy?
For some people, losing weight during chemotherapy can be a welcomed side effect. I have heard newly diagnosed patients joke countless times that chemo may be just the answer to shed those unwanted pounds. Their humor in spite of the diagnosis is encouraging, but it diminishes quickly when they learn that they may actually gain weight during treatment. Of course this varies based on treatment plan and the medications included in it and other factors. Read more about who is likely to gain lose weight during treatment. (Source: About.com Cancer)
Source: About.com Cancer - April 30, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
Taste Changes During Chemotherapy
We are all familiar with side effects of chemotherapy like hair loss and stomach upset, but did you know that taste changes are also a common side effect? Almost half of people who undergo chemotherapy experience a change in their sense of taste. From too sweet to too bitter, chemotherapy can affect how things taste to us. Learn how to cope with taste changes. ...Read Full Post (Source: About.com Cancer)
Source: About.com Cancer - April 30, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
Reader Stories: "I Lost My Hair to Chemotherapy"
Just the thought of losing your hair to chemo can be devastating for men and women. After all, hair is our "crown and glory" and shapes our facial features. The truth is that thousands of people lose their hair to chemotherapy every single day. Today, someone will wake up to find hair on their pillow or have clumps hovering the drain in the shower. While there is nothing we can do to prevent this from happening, there is something we can do: give support....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Cancer)
Source: About.com Cancer - April 28, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
Coping with Cancer Shame
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 - April 28, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
Sexual Side Effects of Chemotherapy
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 ca...
Source: About.com Cancer - April 28, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
Should You Have a Pet During Cancer Treatment?
Should you have a pet if you are undergoing cancer treatment? Absolutely! They can bring much needed comfort and companionship at a time when you may need it the most. I certainly don't recommend adopting a new pet a few days after starting chemotherapy or having surgery, but if you have pets, you can keep them with you during treatment (in most cases)....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Cancer)
Source: About.com Cancer - March 24, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
