The use of chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer began in the
1940’s with the use of nitrogen mustard. In the attempt to discover
what is effective in chemotherapy, many new drugs have been developed
and tried since then. Chemotherapy is used most often to describe drugs
that kill cancer cells directly, and these drugs are sometimes referred
to as “anti-cancer” drugs.
Today’s chemotherapy uses more than 100 drugs to treat cancer. There
are even more chemo drugs still under development and investigation.
Various chemotherapy drugs are available to treat breast cancer. Breast
cancer chemotherapy is made of powerful drugs that target and destroy
fast-growing breast cancer cells. The drugs may be used individually or
in a combination to increase the effectiveness of the treatment.
Breast cancer chemotherapy is frequently used along with other
treatments for breast cancer, such as surgery. Chemotherapy may also be
used as the primary treatment when surgery isn’t an option.
Chemotherapy can help you live longer and reduce your chances of
recurrence. It also carries the risk of side effects. Some of the side
effects are temporary and mild but others more serious, and sometimes
permanent. Your doctor can help you decide whether chemotherapy for
breast cancer is a good choice for you. Chemotherapy drugs are given
intravenously or orally for treating breast cancer. The drugs enter the
blood stream and travel to all parts of the body, thus reaching cancer
cells that may have spread beyond the breast.
Chemotherapy is given in cycles of treatment; and the entire
chemotherapy treatment generally lasts several months to one year,
depending on the type of drugs given. A period of recovery is granted
after the chemotherapy is finished.
Your doctor considers a number of factors to determine whether and what
kind of chemotherapy would be of benefit to you. The higher your risk
of recurrence or metastasis, the more likely chemotherapy will be of
benefit. In some cases, characteristics of the breast cancer itself may
suggest other more beneficial treatments. Discuss your own treatment
goals and preferences with your doctor.
Factors commonly considered include:
Tumor size and grade. The more advanced the tumor, the more likely
chemotherapy may be useful in destroying any stray cancer cells.
Lymph node status. If breast cancer cells were found in your lymph
nodes during or before surgery, this is an indication of a higher risk
of metastasis and thus an indication for chemotherapy.
Age. Some studies suggest that breast cancer which occurs at a young
age is more aggressive than is breast cancer that develops later in
life. Thus, doctors may opt for adjuvant chemotherapy when treating
younger women to decrease the chances of the cancer spreading to other
areas of the body.
Previous treatments. Whether you’ve had chemotherapy before may affect your current treatment regimen.
Chronic health conditions. Certain health problems, such as heart
disease or diabetes, may affect your choice of chemotherapy drugs.
Hormonal status. If your breast cancer is sensitive to the hormones
estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR), hormone therapy — with drugs such
as tamoxifen, fulvestrant (Faslodex) or aromatase inhibitors (Arimidex,
Femara, Aromasin) — may be a better option for post-surgical adjuvant
therapy or they may be considered in addition to chemotherapy.
HER2 status. If your breast cancer produces (expresses) too much of a
growth-promoting protein known as human growth factor receptor 2
(HER2), your doctor may recommend drugs that specifically target this
protein — trastuzumab (Herceptin), lapatinib (Tykerb) — in addition to
chemotherapy.
Showing posts with label cancer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cancer. Show all posts
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Breast Cancer and Ductal Carcinoma in situ
Typically, breast cancer screenings are performed to catch the disease
in the early stages. If the disease is found, either through screening
or recognized signs and symptoms, further tests are performed to
determine the extent of the disease.
In 2011, 288,130 new cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosed in women in the U.S. Almost 25% of all new breast cancers diagnosed in the United States are Ductal carcinoma in situ.
What is Ductal carcinoma in situ?
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is also known as intraductal carcinoma. DCIS is a relatively new diagnosis and is a term used to describe cells that are growing inappropriately inside the ducts of the breast. Those cells look like cancer cells under the microscope. They are abnormal cells that have not spread into the surrounding fatty breast tissue or to any other part of the body. They are totally confined to the duct and therefore non-invasive.
DCIS began being diagnosed more readily when mammography became a routine part of medical care. More than 24% of all new breast cancers diagnosed in the United States are DCIS.
How do cancer cells work?
Most breast cancers arise in cells that line the ducts and lobules of the breast. When cells in the lining of breast ducts are growing inappropriately, it’s called hyperplasia. When they grow inappropriately and do not appear normal under the microscope, they are called atypical hyperplasia.
Are DCIS cells the same as cancer cells?
DCIS cells are different than actual cancer cells. They lack the biological capacity to metastasize or spread elsewhere in the body, like cancer cells do. So are you wondering why DCIS cells fall into the category of cancer cells?
Some DCIS cells can change genetically and become true cancers, and you should not ignore a DCIS diagnosis because science doesn’t know yet which DCIS cells will change and become invasive–and which will remain DCIS.
Are you diagnosed DCIS?
If you are diagnosed with DCIS it is important to know how aggressive or risky your cell type is because there are different kinds of DCIS. For example, Comedo-carcinoma considered to be an early stage of breast cancer, is considered more aggressive and high-grade than cribiform, which is considered low-grade. By defining the type of DCIS, it’s easier to define your treatment options, which in turn affects whether DCIS becomes invasive breast cancer.
A diagnosis of DCIS depends on the pathologist, and the diagnosis may be controversial. Therefore, second, independent opinions are always important.
Whether your doctor refers to DCIS as cancer or pre-cancer, it requires careful treatment and follow-up to avoid the possibility of an invasive breast cancer developing.
Stay abreast of your health with daily self examination and regular check-ups.
In 2011, 288,130 new cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosed in women in the U.S. Almost 25% of all new breast cancers diagnosed in the United States are Ductal carcinoma in situ.
What is Ductal carcinoma in situ?
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is also known as intraductal carcinoma. DCIS is a relatively new diagnosis and is a term used to describe cells that are growing inappropriately inside the ducts of the breast. Those cells look like cancer cells under the microscope. They are abnormal cells that have not spread into the surrounding fatty breast tissue or to any other part of the body. They are totally confined to the duct and therefore non-invasive.
DCIS began being diagnosed more readily when mammography became a routine part of medical care. More than 24% of all new breast cancers diagnosed in the United States are DCIS.
How do cancer cells work?
Most breast cancers arise in cells that line the ducts and lobules of the breast. When cells in the lining of breast ducts are growing inappropriately, it’s called hyperplasia. When they grow inappropriately and do not appear normal under the microscope, they are called atypical hyperplasia.
Are DCIS cells the same as cancer cells?
DCIS cells are different than actual cancer cells. They lack the biological capacity to metastasize or spread elsewhere in the body, like cancer cells do. So are you wondering why DCIS cells fall into the category of cancer cells?
Some DCIS cells can change genetically and become true cancers, and you should not ignore a DCIS diagnosis because science doesn’t know yet which DCIS cells will change and become invasive–and which will remain DCIS.
Are you diagnosed DCIS?
If you are diagnosed with DCIS it is important to know how aggressive or risky your cell type is because there are different kinds of DCIS. For example, Comedo-carcinoma considered to be an early stage of breast cancer, is considered more aggressive and high-grade than cribiform, which is considered low-grade. By defining the type of DCIS, it’s easier to define your treatment options, which in turn affects whether DCIS becomes invasive breast cancer.
A diagnosis of DCIS depends on the pathologist, and the diagnosis may be controversial. Therefore, second, independent opinions are always important.
Whether your doctor refers to DCIS as cancer or pre-cancer, it requires careful treatment and follow-up to avoid the possibility of an invasive breast cancer developing.
Stay abreast of your health with daily self examination and regular check-ups.
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Metastatic Cancer
A primary cancer is the original tumor that develops within the
body. Localized cancer means that the cancer is confined to the
original site. Regional spread means the cancer has either grown into
surrounding tissues or nearby lymph nodes. Metastatic cancer occurs
when cancer spreads from the original tumor to a new part of the body.
For example, breast cancer can form a new tumor in a different part of
the body such as the bones. The cancer cells in the second tumor are
the same as the cells in the primary cancer. They are breast cancer
cells–not bone cancer cells. So the second cancer is called metastatic
breast cancer or secondary tumor. The term metastatic cancer is usually
only used for cancer that has spread to distant organs or distant lymph
nodes.
As cancer cells divide, they can invade and grow directly into surrounding tissue or structures. But, they can also break off from the original tumor and enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system. All cancers have the potential to spread, and cancer can spread almost anywhere in the body. The most common sites of metastases are the bone, brain, liver, and lung.Whether metastases will develop depends on many factors such as the type of cancer, the grade of the cancer, the length of time the cancer has been present, and the location of the primary tumor. Some types of cancer tend to spread to certain parts of the body. For instance, breast cancer most often spreads to the bones, liver, lung, or brain. Colorectal cancer tends to spread to the liver. Lung cancer often spreads to the brain, bones or liver. Prostate cancer tends to spread to the bones.
Low-grade cancer cells are less aggressive and are less likely to metastasize. High-grade cancer cells are more aggressive and are more likely to metastasize. The risk of metastasis increases the longer a tumor is in the body and the ability of the cancer cells to create a blood supply in a new location because a cancerous tumor needs to set up a blood supply to grow.Each type of cancer has a particular way that it spreads. Many metastases develop in the first area of blood vessels that cancer cells come to after leaving the primary tumor. When cancer cells leave the primary tumor, the lungs are one of the first places metastatic cells can be carried to by the bloodstream. This may explain why metastases form in the lungs.
Some people may have no or few symptoms related to their metastasis. Therefore, a metastatic cancer may only be discovered during a routine examination or test. Symptoms of metastatic cancer will depend on the particular location and size of the metastasis.Regular checkups and reporting new symptoms are the best ways to detect metastatic cancer early. Diagnostic tests will be done if the signs and symptoms of metastatic cancer are present, if the result of a follow-up test is abnormal or if the doctor suspects a metastasis. The types of tests done will depend on the area of the body where doctors suspect the cancer has spread.
As cancer cells divide, they can invade and grow directly into surrounding tissue or structures. But, they can also break off from the original tumor and enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system. All cancers have the potential to spread, and cancer can spread almost anywhere in the body. The most common sites of metastases are the bone, brain, liver, and lung.Whether metastases will develop depends on many factors such as the type of cancer, the grade of the cancer, the length of time the cancer has been present, and the location of the primary tumor. Some types of cancer tend to spread to certain parts of the body. For instance, breast cancer most often spreads to the bones, liver, lung, or brain. Colorectal cancer tends to spread to the liver. Lung cancer often spreads to the brain, bones or liver. Prostate cancer tends to spread to the bones.
Low-grade cancer cells are less aggressive and are less likely to metastasize. High-grade cancer cells are more aggressive and are more likely to metastasize. The risk of metastasis increases the longer a tumor is in the body and the ability of the cancer cells to create a blood supply in a new location because a cancerous tumor needs to set up a blood supply to grow.Each type of cancer has a particular way that it spreads. Many metastases develop in the first area of blood vessels that cancer cells come to after leaving the primary tumor. When cancer cells leave the primary tumor, the lungs are one of the first places metastatic cells can be carried to by the bloodstream. This may explain why metastases form in the lungs.
Some people may have no or few symptoms related to their metastasis. Therefore, a metastatic cancer may only be discovered during a routine examination or test. Symptoms of metastatic cancer will depend on the particular location and size of the metastasis.Regular checkups and reporting new symptoms are the best ways to detect metastatic cancer early. Diagnostic tests will be done if the signs and symptoms of metastatic cancer are present, if the result of a follow-up test is abnormal or if the doctor suspects a metastasis. The types of tests done will depend on the area of the body where doctors suspect the cancer has spread.
New Categorization for Cancers??
Cancers are categorized according to the tissue in which they
originated, such as breast, bladder or stomach cancer. But tissues are
composed of different types of cells.
Recently, researchers examined tumor samples of 12 different cancer types and concluded that the diagnosis would improve in about 10% of cancer cases if they tumors were defined by the cellular and molecular features, rather than the tissues in which they tumors originated. This would mean more accurate diagnosis in about 1 in 10 people.
The researchers reported particularly significant findings in bladder and breast cancers. At least three different subtypes of bladder cancer were identified, including one that was nearly identical to a form of non-small cell lung cancer called lung adenocarcinoma, and another most similar to squamous-cell cancers of the head and neck and of the lungs. Bladder cancer patients in treatment have often responded very differently when treated with the same systemic therapy for their seemingly identical cancer type, and the new findings may explain why that is.
The researchers confirmed known differences between two forms of breast cancers called basal-like and luminal. But they also discovered that these differences are significant and that basal-like breast cancers, commonly referred to as triple-negative, are a distinct class of tumor. Basal-like cancers are highly aggressive and more common among black and younger women.
Basal-like cancers do arise in the breast but, on the molecular level they have more in common with ovarian cancers and cancers of squamous-cell origin than with other subtypes of breast cancer. This is the first time ever anyone has been able to point to important molecular features shared by basal breast cancer. They also found that different cancer types have very similar immune signatures, a factor that may be relevant clinically with the rise of new immune therapies.
Further research could reveal that as many as 30 to 50 percent of cancers need to be reclassified, according to researchers.
Recently, researchers examined tumor samples of 12 different cancer types and concluded that the diagnosis would improve in about 10% of cancer cases if they tumors were defined by the cellular and molecular features, rather than the tissues in which they tumors originated. This would mean more accurate diagnosis in about 1 in 10 people.
The researchers reported particularly significant findings in bladder and breast cancers. At least three different subtypes of bladder cancer were identified, including one that was nearly identical to a form of non-small cell lung cancer called lung adenocarcinoma, and another most similar to squamous-cell cancers of the head and neck and of the lungs. Bladder cancer patients in treatment have often responded very differently when treated with the same systemic therapy for their seemingly identical cancer type, and the new findings may explain why that is.
The researchers confirmed known differences between two forms of breast cancers called basal-like and luminal. But they also discovered that these differences are significant and that basal-like breast cancers, commonly referred to as triple-negative, are a distinct class of tumor. Basal-like cancers are highly aggressive and more common among black and younger women.
Basal-like cancers do arise in the breast but, on the molecular level they have more in common with ovarian cancers and cancers of squamous-cell origin than with other subtypes of breast cancer. This is the first time ever anyone has been able to point to important molecular features shared by basal breast cancer. They also found that different cancer types have very similar immune signatures, a factor that may be relevant clinically with the rise of new immune therapies.
Further research could reveal that as many as 30 to 50 percent of cancers need to be reclassified, according to researchers.
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Inflammatory breast cancer tends to be diagnosed at younger ages when compared to other cancers; and it’s more common and diagnosed at younger ages in African-American women than in white women. The median age at diagnosis in African-American women is 54 years, compared with a median age of 58 years in white women. It’s also more common in overweight women than in women of normal weight.
Often times, treatments such as tamoxifen aren’t effective against inflammatory breast tumors because they are hormone receptor negative. Inflammatory breast cancer can strike men as well as women, but usually it strikes at an older age. Remember that inflammatory breast cancer is a very rare, but aggressive type of cancer and it’s important to always notice any changes in your breast whether you’re a male or female. Because this disease is so relatively rare, people with inflammatory breast cancer are encouraged to enroll in clinical trials in which new treatments are being tested simply to take any advantage such medicine or techniques may offer in conjunction with those currently in use. This disease accounts for only one to five percent of all breast cancers diagnosed in the United States. Typically there’s no lump to be felt, and the disease escapes diagnosis until it has progressed to stage III or IV, at which point it has already spread only to nearby lymph nodes, stage III,---or to other tissues as well, stage IV.
Inflammatory breast cancer usually progresses rapidly, often in a matter of weeks or months. Symptoms include swelling and redness that affect a third or more of the breast. The skin of the breast may also appear pink, reddish purple, or bruised. In addition, the skin may have ridges or appear pitted, like the skin of an orange. These symptoms are caused by the buildup of lymph fluid in the skin of the breast. This fluid buildup occurs because cancer cells have blocked lymph vessels in the skin, preventing the normal flow of lymph through the tissue. Sometimes, the breast may contain a solid tumor that can be felt during a physical exam, but, more often, a tumor cannot be felt.
Other symptoms include a rapid increase in breast size; sensations of heaviness, burning, or tenderness in the breast, or a nipple that is inverted. Swollen lymph nodes may also be present under the arm, near the collarbone, or in both places.
Inflammatory breast cancer can be difficult to diagnose. Often, there is no lump that can be felt during a physical exam or seen in a screening mammogram. In addition, most women diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer have dense breast tissue, which makes cancer detection in a screening mammogram more difficult. Also, because inflammatory breast cancer is so aggressive, it can arise between scheduled screening mammograms and progress quickly. The symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer may be mistaken for those of mastitis or another form of locally advanced breast cancer.
There are published guidelines to help you choose the best course of treatment and how the disease is diagnosed.
Often times, treatments such as tamoxifen aren’t effective against inflammatory breast tumors because they are hormone receptor negative. Inflammatory breast cancer can strike men as well as women, but usually it strikes at an older age. Remember that inflammatory breast cancer is a very rare, but aggressive type of cancer and it’s important to always notice any changes in your breast whether you’re a male or female. Because this disease is so relatively rare, people with inflammatory breast cancer are encouraged to enroll in clinical trials in which new treatments are being tested simply to take any advantage such medicine or techniques may offer in conjunction with those currently in use. This disease accounts for only one to five percent of all breast cancers diagnosed in the United States. Typically there’s no lump to be felt, and the disease escapes diagnosis until it has progressed to stage III or IV, at which point it has already spread only to nearby lymph nodes, stage III,---or to other tissues as well, stage IV.
Inflammatory breast cancer usually progresses rapidly, often in a matter of weeks or months. Symptoms include swelling and redness that affect a third or more of the breast. The skin of the breast may also appear pink, reddish purple, or bruised. In addition, the skin may have ridges or appear pitted, like the skin of an orange. These symptoms are caused by the buildup of lymph fluid in the skin of the breast. This fluid buildup occurs because cancer cells have blocked lymph vessels in the skin, preventing the normal flow of lymph through the tissue. Sometimes, the breast may contain a solid tumor that can be felt during a physical exam, but, more often, a tumor cannot be felt.
Other symptoms include a rapid increase in breast size; sensations of heaviness, burning, or tenderness in the breast, or a nipple that is inverted. Swollen lymph nodes may also be present under the arm, near the collarbone, or in both places.
Inflammatory breast cancer can be difficult to diagnose. Often, there is no lump that can be felt during a physical exam or seen in a screening mammogram. In addition, most women diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer have dense breast tissue, which makes cancer detection in a screening mammogram more difficult. Also, because inflammatory breast cancer is so aggressive, it can arise between scheduled screening mammograms and progress quickly. The symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer may be mistaken for those of mastitis or another form of locally advanced breast cancer.
There are published guidelines to help you choose the best course of treatment and how the disease is diagnosed.
Cure Cancer
Cure Cancer
Our childhood days are filled with playing, eating, talking about more playing, and enjoying things that we like to do. None of us grasp the concept of time in our youth. As we age, time becomes more valuable to us and we understand the concept of time slightly better.
For those who must endure cancer though, the concept of time is wholly realized. For them, time is a crash course lesson in living and dying. A cancer patient doesn’t know if there will be a tomorrow, and the future is uncertain in a way that the average person doesn’t comprehend.
A major cancer charity was founded over 100 years ago with the promise that the organization would cease once a cure for cancer was found. A century ago, and there’s still no cancer cure! How many people do you suppose have died of cancer during that hundred years? How many people have mourned the loss of a loved one? How many tears have been shed?
Each year, there are galas and events to raise money to cure cancer. There are research foundations, each independent from the other; and they all cry for more money. I’ve personally seen pink ribbon cakes in October for breast cancer awareness; and major corporations are now involved in the war on cancer because it’s chic and lucrative to support cancer awareness.
And still, there’s no cure for cancer!
A friend died of cancer in 1992. Just before his death, he told me that he’d “hung on” to life because he believed that there will be a cure in his lifetime. That was over 20 years ago.
Isn’t it time to end cancer now? Please make your friends and neighbors aware that we have a war and cancer is the enemy.
Our childhood days are filled with playing, eating, talking about more playing, and enjoying things that we like to do. None of us grasp the concept of time in our youth. As we age, time becomes more valuable to us and we understand the concept of time slightly better.
For those who must endure cancer though, the concept of time is wholly realized. For them, time is a crash course lesson in living and dying. A cancer patient doesn’t know if there will be a tomorrow, and the future is uncertain in a way that the average person doesn’t comprehend.
A major cancer charity was founded over 100 years ago with the promise that the organization would cease once a cure for cancer was found. A century ago, and there’s still no cancer cure! How many people do you suppose have died of cancer during that hundred years? How many people have mourned the loss of a loved one? How many tears have been shed?
Each year, there are galas and events to raise money to cure cancer. There are research foundations, each independent from the other; and they all cry for more money. I’ve personally seen pink ribbon cakes in October for breast cancer awareness; and major corporations are now involved in the war on cancer because it’s chic and lucrative to support cancer awareness.
And still, there’s no cure for cancer!
A friend died of cancer in 1992. Just before his death, he told me that he’d “hung on” to life because he believed that there will be a cure in his lifetime. That was over 20 years ago.
Isn’t it time to end cancer now? Please make your friends and neighbors aware that we have a war and cancer is the enemy.
Breast Cancer Changes Your Life
Breast cancer often changes a woman’s perspective on life. After
breast cancer, you may see things differently than they did before you
were diagnosed with cancer. Regardless of how cancer may change you,
it’s important to continue to pay attention to your physical and mental
well-being. Anxiety about cancer returning is common, but that anxiety
will decrease as the time passes.
Health needs of cancer survivors differ from person to person but there are certain things that all cancer survivors can do to foster good health. These include: Eat a healthy diet. Exercise. Rest. ( In addition to being active, it’s important to rest.) Take one day at a time. Communicate. You should continue to communicate with your health care team. And you should let people help you. You may still feel emotionally and physically exhausted when your treatments are over. Talk about these feelings with your doctor, nurse, or social worker. It will also help to talk about them with your family and friends. You can tap into a network of help through support groups, counselors, clergy, and other spiritual leaders. Always remember that your cancer journey does not end just because the cancer has been removed. Your looks may be a concern for you or your scar may bother you. Feelings of anger and grief are natural, and you may be affected by them. How do you cope with body changes? Mourn your losses. They are real, and you have a right to grieve. Try to focus on the ways that coping with cancer has made you stronger, wiser, and more realistic. If you find that your skin has changed from radiation, ask your doctor about ways you can care for it. Look for new ways to enhance your appearance. A new haircut, hair color, makeup, or clothing may help. If you choose to wear a breast form (prosthesis), make sure it fits you well. Your health insurance plan may pay for it.
It’s a personal choice of whether you work through treatment for breast cancer or if you decide to take some time off. If you’ve decided to continue working, talk with your doctor about it. Your doctor may be able to schedule treatments around your working hours or give you suggestions on dealing with work stress while in treatment. Be sure to ask your doctor if any of your treatments have side effects that could affect your daily routine
Sometimes, people undergoing breast cancer treatment experience thinking and memory problems, and sometimes cognitive effects such as memory less and lack of concentration may be factors also. If you’re finding that it’s hard to stay focused or you’re forgetting important things, it may be helpful to keep a work journal with important information such as meetings and appointments, and a to-do list.
If you have health insurance, it’s also a good idea to keep track of certain medical information. You may want to write down the dates of doctor’s visits and any hospitalizations, as well as names and dosages of medications. Keep copies of insurance claims and correspondence, in case any questions come up about what’s covered. Keep all of this information in a safe place with the rest of your medical records and any financial or legal information.
Health needs of cancer survivors differ from person to person but there are certain things that all cancer survivors can do to foster good health. These include: Eat a healthy diet. Exercise. Rest. ( In addition to being active, it’s important to rest.) Take one day at a time. Communicate. You should continue to communicate with your health care team. And you should let people help you. You may still feel emotionally and physically exhausted when your treatments are over. Talk about these feelings with your doctor, nurse, or social worker. It will also help to talk about them with your family and friends. You can tap into a network of help through support groups, counselors, clergy, and other spiritual leaders. Always remember that your cancer journey does not end just because the cancer has been removed. Your looks may be a concern for you or your scar may bother you. Feelings of anger and grief are natural, and you may be affected by them. How do you cope with body changes? Mourn your losses. They are real, and you have a right to grieve. Try to focus on the ways that coping with cancer has made you stronger, wiser, and more realistic. If you find that your skin has changed from radiation, ask your doctor about ways you can care for it. Look for new ways to enhance your appearance. A new haircut, hair color, makeup, or clothing may help. If you choose to wear a breast form (prosthesis), make sure it fits you well. Your health insurance plan may pay for it.
It’s a personal choice of whether you work through treatment for breast cancer or if you decide to take some time off. If you’ve decided to continue working, talk with your doctor about it. Your doctor may be able to schedule treatments around your working hours or give you suggestions on dealing with work stress while in treatment. Be sure to ask your doctor if any of your treatments have side effects that could affect your daily routine
Sometimes, people undergoing breast cancer treatment experience thinking and memory problems, and sometimes cognitive effects such as memory less and lack of concentration may be factors also. If you’re finding that it’s hard to stay focused or you’re forgetting important things, it may be helpful to keep a work journal with important information such as meetings and appointments, and a to-do list.
If you have health insurance, it’s also a good idea to keep track of certain medical information. You may want to write down the dates of doctor’s visits and any hospitalizations, as well as names and dosages of medications. Keep copies of insurance claims and correspondence, in case any questions come up about what’s covered. Keep all of this information in a safe place with the rest of your medical records and any financial or legal information.
Saturday, April 18, 2015
Breast Cancer is Life Changing
Breast cancer often changes a woman’s perspective on life. After
breast cancer, you may see things differently than they did before you
were diagnosed with cancer. Regardless of how cancer may change you,
it’s important to continue to pay attention to your physical and mental
well-being. Anxiety about cancer returning is common, but that anxiety
will decrease as the time passes.
Health needs of cancer survivors differ from person to person but there are certain things that all cancer survivors can do to foster good health. These include: Eat a healthy diet. Exercise. Rest. ( In addition to being active, it’s important to rest.) Take one day at a time. Communicate. You should continue to communicate with your health care team. And you should let people help you. You may still feel emotionally and physically exhausted when your treatments are over. Talk about these feelings with your doctor, nurse, or social worker. It will also help to talk about them with your family and friends. You can tap into a network of help through support groups, counselors, clergy, and other spiritual leaders. Always remember that your cancer journey does not end just because the cancer has been removed. Your looks may be a concern for you or your scar may bother you. Feelings of anger and grief are natural, and you may be affected by them. How do you cope with body changes? Mourn your losses. They are real, and you have a right to grieve. Try to focus on the ways that coping with cancer has made you stronger, wiser, and more realistic. If you find that your skin has changed from radiation, ask your doctor about ways you can care for it. Look for new ways to enhance your appearance. A new haircut, hair color, makeup, or clothing may help. If you choose to wear a breast form (prosthesis), make sure it fits you well. Your health insurance plan may pay for it.
It’s a personal choice of whether you work through treatment for breast cancer or if you decide to take some time off. If you’ve decided to continue working, talk with your doctor about it. Your doctor may be able to schedule treatments around your working hours or give you suggestions on dealing with work stress while in treatment. Be sure to ask your doctor if any of your treatments have side effects that could affect your daily routine
Sometimes, people undergoing breast cancer treatment experience thinking and memory problems, and sometimes cognitive effects such as memory less and lack of concentration may be factors also. If you’re finding that it’s hard to stay focused or you’re forgetting important things, it may be helpful to keep a work journal with important information such as meetings and appointments, and a to-do list.
If you have health insurance, it’s also a good idea to keep track of certain medical information. You may want to write down the dates of doctor’s visits and any hospitalizations, as well as names and dosages of medications. Keep copies of insurance claims and correspondence, in case any questions come up about what’s covered. Keep all of this information in a safe place with the rest of your medical records and any financial or legal information.
Health needs of cancer survivors differ from person to person but there are certain things that all cancer survivors can do to foster good health. These include: Eat a healthy diet. Exercise. Rest. ( In addition to being active, it’s important to rest.) Take one day at a time. Communicate. You should continue to communicate with your health care team. And you should let people help you. You may still feel emotionally and physically exhausted when your treatments are over. Talk about these feelings with your doctor, nurse, or social worker. It will also help to talk about them with your family and friends. You can tap into a network of help through support groups, counselors, clergy, and other spiritual leaders. Always remember that your cancer journey does not end just because the cancer has been removed. Your looks may be a concern for you or your scar may bother you. Feelings of anger and grief are natural, and you may be affected by them. How do you cope with body changes? Mourn your losses. They are real, and you have a right to grieve. Try to focus on the ways that coping with cancer has made you stronger, wiser, and more realistic. If you find that your skin has changed from radiation, ask your doctor about ways you can care for it. Look for new ways to enhance your appearance. A new haircut, hair color, makeup, or clothing may help. If you choose to wear a breast form (prosthesis), make sure it fits you well. Your health insurance plan may pay for it.
It’s a personal choice of whether you work through treatment for breast cancer or if you decide to take some time off. If you’ve decided to continue working, talk with your doctor about it. Your doctor may be able to schedule treatments around your working hours or give you suggestions on dealing with work stress while in treatment. Be sure to ask your doctor if any of your treatments have side effects that could affect your daily routine
Sometimes, people undergoing breast cancer treatment experience thinking and memory problems, and sometimes cognitive effects such as memory less and lack of concentration may be factors also. If you’re finding that it’s hard to stay focused or you’re forgetting important things, it may be helpful to keep a work journal with important information such as meetings and appointments, and a to-do list.
If you have health insurance, it’s also a good idea to keep track of certain medical information. You may want to write down the dates of doctor’s visits and any hospitalizations, as well as names and dosages of medications. Keep copies of insurance claims and correspondence, in case any questions come up about what’s covered. Keep all of this information in a safe place with the rest of your medical records and any financial or legal information.
Goldilocks and Your Health
Your blood is a little like the Goldilocks story. When you’re healthy, your blood isn’t too thin and it isn’t too thick. It must be just right. But
when you have cancer, tumors cause clot forming platelets that become
overactive; and then the overactivity stimulates production of a protein called fibrin. Fibrin kits, blood cells together and thus makes the blood “sticky.” When blood becomes fluid or thin, it is in a state of hypocoagulation. This
can happen from a loss of platelets, impairment in liver function, or
use of anticoagulants, either pharmaceutical or nutritional. Too few
platelets or their loss of stickiness can lead to capillary leakage or a full-blown hemorrhage. Both thin blood and thick blood are problematic. While one may promote tumor progression, the other can lead to uncontrolled bleeding. These
conditions are especially dangerous for cancer patients, because they
have an impact on several aspects of your disease. You can begin a
self- care program for normalizing coagulation by watching your diet,
staying fit, and adding the following refinements:
- Cigarette smoke is the major clotting offender. It stimulates platelet aggregation, increase blood clotting, and increases blood levels of fibrinogen, thrombin, and other coagulation factors. Do not smoke, and avoid secondhand smoke.
- Exercise: Being sedentary is bad for your clotting system. When you move around, the contractions of your leg muscles force blood to travel back to the heart. When you sit still for long periods, blood moves much more slowly. Exercise increases blood circulation and makes the blood more fluid.
- Reduce fat and dairy intake. Total fat intake has a strong effect on blood coagulation, increasing levels of clotting factors. Sticky blood is yet another reason to eat a diet low in total fat, by avoiding food high in saturated fats and cholesterol such as dairy products, butter, margarine, meat, coconut oil, shortening, partially hydrogenated fats, cottonseed oil, hydrogenated fats, and cottonseed oil. Omega-3 fats yield anticoagulant compounds when they are metabolized, while omega-6s tend to yield pro-coagulation chemicals such as thromboxane A2.
- High intake of dairy products may cause rapid blood coagulation. Reduce or avoid dairy and cow’s milk products, especially those with high levels of saturated fat such as ice cream, cream, whole milk, cheese and sour cream.
- Avoid high-protein diets. Popular
high-protein diets can also induce hypercoagulation, apparently by
raising levels of fibrinogen. The LOC diet can be adjusted to be
vegetarian and even vegan, a healthy approach that Dr. Block speaks of frequently. However, a vegetarian diet should be designed carefully.
If you avoid animal products entirely, you run the risk of becoming
deficient in taurine, an amino acid found in animal foods that appears
to be crucial to normal blood clotting. Low levels of vitamin B12
can increase homocysteine, which also promotes sticky blood.
Vegetarians should ensure that their B12 levels are normal. If you do
adopt a strict vegan diet, supplementation with vitamins and Turin will
be helpful to avoid or correct an imbalance in coagulation.
Medicaide and Private Pay Insurance
Have you ever wondered if there’s a difference in cancer care between
private pay and Medicaid, the federal health plan for low-income
people? Now three new studies show that Medicaid patients appear to
receive worse cancer care than people with private insurance.
Those covered by Medicaid are less likely to have their cancer caught at an earlier and more treatable phase; and the Medicaid patients also are also more likely to die from cancer than people with private insurance according to researchers.
There are a lot of factors that contribute to this such as lack of experience in navigating the health care system, says an oncologist at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University in Chicago.
“Research has shown that we can screen more patients, but that they get dropped along the way to treatment. We don’t give them full access into curative therapy,” says a spokeswoman for the American Society of Clinical Oncology. “We need to do a better job to make sure that people who aren’t savvy or can’t advocate for themselves have that helping hand.”
The three studies each focused on a different type of cancer and how insurance affects screening or care for patients; and the first study was on done on Hodgkin lymphoma, with researchers from the University of Tennessee reviewing data for 6,395 patients treated for the cancer between 2007 and 2010.
The study revealed that doctors were more likely to catch the person’s lymphoma at an earlier stage if they had private insurance. About 59 percent of people with private insurance received a diagnosis before cancer had a chance to spread throughout their body, compared with 50 percent of Medicaid patients. And Medicaid patients were less likely to receive radiation treatment. 35% of the Medicaid patients received radiation compared to 43% of privately insured patients. And finally, privately insured patients were more likely to survive. 84% percent survived their lymphoma compared with 71 percent of Medicaid patients.
Results from the second study that involved cases of melanoma were similar. Researchers at Case Western Reserve School of Medicine in Cleveland reviewed data for 31,957 patients treated for melanoma between 1996 and 2009 in Ohio. They found that patients were two and a half times likelier to be diagnosed with late-stage melanoma if they were covered by Medicaid.
The final study regarded breast cancer. The researchers found that women were less likely to receive medically advanced techniques for diagnosing breast cancer if they had Medicaid or Medicare. Only 47 percent of Medicaid or Medicare patients received a breast MRI– compared with 81 percent of those with private insurance.
The results from all studies were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting in Chicago.
Patients often have trouble finding a doctor or hospital that participates in Medicaid because the program traditionally has not paid as well as Medicare or private insurance for medical services. And Medicaid’s low-income enrollees have life problems that can hamper their cancer care. Medicaid patients also tend to have more health problems overall, which means they may put off cancer screening to focus on chronic illnesses like heart disease or diabetes.
Currently, there are 4.8 million additional people that have joined Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program since the Affordable Care Act marketplaces opened in October 2013. Currently, a total 64.6 million low-income people are covered by the federal health insurance programs.
Doctors hope that increased access to Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act will improve the care patients receive. The law also includes a provision that increases pay for Medicaid services, in an effort to draw more doctors and hospitals to the program.
“What we’ve seen in Massachusetts is that lots more patients have coverage,” said one doctor. “Many people who have been outside the traditional health care system came into the system and began receiving care, and I think that’s been good for them.”
But these new patients still face problems getting care for cancer. Even those who receive cancer screening often fall through the cracks before they can receive treatment.
Some doctors advocate the use of “nurse navigators” who can act as care managers for Medicaid patients, steering their care and advising them through the complex process of cancer treatment. The results were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting in Chicago. “Simply paying for health care and actually showing people the way forward are two different things,” Patel said.
So how do you feel about health care? Do you think the Affordable Care Act is a good thing–or a bad thing? Do you know how will it affect you personally?
Those covered by Medicaid are less likely to have their cancer caught at an earlier and more treatable phase; and the Medicaid patients also are also more likely to die from cancer than people with private insurance according to researchers.
There are a lot of factors that contribute to this such as lack of experience in navigating the health care system, says an oncologist at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University in Chicago.
“Research has shown that we can screen more patients, but that they get dropped along the way to treatment. We don’t give them full access into curative therapy,” says a spokeswoman for the American Society of Clinical Oncology. “We need to do a better job to make sure that people who aren’t savvy or can’t advocate for themselves have that helping hand.”
The three studies each focused on a different type of cancer and how insurance affects screening or care for patients; and the first study was on done on Hodgkin lymphoma, with researchers from the University of Tennessee reviewing data for 6,395 patients treated for the cancer between 2007 and 2010.
The study revealed that doctors were more likely to catch the person’s lymphoma at an earlier stage if they had private insurance. About 59 percent of people with private insurance received a diagnosis before cancer had a chance to spread throughout their body, compared with 50 percent of Medicaid patients. And Medicaid patients were less likely to receive radiation treatment. 35% of the Medicaid patients received radiation compared to 43% of privately insured patients. And finally, privately insured patients were more likely to survive. 84% percent survived their lymphoma compared with 71 percent of Medicaid patients.
Results from the second study that involved cases of melanoma were similar. Researchers at Case Western Reserve School of Medicine in Cleveland reviewed data for 31,957 patients treated for melanoma between 1996 and 2009 in Ohio. They found that patients were two and a half times likelier to be diagnosed with late-stage melanoma if they were covered by Medicaid.
The final study regarded breast cancer. The researchers found that women were less likely to receive medically advanced techniques for diagnosing breast cancer if they had Medicaid or Medicare. Only 47 percent of Medicaid or Medicare patients received a breast MRI– compared with 81 percent of those with private insurance.
The results from all studies were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting in Chicago.
Patients often have trouble finding a doctor or hospital that participates in Medicaid because the program traditionally has not paid as well as Medicare or private insurance for medical services. And Medicaid’s low-income enrollees have life problems that can hamper their cancer care. Medicaid patients also tend to have more health problems overall, which means they may put off cancer screening to focus on chronic illnesses like heart disease or diabetes.
Currently, there are 4.8 million additional people that have joined Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program since the Affordable Care Act marketplaces opened in October 2013. Currently, a total 64.6 million low-income people are covered by the federal health insurance programs.
Doctors hope that increased access to Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act will improve the care patients receive. The law also includes a provision that increases pay for Medicaid services, in an effort to draw more doctors and hospitals to the program.
“What we’ve seen in Massachusetts is that lots more patients have coverage,” said one doctor. “Many people who have been outside the traditional health care system came into the system and began receiving care, and I think that’s been good for them.”
But these new patients still face problems getting care for cancer. Even those who receive cancer screening often fall through the cracks before they can receive treatment.
Some doctors advocate the use of “nurse navigators” who can act as care managers for Medicaid patients, steering their care and advising them through the complex process of cancer treatment. The results were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting in Chicago. “Simply paying for health care and actually showing people the way forward are two different things,” Patel said.
So how do you feel about health care? Do you think the Affordable Care Act is a good thing–or a bad thing? Do you know how will it affect you personally?
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