Tag Archive - cancer

New Research Links Omega-3Fatty Acids to Reduction in Risk of Breast Cancer

April 24, 2013 in Cancer Care with 0 Comments

A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can inhibit the growth of breast cancer tumors by 30%, according to new research from the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids because our bodies need them for optimum health. It is important to get them from dietary sources because our bodies are unable to produce them on their own. Most of us are aware of the heart health benefits and triglyceride reduction properties that can occur with adding omega-3 fatty acids to our diets, but they are now also thought to play a positive role in anti-inflammatory conditions.

There are several types of omega-3 fatty acids. The fatty acids EPA and DHA are primarily found in fatty fish and fish oil. Sources include: sardines, mackerel, salmon and halibut. A source of the fatty acid ALA can be found in the flax plant. Supplements provide an alternative to adding these foods to your diet, but you should always discuss adding supplements into your diet with your healthcare provider since some have been associated with side effects such as bleeding.

Here is a recipe that will help you easily incorporate fatty acids into your diet. Zucchini, banana and flaxseed muffins are one of our favorites: Martha Stewart’s Zucchini, Banana, and Flaxseed Muffins

Source: Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, January 3013

Brenda Baumann, RN, MSN

Incidentally Discovered Thyroid Nodules:  Do Not Panic!

April 10, 2013 in Cancer Care with 0 Comments

The yearly incidence of thyroid cancer is increasing, in part due to detection of non-palpable nodules on ultrasound and cross-sectional imaging performed for unrelated issues.   Incidental thyroid nodules are commonly found by radiological studies done for other indications.   On ultrasound done for suspected parathyroid disease, 46% of patients were found to have incidental thyroid nodules.  Similarly, thyroid incidentalomas have been identified in patients with an incidence of 16% for cross-sectional imaging (CT and MRI), 9–13% for carotid ultrasound (US), and 2–3% for PET scans.  The prevalence of incidental thyroid nodules on ultrasound in the general population ranges between 42–67%.

You probably have a friend, mother, sister or a friend of a friend who has had a thyroid nodule discovered on imaging for an unrelated issue, or a health provider who discovered a thyroid nodule on their physical exam for an unrelated visit.  But do not panic!  Thyroid nodules are actually quite common, discovered in 4–7% of the population by palpation and in up to 60% of patients on postmortem examination.

Do not panic!  Although thyroid nodules are very common, thyroid cancer is still fairly rare.  Palpable thyroid nodules have a reported malignancy rate of around 5%.  Malignancy rates of incidentally-discovered thyroid nodules vary, ranging from 8% to 29%.

The key is to have these thyroid nodules appropriately worked-up according to the American Thyroid Association Guidelines.  This entails:

  • getting a lab test
  • a thyroid ultrasound
  • and possibly an ultrasound-guided biopsy of the nodule, if indicated.

This is a simple procedure that can be done in the office and takes about 10 minutes.  There is a good chance that you will never require thyroid surgery, but you will need to have the thyroid nodule(s) followed with yearly ultrasounds.

Teresa Kroeker, M.D., Fellowship-Trained Head & Neck Surgeon
St. David’s Medical Center

5 Myths About Colorectal Cancer

March 21, 2013 in Cancer Care with 0 Comments

American Cancer Society
www.cancer.org

Myth #1: Colorectal Cancer is a man’s disease.
Truth: Colorectal cancer is just as common among women as men. About 150,000 Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year. More than 50,000 die from colorectal cancer each year.

Myth #2: Colorectal cancer cannot be prevented.
Truth: Colorectal cancer can be prevented in many cases. Colorectal cancer almost always starts with a small growth called a polyp, and if the polyp is found early, doctors can remove it and stop colorectal cancer before it starts.
Tests that can find polyps: double contrast barium enema, flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy or CT colonography. Talk to your doctor about which test is best for you.

Myth #3: African Americans are not at risk for colorectal cancer.
Truth: African American men and women are diagnosed with and die from colorectal cancer at higher rates than men and women of any other US racial or ethnic group. The reason for this is not yet understood.

Myth #4: Age doesn’t matter when it comes to getting colorectal cancer.
Truth: More than 90% of all colorectal cancers are found in people who are 50 years of age or older. For this reason, the American Cancer Society recommends you start getting checked for this cancer when you are age 50. People who are at a higher risk for colorectal cancer (like those who have colon or rectal cancer in their families) may need to begin testing when they are younger. Talk to you doctor about when you should begin testing and how often.

Myth #5: It’s better not to get tested for colorectal cancer because it’s deadly anyway.
Truth: Colorectal cancer is often highly treatable. If it’s found and treated early while it is still small and before it has spread, the 5-year survival rate is about 90%. But because many people are not getting tested, only about 4 out of 10 are diagnosed at this early stage when treatment is most likely to be successful.

Other ways to help lower your chances of getting colorectal cancer include:

  1. Get to and stay at a healthy weight throughout life; stay lean without being underweight.
  2. Be physically active; limit the time you spend sitting, lying down, watching TV, etc.
  3. Eat at least 2 ½ cups of vegetables and fruits each day.
  4. Choose whole grains over refined grain products.
  5. Limit the amount of red meat and processed meat you eat.
  6. If you drink alcohol, limit the amount to 1 drink per day for women and 2 per day for men.
  7. Don’t use tobacco in any form.

4 Steps to Decrease Your Risk For Cancer

March 4, 2013 in Cancer Care, Lifestyle Tips, Outdoors, Tips with 0 Comments

(via American Cancer Society)

More than half of all cancer deaths could be prevented by making healthy choices like not smoking, staying at a healthy weight, eating right and keeping active. February is National Cancer Prevention Month. St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center partners with the American Cancer Society (ACS) to provide quality care for our cancer patients and families as well as educating the community on how to decrease the risk for cancer.

1. Stay Away from Tobacco

  • Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. for both men and women. (Source: ACS Cancer Facts and Figures 2013)
  • Lung cancer is the most preventable form of cancer death in our society. (Source: Cancer Facts and Figures 2013)
  • It is estimated that there will be 228,190 new cases of lung cancer and 159,480 deaths from lung cancer in 2013. (Source: Cancer Facts and Figures 2013)
  • Besides lung cancer, tobacco use also increases the risk for cancers of the mouth, lips, nasal cavity (nose) and sinuses, larynx (voice box), pharynx (throat), esophagus (swallowing tube), stomach, pancreas, kidney, bladder, uterus, cervix, colon/rectum, and ovary (mucinous), as well as acute myeloid leukemia. (Source: ACS Cancer Facts & Figures 2013)
  • Each year, about 3,400 non-smoking adults die of lung cancer as a result of breathing secondhand smoke. Each year, secondhand smoke also causes about 46,000 deaths from heart disease in people who are not current smokers. (Source: Cancer Facts & Figures 2013)

2. Eat Healthy and Get Active

ACS “Guidelines on Nutrition and Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention” include:

  • Achieve and maintain a healthy weight throughout life by getting regular physical activity and limiting the intake of high-calorie food and drinks.
  • In the U.S., excess body weight is thought to contribute to as many as 1 out of 5 of all cancer-related deaths.
  • Being overweight is clearly linked with increased risk for cancer of the breast, colon/rectum, endometrium (lining of uterus), esophagus, kidney and pancreas.

3. Be Safe in the Sun

  • You don’t have to avoid sunlight completely, but too much sunlight can be harmful.
  • Sun exposure adds up day after day and happens every time you are in the sun.
  • American Cancer Society recommends simply staying in the shade to limit UV exposure, but if you are going to be in the sun, remember to “Slip!”, “Slop!”, “Slap!” and “Wrap!” to protect yourself from UV rays:
    • Slip on a shirt
    • Slop on sunscreen
    • Slap on a hat
    • Wrap on sunglasses to protect the eyes and sensitive skin around them

4. Find Cancer Early

  • Screening increases the chances of detecting certain cancers early, when they are most likely to be curable.
  • Learn what screening tests the American Cancer Society recommends and when you should have them. (www.cancer.org/healthy/findcancerearly/index)

Bonus: Other Ways to Prevent Cancer

  • Visit www.cancer.org to learn about potential carcinogens in your home and environment.
  • Talk to your physician to determine if certain genetic testing is recommended for you.

Resolution #2 – EXERCISE to Reduce Your Risk of BREAST CANCER

January 30, 2013 in Breast Health, Cancer Care, Exercise, Weight Loss, Women with 0 Comments

via flickr

via flickr

Losing weight and exercising more are very popular New Year`s resolutions. It is commonly known that exercise has cardiovascular benefits, but there is another great reason to hop on that treadmill in 2013. Research has shown that women who exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight can decrease their risk of breast cancer. Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that women who exercised 30 minutes per day (10-19 hours per week) experienced greater health benefits, with a 30% reduced risk of developing breast cancer, than inactive women who gained a significant amount of weight, particularly after menopause.

Regular exercise is crucial to reap these health benefits, but staying on track all year can be daunting. There are many ways you can become more active.

  • Try to incorporate simple changes such as taking the stairs or selecting a parking spot requiring you to walk further.
  • Other exercise options include: team sports, classes, joining a gym, investing in home exercise equipment, or aerobic activities, like walking, running and dancing. Before exercising, always begin with a warm-up that includes adequate stretching.

Follow this with 20-30 minutes of aerobic activity, and end your session with a cool down combined with more stretching. If you have a medical condition, you should speak with your healthcare provider prior to participating in any vigorous activity.

Stay healthy in 2013! Get moving and reduce your risk of developing breast cancer!

-Brenda Baumann, RN

(Resource: Cancer, online edition, June 21, 2012)

10 Facts About Cervical Cancer You Should Know

January 28, 2013 in Cancer Care, Lifestyle Tips, Women with 0 Comments

(via Blanca Duncan, MD)

  1. via flickr

    via flickr

    More than 12,000 new cases of cervical cancer will be diagnosed this year and about 4000 will die as a result.

  2. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer world-wide.
  3. Cervical cancer is highly preventable. In the United States the death rate attributed to cervical cancer is declining secondary to wide spread use of preventive strategies.
  4. Cervical cancer is typically a slowly developing cancer. There are tests available that diagnose precancerous changes and those at risk of developing cervical cancer. These tests include the cervical pap smear and human papilloma virus.
  5. Infection with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is closely linked to the development of cervical cancer.
  6. There is a vaccine that decreases your risk of infection with Human Papilloma Virus.
  7. There are lifestyle changes you can make to decrease your risk of developing cervical cancer:
    1. Limit number of sexual partners
    2. Practice safe sex
    3. Exercise regularly
    4. Eat a healthy diet
    5. Don’t smoke
  8. Other factors associated with increased risk of developing cervical cancer include:
    1. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
    2. Weakened immune system
    3. Exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) during your mother’s pregnancy
  9. Screening for cervical cancer should begin at age 21. Your provider will help you determine types of tests and interval of testing that is appropriate for you.
  10. In summary:
    1. Minimize risk factors for developing cervical cancer.
    2. Screening for cancer of the cervix is important.
    3. Talk to your health care provider about screening for cervical cancer.

Resolution #1: Stop stress, breathe and stretch

January 28, 2013 in Cancer Care, Lifestyle Tips with 0 Comments

The stress associated with the holidays can be intense and leave quite an aftershock for most of us. Juggling family, finances and a packed calendar causes extra stress which can manifest into physical symptoms, such as head and neck aches, lower back pain, fatigue, high blood pressure and sleeplessness.

To combat that stress in 2013, consider taking a break from the hustle and bustle by giving yoga a try. The controlled breathing, gentle stretching postures and the mindfulness (meditation) exercises can be very restorative. Hatha yoga in particular may be a good choice for stress management. Hatha is one of the most common styles, and beginners find it easier to practice due to its slower pace and easier movements. However, people can benefit from any style of yoga — it`s all about your personal preference. Yoga is generally low impact and safe when practiced appropriately under the guidance of a well-trained instructor. Yoga should not be used to replace conventional medical care, and those with medical conditions should talk to their healthcare provider prior to starting. Affordable classes are available virtually everywhere, and you should consider enlisting a friend for support and motivation. Not up for yoga? An alternative is meditation.

Meditation can help patients undergoing cancer treatment stay healthy and energized. Multiple research studies have reported that patients demonstrate improved sleep and decreased fatigue when yoga is incorporated into their cancer treatment. M.D Anderson has research in progress which utilizes imaging technology to pinpoint the changes taking place in women’s brains, who practice yoga, while undergoing breast cancer treatment. Researchers hope to confirm tangible results that will confirm the benefits of mind body interventions such as yoga.

Make 2013 the year of mindfulness, positive thinking and improved health through successful stress management!

If you live in the Austin area use the link below to find your perfect yoga spot:

http://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Yoga+Classes&find_loc=Austin%2C+TX

Sources:
Bertisch, S.M., et al, ”Effects of Yoga on Depression and Anxiety in Women”, Complimentary Therapies in Clinical Practice,2009,15;102.
Distasio, S.A., “Integrating Yoga into Cancer Care”, Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing,2008;12:125 Laino,Charlene,”One Particular Type of Customized Yoga Found to Improve Sleep, Lessen Fatigue among Cancer Survivors”, Oncology Times,July,2010.
www.mdanderson.org/newsroom/news-releases.
wwwyogaalliance.org

Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer Prevention

October 22, 2012 in Breast Health, Cancer Care, Diet, Women with 0 Comments

During the month of October it’s hard to watch a television show or go shopping around town without seeing the pink ribbon that is the International symbol of Breast Cancer Awareness. Texas Oncology’s Dr. Beth Hellerstedt spoke at the Breast Cancer Awareness Seminar on Oct. 16th and spoke to the importance of genetic testing in breast cancer prevention. Mutations in genes associated with hereditary cancer dramatically increase the risk for cancer development and there are specific medical management options to test for these mutations. Most insurers provide coverage for genetic testing as well. Along with regular exams and self-examination, this is another option to consider to combat breast cancer.

On Thursday, Oct. 25th Tarie Beldin will host a cooking class regarding the the myths of cooking and cancer. It’s often so hard to know what to believe when it comes to nutrition and preventing cancer. Tarie will try and dissect some of those myths. You can still register by calling 512-478-3627. We hope to see you there!

Holly Krivokapich
Health and Wellness Coordinator
St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center

Blow the Whistle on Skin Cancer

June 29, 2012 in Heat Safety, Holiday, Lifestyle Tips, Outdoors with 1 Comment

Do you love the warm feeling of the sun on your skin – that warmth you feel all the way to your bones? Do you love being outside walking, gardening, or even just reading a book on a park bench? OF COURSE YOU DO! Everyone wants to be outside living an active life and feeling healthy and vibrant. But what about the harmful effects of the sun? Did you know that up to 90% of skin changes that people think are related to aging are actually from the sun?

By now we all know that too much sun can cause skin damage. But what is “too much”? Too much sun = a lot of sun over your lifetime or more than one bad sunburn.

Skin damage, called photo-aging, not only contributes to wrinkles, but it can also cause loose or sagging skin or a loss of elasticity and firmness. It may also give your skin a leathery texture or cause spots and unevenness in color.

The good news is that your dermatologist has treatments to help you actually repair skin damage! Some options are: laser treatments, dermabrasion, chemical peels, and wrinkle fillers. A dermatologist can also prescribe topical creams or serums that help to reverse or repair sun damage, some options are: DNA repair serums, antioxidants, ceramides, skin-lightening products, and retinols.

The appearance of your skin may be your primary focus, but you cannot forget that excessive skin damage can lead to skin cancers. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. There are three types of cancer that are most commonly discussed:

  • Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer with about 1 million cases per year. While rarely fatal, it can be very disfiguring.
  • Squamous cell carcinoma is another common form of skin cancer, with about 250,000 cases and 2,500 deaths per year.
  • Melanoma is the most serious skin cancer, and is less common than basal or squamous cell cancers. Melanoma occurrences are growing faster than any other kind of cancer. Melanoma is often found in white men, but it also affects younger women with fair skin or with many moles. If detected early, the survival rate is nearly 99%.

What can you do to protect your skin while enjoying outside activities?

  • Self Examination – Check your skin for any changes or new moles. And don’t just check the easy places – check your scalp, the back of your legs, under your breasts, and your back – use a mirror if necessary.
  • Request Mole Mapping – Your dermatologist can “map” your moles by taking photographs of your skin and comparing older photos to new photos for changes.
  • Avoid Too Much Sun – Use sun screen with an SPF of 15 or more (and don’t forget to re-apply!), wear a hat, or long sleeves, or a cover-up.
  • See a Dermatologist Annually – Get yourself checked by a professional and ask questions about your risk, your skin type, and any treatments that may be right for you.

Sources: American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org and The Office on Women’s Health at www.4woman.gov

To find a dermatologist near you,
please call 512-478-3627 or 1-888-868-2104

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.

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