Cervical Dysplasia to Cervical Cancer: How Long Does It Take?
When a woman is told that she has cervical dysplasia, one of the first thoughts that may cross her mind is that she is at risk of cervical cancer. Recently, a reader wrote to me asking if she could delay treatment for severe dysplasia because she is uninsured. She wanted to know how long it takes for cervical cancer to progress into cervical cancer. Read my answer......Read Full Post (Source: About.com Cancer)
Source: About.com Cancer - March 24, 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 - March 24, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
Sofia Vergara is a Cancer Survivor
When Sofia Vergara appeared on a Stand Up 2 Cancer special last year, I was surprised when she announced that she was a cancer survivor. I didn't recall reading about a diagnosis in the past, but after a quick Google search, I learned she is a thyroid cancer survivor! According to several interviews and media report, the actress was diagnosed in 2000. While it has been over a decade since she was diagnosed, I think its fantastic that she is now an advocate. Read more about Vergara's battle with thyroid cancer...Read Full Post (Source: About.com Cancer)
Source: About.com Cancer - March 24, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
Looking for Low Iodine Diet Information?
I have a love/hate relationship with the low iodine diet. My husband, who had thyroid cancer, is forced to abandon his Synthroid for a few weeks and go on a low iodine diet for scans a few times a year. I love the low iodine diet because I know it ultimately helps detect any rogue thyroid cells that may be circulating in his body. On the other hand, I hate it because it really takes it toll on my carb loving husband after a few days. It's a necessary evil, but with each scan, we have found or created tastier recipes and it makes it a little easier! Low Iodine Diet Recipes...Read Full Post (Source: About.com Cancer)
Source: About.com Cancer - March 24, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
Play Golf? You May Be At Risk of Skin Cancer
When my husband took up playing golf a few years ago, I was clueless about the sport. I assumed a morning round a golf meant he would be home by noon, just in time to go antiquing or a picnic. Clearly, I was mistaken! When my husband returned home several hours later, his skin was a shade of red that couldn't even be found in a box of crayons. The sunburn was just that bad....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Cancer)
Source: About.com Cancer - March 24, 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 - February 28, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
Play Golf? You May Be At Risk of Skin Cancer
When my husband took up playing golf a few years ago, I was clueless about the sport. I assumed a morning round a golf meant he would be home by noon, just in time to go antiquing or a picnic. Clearly, I was mistaken! When my husband returned home several hours later, his skin was a shade of red that couldn't even be found in a box of crayons. The sunburn was just that bad....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Cancer)
Source: About.com Cancer - February 28, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
Caregiver Insomnia: How to Cope
We have all had trouble sleeping at one point or another, but when it becomes a nightly struggle, it can easily become an around the clock problem. Insomnia is a common sleep disorder among cancer caregivers. Stress can be a major cause for sleeping problems and being a caregiver can certainly be stressful!...Read Full Post (Source: About.com Cancer)
Source: About.com Cancer - February 28, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
Dr. Seuss Was a Cancer Patient, Too....
As you may well know, especially if you have school age children, Saturday is Dr. Seuss's birthday. As one of America's greatest children's book authors, Dr. Seuss taught us great lessons through his tongue-tying limericks. Even today in my adulthood, Dr. Seuss's words continue to not only make me laugh, but inspire me. One of my favorite quotes from Dr. Seuss has inspired many cancer patients when beginning their cancer journey:...Read Full Post (Source: About.com Cancer)
Source: About.com Cancer - February 28, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
Coping with Dry Mouth Caused By Radiation Therapy
Anyone undergoing radiation therapy to the head and neck area will tell you that the most troublesome side effect is dry mouth. During radiation therapy, the salivary glands become exposed to radiation, causing mild to severe damage. The result is a decrease of saliva production. While we all have experienced dry mouth at one time or another, it does not compare to that of a person who has undergone radiation therapy. Foods are hard to swallow. Water doesn't moisten the tongue or inside of the mouth. Mouth sores can form. As you can see, it can be both frustrating and devastating....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Cancer)
Source: About.com Cancer - February 28, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
Vaginal Discharge After Cervical Biopsy: What's Normal?
The experience of having a cervical biopsy can be a little frightening, especially if it your first time. After the procedure, you may experience cramping and a vaginal discharge. Most "follow-up" instructions you are sent home with briefly mention vaginal discharge without much explanation what to expect as far as color and consistency. If your doctor didn't thoroughly go over what to expect as far as discharge, you may not know what is normal and abnormal....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Cancer)
Source: About.com Cancer - February 28, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
Early Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
Not long ago, the Dr. Oz Show focused on early ovarian cancer warning signs that your doctor may miss. Once touted as the silent killer because of its apparent lack of early symptoms, we now know that ovarian cancer may show early warning signs in some women. The problem is that the symptoms are so common that you may not even notice them. What are the early signs of ovarian cancer? ...Read Full Post (Source: About.com Cancer)
Source: About.com Cancer - February 28, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
It's Tax Time! Your Medical Expenses and Tax Deductions
It's that time of year again - tax season. Did you know that your cancer medical expenses may be tax deductible? By cancer medical expenses, this can mean child care while you received treatment, parking fees at hospitals, and even the cost of a wig if you lost your hair to chemotherapy. There are so many aspects of treatment that can be included in your tax deductions - many of which I was unaware of!...Read Full Post (Source: About.com Cancer)
Source: About.com Cancer - February 28, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
ESPN's Stuart Scott Suffers Cancer Recurrence
In a devastating post on Twitter, ESPN anchor Stuart Scott announced he was battling cancer once again. Just two weeks ago, Scott posted:
"Blessed by prayers..I'm back in the Fight. C reared its head again. Chemo evry 2 wks but I'll still work, still work out..still #LIVESTRONG"...Read Full Post (Source: About.com Cancer)
Source: About.com Cancer - January 31, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
10 Cancer Symptoms Women Should Know
Cancer has plagued man for centuries. Even the ancient Egyptians suffered from cancer, though not at the rate we do today. What has changed and continues to change is earlier detection for many types of cancer. We know more about early warning signs and have screening tests that aid in earlier detection. It doesn't appear that cancer as a whole is going to be eradicated anytime soon, so it's important for people to be proactive about their health....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Cancer)
Source: About.com Cancer - January 31, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
