September 11, 2018

Small Steps to Healthier Living and Healthy Aging

Health goals often focus on the short term-what you can do now to see results quickly. For cancer patients, focusing on healthy aging may be more realistic and effective. By making small lifestyle changes patients feel more in control of their health and longevity, helping those changes to become healthy habits. The question is, what […]

September 11, 2018

Coping with Unexpected Change

Joy Williams was diagnosed with a cancerous vocal chord tumor in 2011 and initially received treatment from a local physician in North Carolina. When the cancer returned in 2012, Williams decided to seek care at Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA), Atlanta. After several days of tests, Williams’ CTCA® doctor told her although the treatment he […]

September 10, 2018

When Tumor Growth May Be a Good Thing

When you get sick, the lymph nodes in your neck may swell as your body amps up its production of white blood cells to fight the infection. The swelling is usually temporary, and once the threat has passed and the infection heals, the lymph nodes return to their normal, bean-shaped size. In a similar way, […]

September 10, 2018

New Guidelines for Colorectal Cancer Screening

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common non-skin cancer in America and the second-leading cause of cancer deaths. But for many adults at average or low risk, colorectal cancer may be caught early and treated with positive outcomes, simply by following an appropriate screening regimen. With incidence rates rising, the American Cancer Society (ACS) has developed new guidelines designed to encourage more adults to […]

August 12, 2018

Sunburned as a Child? Your Skin Cancer Risk May Be Sky-High

You’re probably aware that protecting your skin from overexposure to the sun is key for both avoiding sunburns and skin cancer. Perhaps you even dutifully lather up with sunscreen or wear sun-protective clothing whenever you know you’ll be outdoors for a fair amount of time. These are great habits, but even if you haven’t had […]

August 12, 2018

Should You Get the HPV Vaccine?

While most people know a human papillomavirus virus (HPV) vaccine exists, according to Dr. Natalie Godbee, a Gynecologic Oncologist at Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA), Phoenix, many believe that it’s just for teens and young adults in their twenties. Many adults, particularly those being treated for cancer, aren’t aware, however, getting the HPV vaccine might […]

July 10, 2018

Dangerous Drug Interactions

Many people know that taking a sedative and an antihistamine at the same time can cause extreme drowsiness, or that taking an anti-inflammatory like Advil®, Aleve®or Motrin® while you’re on a blood thinner raises the risk of hemorrhaging. But some in the medical community, and the public, are less aware that common medicines may reduce the effectiveness of […]

July 6, 2018

Sensitive Skin From Cancer Treatment? Here’s How to Enjoy the Summer

If summer has you dreaming of days spent poolside, feeling the warm sun on your skin, you’re in good company. And a relaxing summer is just the kind of TLC you need during or after cancer treatment. But before you head outside, be aware that cancer treatments, especially chemotherapies like taxanes and Fluorouracil (5FU) and […]

July 6, 2018

3 Common Symptoms that Often Get Overlooked by Cancer Patients

Cancer patients often deal with a long list of physical side effects. But unlike fatigue, nausea, neuropathy and other well-known physical challenges that typically come with fighting cancer, some common conditions don’t get as much public attention. That may make it more difficult for patients to anticipate the side effects, to seek proper treatment for them, or to even […]

July 6, 2018

Double Trouble

For many people, smoking and drinking go together like bacon and eggs or hot dogs at a baseball game. But when it comes to cancer risk, Stephen Lynch, MD, Primary Care and Intake Physician at Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA), Phoenix, compares alcohol and tobacco to a more volatile pairing. “It’s gasoline and matches,” he […]