Young Cancer Survivors At Risk for 2nd Cancers, Study Finds

Beating cancer as a child doesn’t necessarily mean the disease is gone for good. In fact, a recently released study is shedding light on the potential need for young cancer survivors to undergo a lifetime of screenings to help detect other cancers that may form in later life. The study found that young survivors are at an increased risk for future cancer development; not necessarily related to a relapse of the original cancer.

The study involved analysis of U.S. National Cancer Institute data related to patients who had survived cancer before the age of 40. Over the course of 30 years, almost 14 percent of survivors developed a second form of cancer. The typical presentation of the second cancer was in the first 15 years after the initial battle. All told, researchers found that young cancer survivors – those treated between the ages of 15 and 39 – were about 60 percent more likely to develop cancer than the general population. People who were treated for cancer after the age of 40 were only about 10 percent more likely to develop another form of the disease.

Researchers also found some cancers were more typical than others to develop as second cancer. They included genital, breast and gastrointestinal cancers. Patients who received radiation therapy during their original cancer treatment were also more likely to develop a second cancer. The figures were 17 percent compared to 12 percent. Out of the total group of 7,384 patients studied who developed a second cancer about 1,195 also developed a third.

The bottom line for young cancer patients is the need to continue with follow-up appointments on a lifelong basis, researchers say. The special health care needs do not necessarily go away with a successful battle of the first disease. Monitoring for secondary forms of the disease should be a priority going forward.

People who are concerned about cancer are urged to speak with their healthcare providers. Personal physicians are best positioned to help assess risks.

Young Cancer Survivors at Risk for 2nd Cancers

Children and young adults who successfully battle cancer may find a need to keep up with more watchful health screenings down the road. New research indicates that those who fight cancer prior to the age of 40 are more likely to witness the development of a second form of cancer during some point of their lives.

The latest research indicating a higher incidence rate of second cancers in younger patients was conducted by the University of California’s Benioff Children’s Hospital. There researchers looked at data from the U.S. National Cancer Institute to determine their findings. They discovered that over the course of 30 years, about 14 percent of young cancer patients developed another, different form of cancer. The second cancer occurrences most typically happened within 15 years of the first. Those treated for cancer between the ages of 15 and 39, in fact, were about 60 percent more likely to develop a second cancer. That is compared with cancer patients age 40 and up who were 10 percent more likely to develop a second cancer.

The findings indicate the old advice that once the five-year mark is reached the need to watch patients closely may not be entirely accurate. The researchers stress the findings show that there is a need for lifelong follow-up and regular medical screenings to detect second cancers should they form. This is especially so in patients who underwent radiation therapy. They were about 17 percent more likely to develop a second cancer than patients who did not receive radiation.

People who have fought cancer and won are urged to discuss follow-up care closely with their healthcare providers. While the odds of developing a second cancer increase for younger patients, this does not mean that a second cancer is inevitable. Patients, however, should be mindful and give themselves and their doctors every opportunity to detect a second cancer early to enable a greater chance for successful treatment. 

Family Building Options Exist for Cancer Survivors

It’s a simple reality for many cancer survivors that fertility is lost in process of saving their lives. While many patients find they cannot conceive personally after treatments, the dream of having a family does not have to be given up entirely. There are ways for cancer patients to sometimes preserve fertility or seek alternatives. The issues, however, are important to consider and sometimes address as treatments are ongoing.

Here are a few things that people facing cancer treatments might want to consider in regard to future family planning:

·         Fertility sparing treatments – The use of these may depend on the type of cancer involved and the location and extent of the tumor. When possible, doctors may be able to spare a person’s fertility while still treating the cancer effectively.

·         Fertility planning – If treatments are likely to damage a person’s fertility, it is sometimes possible to bank and freeze eggs, embryos or sperm for future use. This preserves healthy cells for future use one cancer has been appropriately addressed.

·         Adoption – Some cancer patients find that adoption is a viable option that enables them to enjoy a family. Patients, however, need to be mindful that many adoption agencies will require health records and some will request a doctor’s letter that indicates the five-year mark, for example, has been attained. Adoptions can also prove to be rather expensive, giving rise to the need to save for them. Some patients will find financial obstacles are less challenging if an adoption involves an older child who desperately needs a family.

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Cancer can take its toll on a person’s ability to create a family. Options do exist, however, to make the dream reality once treatments have proven successful. Patients who are concerned about future fertility are urged to discuss all their options carefully with their healthcare providers. 

Aspirin May Lower Obesity-Related Cancer Risks

Scientists have long understood that obesity and certain types of cancer go hand-in-hand. Aside from strongly recommending people lose weight, however, they have been at somewhat of a loss on how to help them decrease those cancer risks. In regard to colorectal cancer, it seems, aspirin might make a big difference.

Researchers at Newcastle University in the United Kingdom recently dove into the topic. The study focused on those with Lynch syndrome, a potential hereditary link to colorectal cancer. To find out what role aspirin played, they enrolled some 937 patients that had been diagnosed with Lynch syndrome. About half the group received 600 mg of aspirin a day and the other half a placebo. The overall results showed that cancer risk was about 2.5 times higher for overweight participants than those of normal weight. The findings also showed that those who took aspirin could counteract the risk by doing so. The study concluded the risk for developing cancer in the aspirin group was roughly the same regardless of weight.

Those involved in the study say the findings add more evidence to an already growing body that links the inflammatory process to increased risks for cancer. Since aspirin is an anti-inflammatory agent, it is believed this simple medication can help stave off cancer in many cases. The findings, researchers also say, demonstrate the importance of maintaining a healthy weight. In addition, they show that a regular dose of aspirin may very well help safeguard those without Lynch syndrome from develop colorectal cancers.

People who suffer from Lynch syndrome or other risks for colorectal cancer are urged to discuss screening with their healthcare providers. Colorectal cancer strikes men and women by the thousands each year, but often can be successfully treated if it is caught early. The key is understanding personal risk and undergoing screening when it is recommended.

Gene Research is Shedding Light on Breast, Ovarian Cancer Risk

While there’s no crystal ball that can definitively predict if a woman will develop breast or ovarian cancer, genetic researchers have uncovered more clues that can help doctors and their patients better understand risks. In fact, mutations in two particular genes can serve as a marker to help identify those who may need to be monitored a bit more closely for these diseases.

The latest research into the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes was published recently in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Researchers used data from the Consortium of Investigators of Modifiers of BRCA to gain their insights. A total of 19,581 women with BRCA1 mutations and 11,900 women with BRCA2 mutations were included in the study. Researchers took into account a variety of different types of mutations found in these genes to gauge their connection between the development of breast and ovarian cancer.

The results are eye-opening. Among study participants with BRCA1 mutations:

• 9,052 women, or 46 percent, developed breast cancer

 • 2,317, or 12 percent, developed ovarian cancer

• 1,041, or 5 percent, developed both breast and ovarian cancer

Among women with BRCA2 mutations:

• 6,180, or 52 percent, developed breast cancer

 • 682, or 6 percent, developed ovarian cancer

• 272, or 2 percent, developed both breast and ovarian cancer

While more research is needed to better understand the connection between mutations in these two genes and the development of ovarian and breast cancers, current studies are showing that these two markers can help identify those at higher risk for development. Genetic testing isn’t quite a crystal ball that can predict the future with absolute certainty, but it can help women better understand their risks and assist with better monitoring that may help lead to earlier detection and intervention.

Women who are concerns about their risks of breast or ovarian cancer should speak directly with their healthcare provider for more information about risk assessments, including genetic testing.

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Why Are Lymph Nodes Removed in Breast Cancer Staging?

Women who have tested positive for breast cancer may find themselves wondering just why their surgeon is recommending the removal of lymph nodes for further testing. This can seem like an unnecessary and overly invasive extra step with a cancer that already tends to require rather invasive treatment.

Lymph node biopsies, however, are not performed lightly and they can, in fact, prove critical for helping doctors not only stage cancer, but better understand its spread if that has indeed occurred. Lymph node biopsies are simply a critical part of the diagnostic process for localized breast cancer. This procedure can also better help physicians determine treatment and management strategies while offering prognostic insights, as well.

The American Joint Committee on Cancer and the Union for International Cancer Control recently published guidelines for lymph node staging. In most cases, staging recommendations only involve sentinel node dissection, but the best management for patients who have detectable axillary disease remains under review.

Women who have clinically node-negative breast cancers will find a sentinel lymph node biopsy will generally be performed as the standard of care. For those with node-positive cancers, axillary dissection will also likely be performed. Sentinel nodes for breast cancer patients are generally located under the armpit. Once the sentinel nodes are found using a radioactive dye, a few of will be removed and examined to look for signs of cancer. This can help with staging while also enabling doctors to determine if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. If axillary lymph node dissection is required, most of the lymph nodes under the arm will be removed for study to help seek out signs of cancer’s spread.

While lymph node biopsies might seem like an added burden for a woman undergoing breast cancer treatment, they serve a vital purpose. This examination can help ensure doctors have a clearer picture of the cancer while arming them with the facts needed to help direct the battle against it. Visit here for more information.

End Your Lease on a Pleasant Note by Hiring Professional House Cleaners

When your lease ends and it is time to move out, you need to make sure that the house is clean and ready for its next occupants. Cleaning the house can make the landlord or the owner happy, too, allowing you to end your lease on a pleasant note.

Professional cleaning at the end of lease is important not only to ensure a clean home for the next occupants, but also to make sure that you can pack your things in an organized manner. Moving out can be exhausting and daunting, especially if you are alone. Aside from all the manual labour, you also have to spend money to buy cleaning supplies and equipment. Vacate and end of lease cleaning services can spare you from the trouble of buying cleaning equipment and cleaning the house all by yourself. You can leave everything to the cleaning specialists and they will get the job done on time.

Vacate cleaning services can remove all cobwebs and extensively dust your home. You can leave the thorough mopping and vacuuming of all floors to professionals—and you can rely on them to clean and disinfect the bathrooms and exhaust systems. Expert cleaners make sure that they do not miss a spot, so you can expect them to clean and polish mirrors, too. Moreover, they can clean the kitchen and its appliances, such as the oven, dishwasher, and burners.

Professional cleaners extend their cleaning expertise beyond the house. They can sweep the garage and wipe the skirting boards and window seals, door handles, doors, and switches. They can even deodorize and freshen the air of the house for free after they have completed the cleaning. These may seem like small tasks, but when done right, they can certainly improve the quality of the house, impressing your landlord and the next occupants.

Helping Your Loved One Face Cancer

Finding out that someone you love has cancer can be worse than hearing the diagnosis yourself. After all, while you won’t be waging the battle at the very front of the line, you will have to put a brave face on and provide strength and support when it’s needed the most. Chances are you’ll be doing so while also wrestling with your own fears, doubts and fatigue. With all that in mind here are some tips that can help you provide a strong shoulder to lean on while ensuring you, too, preserve the necessary energy to face what’s to come:

•    Don’t be afraid to ask questions – If it’s your intent to attend medical appointments with your loved one, feel free to ask questions on your mind and on your love one’s behalf. Keep in mind, he or she is likely dealing with a whole lot of doubt and may not be able to fully articulate every question on the mind. If you’ve been invited in to the appointments with the oncologist, it is OK to ask away and get clarifications about the specific disease and stage, treatment plan, potential side effects and more. If you happen to be the primary caregiver during treatment, having the answers will become critical as the procedures progress.

•    Be firm, but understanding – If your loved one is undergoing chemotherapy and other more rigorous forms of treatment, chances are he or she will not be acting in typical form. Be understanding about the side effects, exercise patience with anticipated fatigue, but be firm in ensuring that doctor’s orders are followed.

•    Be kind to yourself – Do not forget to take time out for yourself. Your loved one is not likely to need you around the clock and you, too, must recharge your batteries. If you find it helpful, lean on a friend to share concerns with or look into a support group that can help you process the life-changing situation you are facing.

While cancer patients must face down the disease head on, they are often not alone in the struggle. If you are caring for a loved one facing this disease, there are ways you can help them stay on course while ensuring you’re taken care of, as well.

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BMI and Cancer Risk

Increased body weight puts us at risk for developing a variety of health conditions. This is not news to anyone. Those who are overweight or obese are more at risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, sleep apnea, diabetes, stroke, liver disease, and more. It’s also important, however, to understand that increased body mass index (BMI) - the ratio of your body’s height to weight - can also be an indicator of your potential risk for developing certain types of cancer.

In fact, the American Cancer Society estimates that about one in three cancer-related deaths in the United States are connected to body weight; making losing weight priority number one in taking control of our health. It has been shown that increased BMI is connected to cancers such as pancreatic, breast, ovarian, prostate, liver, colon/rectum, and more.

It is believed that increased weight causes inflammation in the body thus causing an imbalance in our natural immune system and hormone levels. This imbalance, in turn, can affect cell division which can result in cancer.

There is no better time to get healthy than now. To lower your risk of a variety of health conditions and potentially lower your risk of developing cancer, it’s important to eat healthy, exercise, and stay in balance.

It is recommended to lower the number of calories that we ingest on a daily basis by eating smaller portions and reducing our intake of fried foods and those foods that are high in fat and calories. Instead, we should be increasing our intake of whole fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. There is a seemingly ongoing discussion about the potential connection between sugar and cancer but regardless it’s recommended that we limit our intake of sugar as much as possible.

There will always be a good reason to lose weight and live our life at a healthy BMI. Lowering our risk of developing cancer is another fantastic reason to let go of the excuses and get healthy.

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Talking to Your Doctors

Treatment for cancer – no matter how short or relatively comfortable – can be terrifying. There is so much up in the air and so many considerations including choosing the appropriate treatment that fits with the diagnosis and interferes as little as possible with our daily activities. It’s difficult enough to wrap our own heads around what is completely a surreal experience but then there is making sure that our family and friends – essentially our support team – is comfortable with all the information. You can easily find yourself more worried about disseminating information to the appropriate people – and managing bills and paperwork - than getting through treatments and before you know it you’re overwhelmed with the “admin” of cancer care.

This is the time you draw the line in the sand and start asking for help; admittedly a very tough thing for people who are often accustomed to handling everything on their own. But now is the time to reach out to the people who love you and whom you love – and would do the absolute same for in a heartbeat – and elicit their assistance. Here’s what you need:

*Someone to manage the paperwork. No, you don’t need anything else on your plate and you certainly don’t need any more stress. Pushing through the inevitable paperwork associated with cancer treatment should not be your job right now. Your team’s practice will have someone in charge of billing that should happily walk you through what needs to be done and after that you assign someone to manage it – preferably a spouse – who can take that burden off of you.

*Someone to go with you to doctors appointments. A ride is nice but having someone by your side during appointments is also about having another set of ears to listen to what the doctor has to say. This person should be detail oriented, willing to speak up with questions, and will take notes and remind you of important items.

*Emotional support. More than anything you need someone who is a soft place for you - that will accompany you to procedures, sit with you after treatment, and provide you the emotional support you definitely need at this time. This person should be a safe place for you where you can let down and be vulnerable and someone who you will let take care of you both physically and emotionally following treatment. Visit here for more information.

The Best Cancer Doctor for YOU

Those looking for appropriate cancer care can easily find they are inundated with choices. There are many amazing doctors who have devoted their professional lives to treating cancer. But that doesn’t mean that every doctor is a good fit for every cancer patient. This is a professional - and medical - relationship to be sure. But it is also a very personal relationship. This is a person with whom you will be spending a great deal of time and in whom you have entrusted your health and even your life. It is important that there is a comfortable and mutually respectful personal connection. So how do you find the best cancer doctor for you?

Create a short list. Of course you’ll need to first narrow down a list of doctors that meet your medical and logistical needs. That means finding doctors - preferably close to where you live - that specialize in your type of cancer, who have excellent reputations, experience, and superb standing within the medical community.

Interview. Once you have your list narrowed down to those doctors who meet your medical criteria, take the time to go and speak with each. Ultimately, it may come down to how comfortable you feel with each of them. This is a relationship like any other and your personalities must align.

Determine what’s important for you. This is your journey and every person’s experience with cancer treatment is different. The style of care that works for one person may not necessarily work for another. Do you need someone who spends a lot of time with you answering questions? Do you prefer someone who has a softer bed side manner or someone who is more cut to the chase? Your style must ultimately dictate the doctor you choose.

Certainly no one wants to be in a position to be searching for a cancer doctor. But unfortunately there are circumstances in our life where we have to be an advocate for ourselves, whether we want to be or not. Taking the time to find the best fit for your cancer care is well worth the time and effort and will ultimately make this a much more successful relationship with a mutual focus on your health. Visit here for more information.

Are Prostate Seed Implants the Right Treatment for You?

While there’s nothing positive about a positive diagnosis of prostate cancer, some patients will discover battling this disease isn’t as frightening as they think. When prostate seed implants are an indicated treatment option, facing down cancer can be a whole lot easier than many realize. This alternative form of therapy has been used by doctors for years with very positive results.

Prostate seed implants are tiny radioactive seeds that are implanted directly into the prostate itself. Unlike more invasive forms of therapy, seed implants are typically handled on an outpatient basis and since they dissolve on their own there’s not a huge commitment of time involved.

There are a number of cases when prostate seed implants make the most sense for a patient to consider. This form of therapy is indicated when prostate cancer is caught in its early stages. Here are just a few of the reasons to consider the alternative if a doctor recommends this form of treatment versus traditional surgery:

•    Less disruption to routine – Many people facing down cancer find the diagnosis even more troubling because it can derail plans and make holding a routine tough. Unlike surgery that can have a long recovery time, implant therapy generally enables people to go back to their normal routine within a few days.

•    Fewer side effects – While side effects are possible with any form of cancer therapy, patients tend to notice fewer with this form of treatment. This can assist those who want to get back to their normal routine to do so faster. Plus, it can help ensure patients feel better as they are battling the disease.

•    Strong success rate – When implant therapy is indicated, doctors offer this option because it works. It’s that simple. When cancer is in its early stages, implant therapy can be as effective – and sometimes more so – than surgical procedures.

Prostate seed implant therapy is a very viable option for many men who are facing down cancer. To know more about the cancer therapy and if it is right for your unique case then you can ask your doctor about it. Keep in mind, a doctor is the only one who can determine if this type of treatment will have the desired effects in your case. Visit here for more information.

Undergoing Radiation Therapy with Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)

Cancer diagnosis and continued testing during treatment relies heavily on advanced imaging equipment that can show us most accurately what is happening in the body. When that imaging is combined with the treatment itself that is time when the most pinpoint accurate treatment can be delivered to the cancer site. To that end, as a cancer patient, you may have been introduced to the term IMRT - or intensity-modulated radiation therapy. When most people think of radiation therapy, they think of a beam of radiation being pointed at the general area of the cancer - meant to shrink the tumor and kill the cancer cells. Of course, in this process, healthy cells are also impacted.

However, with intensity-modulated radiation therapy, computers guide a precise beam of radiation to the tumor or the specific area where cancer cells exist. Imaging is used to precisely map the location of the tumor or cancer cells, after which a course of treatment is carefully planned according to the calculation of these locations.

IMRT allows for the most effective treatment of tumors. With this pinpoint technology, tumors are shrunk and even eliminated. IMRT also puts a stop to the ongoing growth and division of cancer cells. Best of all, because this radiation is delivered to such a precise location, healthy tissues and organs that surround the area are minimally impacted. This results in fewer side effects and the ability for you to continue with your normal activities.

If radiation therapy is a part of your treatment plan for your cancer diagnosis, IMRT is one of the most effective ways to go in terms of aggressively addressing cancer while reducing the body’s exposure to radiation. For more information click here

You’ve Been Diagnosed With Cancer: Now What?

Cancer is a very heavy topic and it’s a word no one wants to hear. Chances are you heard the diagnosis and then very little else your doctor had to say.

After you take a breath and step back to process it all, it’s time to get proactive with treatment. While not every cancer is the same, the truth is many forms of this disease are quite treatable. With millions of cancer survivors living and thriving in the United States, it’s possible to take on the “C-word” and win.

So, how can you play an active role in your fight? Here are some tips that can help you once you’re ready to move forward from that initial diagnosis:

·                     Find a good team to help you – Ideally, you’ll want to work with a group oncology practice as you battle the disease. The advantage here is that groups tend to offer a strong team of players that offer a variety of specialties and years of combined knowledge. You’ll benefit from the entire team as you go through treatment.

·                     Ask questions – Your diagnosis doctor probably explained a lot during that initial appointment, but there’s a good chance you didn’t take it all in. When you find an oncologist, feel free to ask all the questions on your mind. A good doctor will take the time to explain in detail, so you can make informed, accurate decisions about your care.

·                     Explore the options – If you’re working with a solid group practice, you may find there are a variety of treatment options available to you. Take the time to explore them all and gain input from your treatment team on the best possible approach.

·                     Stay positive – This is a hard one to hold on to throughout the entire treatment process, but it’s important. Work with your doctors to ease side effects and try to keep your mind in the game. Positive thinking won’t “cure” cancer, but it can help you focus on getting better.

When it comes to treating cancer, you are the key player on the treatment team. Find skilled professionals to work with and do your part by asking questions, understanding the process, and staying positive to increase the odds of the desired outcome. For more information click here

Cancer Treatment; What’s The Plan?

Going into a battle against cancer can be the fight of your life. Armed with a supportive team of people around you, doctors who are experts in their field, and the most positive outlook you can manage, you begin the journey that will hopefully bring you back to a cancer-free life of good health.

Just as with anything else, a successful outcome for cancer treatment relies on a firm plan that has everyone on the same page and a very specific direction in which to proceed. If you’ve just been diagnosed with cancer and you’ve found the appropriate cancer treatment team to help you in this battle, it’s important to establish that you have such a plan in place. Work with your doctors and treatment team to determine that everything is in place to put you on the road to good health.

·         What is your official diagnosis? Every cancer is different and there are important nuances of each. It’s important to establish a relationship with a doctor and treatment team that understands and has extensive experience treating your very specific type of cancer.

·         What is your prognosis? This can be a scary question to ask but it’s important to know this information so you can proceed accordingly. Your doctors will tell you what stage your cancer is in and how treatment can determine your prognosis.

·         What treatments are available to you? Every cancer responds differently to treatment and different treatment options are continually becoming available. Work with your medical team to establish what treatments are available to you and how they can affect your ability to get well.

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With a plan in place you can begin the journey to becoming cancer-free. So work with your doctors until you feel comfortable with the options available to you.