Tag Archive - breast cancer

Exercise can reduce risk of side-effects from cancer treatment

November 30, 2011 in Cancer Care, Exercise, Lifestyle Tips, Rehabilitation, Women with 1 Comment

Guest post by Diane Owens, PT, FACHE – Assistant Administrator at St. David’s Rehabilitation Hospital.

A new study confirms once again the role of exercise in maintaining good health. From Alzheimers to cardiac health to diabetes, research consistently touts the benefits of exercise. With a new study by Macmillan Cancer Support, we can add cancer to the data. The Macmillan researchers conducted a comprehensive evidence review of over 60 studies and recently published a comprehensive report.

The findings:

  1. Emerging evidence show that achieving sufficient activity levels can reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer by 30-40% and the risk of dying from bowel cancer by 50%.
  2. Physical activity of 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity a week is appropriate for otherwise healthy cancer survivors.
  3. Physical activity after treatment for cancer can reduce the impact of some debilitating side effects, such as swelling around the arm, anxiety , depression, fatigue, impaired mobility and weight changes.
  4. Comprehensive rehabilitation cancer services should include physical therapy to encourage and recommend appropriate levels of activity.

Healthcare professionals are not sufficiently aware of the new evidence. More than half know little of nothing about the benefits of activity in preventing or managing side/long term effects and only 6% talk to their patients about physical activity.

St. David’s Rehabilitation Hospital has launched a comprehensive cancer program to address the data listed above. Teaming up with the St. David’s Breast Resource Center and NeuroTexas Institute, St. David’s developed an interdisciplinary team of neurosurgeons, oncologists, general surgeons, and certified lymphedema, occupational , speech and physical therapists, the St. David’s Rehabilitation program provides a setting for cancer patients to receive comprehensive cancer rehabilitation services.

This new data only confirms another benefit of exercise. It’s never too late to develop this healthy and life-saving habit.

5 Myths about Breast Cancer – Knowledge is Power

October 6, 2011 in Cancer Care, Lifestyle Tips, Women, Women: Ages & Stages with 0 Comments

To kick off Breast Cancer awareness month here are 5 myths about breast cancer from Brenda Baumann, director of The Breast Center here at St. David’s Medical Center

Myth 1: I don’t need a mammogram until 50 years of age-

A new study by researchers at the University of Missouri found that screenings in women ages 40 to 49 detected smaller cancers with less chance of spreading to the lymph nodes- which makes them easier to treat –and these cancers might not have been detected on a clinical exam.

Mammograms save lives of women in their 40’s. Women should begin screenings at age 40 and annually thereafter.

Myth 2: Mammograms cause cancer-

The radiation dose during a mammogram is low. It is the amount you would receive from flying for LA to Paris – a trip most of us would not give a second thought about taking.

Myth 3: If Breast cancer does not run in your family, you are not at risk-

Most women diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a family history and many who do have a family history will never develop the disease. The danger lies in a false sense of security. Every woman should talk to her doctor about her individual risks, including age, hormonal factors, and breast density.

Myth 4: Monthly self exams are not necessary-

Though you may have heard advice suggesting self exams do not save lives, many experts still encourage them since mammography and clinical exams are not perfect. Using all three methods is your best chance of early detection. Early detection can improve your odds of being cancer free with less dramatic treatments. Download an instructional self exam card here.

Myth 5: Breast cancer always appears as a lump-

Signs of breast cancer can take many different forms. See you doctor immediately if you notice any of the following:

  • A change in the size or shape of your breast
  • A dimpled or puckered appearance to the skin that resembles an orange peel
  • An itchy, scaly area
  • Nipple discharge other that breast milk
  • Pain on one spot
  • Swelling or redness of the breast
  • An inverted (pulled inward) nipple if it has not always appeared this way
  • A lump

Join us this month in supporting awareness and raising money to find a cure! If you would like to join the St. David’s Healthcare team, simply log on to komenaustin.org, click “join existing team” and search for St. David’s Healthcare.

Thanks for all the great information Brenda!

-Meg