Diarrhea is a common side-effect of pelvic and abdominal radiation therapy. In a fascinating study, published in 2010, researchers reported that taking a probiotic supplement before and during radiation therapy for cervical cancer significantly ... [Read More]
Radiographic imaging for staging prostate cancer is inappropriate for low and intermediate risk patients
Did you know that radiographic imaging studies (CT scans, bone scans and MRI) will detect disease outside of the prostate gland less than 1% of the time in men who are diagnosed with either "low" or "intermediate" risk prostate cancer? (i.e. Gleason ... [Read More]
Religion and spirituality in cancer care: Perception of quality of care is increased when these topics are addressed
In the U.S., the majority of patients consider their religious beliefs and spiritual values very important in helping them cope with cancer. Importantly, studies report that patients feel that the quality of care they receive from their physicians is ... [Read More]
It’s crucial to keep in mind the impact of cancer on our patient’s children: Guides to help with communication, education and support
As oncologists, we unfortunately find ourselves caring for patients who have young children. The majority of our time is spent focusing on the medical, psychological and emotional concerns and issues of the patient, and we often overlook the fact ... [Read More]
*New* 2010 USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans: Reduce your risk of cancer development, recurrence and progression.
The USDA published its' updated dietary guidelines in late January 2011. The latest USDA dietary recommendations incorporates most of the same recommendations that are touted under different names: "Heart healthy diet" "Anti-cancer ... [Read More]
Dying from prostate or colorectal cancer is reduced by up to 61% with exercise!!
Harvard researchers (reporting in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, in January 2011) discovered that men with a diagnosis of prostate cancer who exercised at least 3-hours each week decreased their risk of dying from prostate cancer by 61% compared ... [Read More]
Who is at risk and who should be tested for the most common genetic colorectal and uterine cancer syndrome (HNPCC/Lynch Syndrome)?
The vast majority of individuals with a diagnosis of colorectal (and/or endometrial/uterine) cancer do not have a inherited gene mutation. Most cancers develop sporadically without any familial association. However, if you or members of your ... [Read More]
Lung cancer eradicated in 98% of patients with a rapid, 3 to 5-day course of radiation therapy: A new paradigm in the management of early stage lung cancer.
A recently reported study (in the Journal of the American Medical Association, 2010) demonstrated the remarkable effectiveness of the latest radiation therapy technique (called "stereotactic body radiation therapy" or "SBRT") in the treatment of ... [Read More]
Ugh!…Hot flashes: Try acupuncture
The dreaded hot flash is among the most annoying and common side effect experienced while taking various hormonal medications commonly prescribed for patients with breast and prostate cancers. Fortunately, there are ways to help reduce the ... [Read More]
A five-day, non-invasive treatment for prostate cancer (called "stereotactic body radiation therapy" or "SBRT") is now available
Did you know that external radiation (when employed as 1st-line therapy for prostate cancer) is prescribed for 9-weeks of daily treatment? There is a new shorter, non-invasive option that has recently become available...read on... Patients have ... [Read More]
Green tea has no effect on breast cancer prevention: questions remain unanswered about other potential anti-cancer effects of green tea.
An excellent study (published in October 2010, in Breast Cancer Research) reported that consumption of green tea provides no benefit in reducing the risk of developing breast cancer. The authors examined the prospectively collected data on 53,793 ... [Read More]
An aspirin-a-day keeps prostate cancer away: Aspirin reduces the risk of recurrence by greater than 50%!!
In a fascinating study (which will be presented at the October 2010, American Society for Radiation Oncology annual meeting), investigators will be presenting the results of an analysis of 5,275 patients who had been treated for prostate cancer (with ... [Read More]
History of prostate cancer? Get a colonoscopy! Your risk of precancerous colon polyps is significantly elevated compared to those without a history of prostate cancer.
A new study (presented at the American College of Gastroenterology conference, in October 2010) reviewed the records of 2,000 men who underwent routine colonoscopies at the Buffalo VA Medical Center, and identified 188 men who also had a history of ... [Read More]
A common prostate cancer therapy increases the risk of stroke, heart disease and diabetes
Men who have aggressive (high-risk), advanced or metastatic prostate cancer are commonly prescribed hormonal therapy drugs called, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists that suppress the growth of prostate cancer cells by inhibiting the ... [Read More]
Curcumin (a natural compound in curry) enhances the effects of chemotherapy
Multiple studies have demonstrated the anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin, a natural compound found in the yellow spice, turmeric (used in curry.) Research seems very promising suggesting that adding supplemental curcumin (likely ... [Read More]
Soy consumption may reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence
A study (published in Canadian Medical Association Journal) reports that postmenopausal women with a prior history of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer had a significantly lower risk (33% less!!) of breast cancer recurrence when they consumed ... [Read More]
Cancer patients need to select an acupuncturist with experience working with cancer.
Acupuncture has been shown to be an incredibly helpful therapy for patients during and after various cancer treatments (i.e. chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, etc.) Studies have demonstrated efficacy in reducing stress, ... [Read More]
Chronic stress increased the risk of cancer metastases (spread) by 30-fold!!
In a study (published in Cancer Research, September 2010), investigators from UCLA demonstrated the biological effects of chronic stress leading to a 30-fold increase in the rate of breast cancer metastases in a mouse study. This study adds the the ... [Read More]
Hospice Care: As an oncologist, I recognize that there comes a time when aggressive cancer treatments are no longer effective for those with a terminal-illness.
The goal of hospice care is to enable patients to continue an alert, pain-free life and to manage other symptoms so that their last days may be spent with dignity and quality, surrounded by their loved ones. "You matter because of who you are. You ... [Read More]
Nutrition consultations are an integral component of cancer care
It is fairly common for patients undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy to develop side effects that can lead to weight loss, dehydration, diarrhea or constipation. Diminished appetite and taste changes (i.e. certain foods may lose their ... [Read More]
Social services and counseling are crucial for optimizing cancer care and outcomes
Patients who undergo treatment for cancer (and their caregivers) frequently suffer from numerous untoward psychological and social (psychosocial) effects that are often not adequately addressed by their health care providers. A report from the ... [Read More]
Massage is an excellent therapy to help relieve pain, anxiety and stress for anyone with a diagnosis of cancer
Numerous, high-quality studies have been published over the last decade demonstrating the effectiveness of massage in reducing pain, stress and anxiety in individuals with cancer. These studies have included patients of all ages (infants to elderly), ... [Read More]
Discuss ALL your medications and supplements with your cancer care team: Potentially serious interactions are common among cancer patients
Studies indicate that one-third of cancer patients take combinations of medications (both prescribed and non-prescription/over-the-counter drugs) that place them at risk of potentially dangerous interactions. (Read More Here) This number may ... [Read More]
It’s never too late to quit!! Smoking cessation after a lung cancer diagnosis can DOUBLE the survival rate
Although the following paper was published already 7 months ago (January 2010, in the British Medical Journal), and is no longer new news, I strongly feel that the information needs to be reinforced. The authors conducted a review of 10 ... [Read More]
Anxiety & stress can be reduced with a simple, 5-minute acupuncture treatment
A study published, in March 2010 (in Acupuncture in Medicine/British Medical Journal) reports a 50% reduction in measured anxiety scores following a single, 5-minute acupuncture treatment. All enrolled patients had a history of severe anxiety prior ... [Read More]
Greater than 50% of breast cancer patients either discontinue or are non-adherent to hormonal therapy regimens
In a study published, in June 2010 (in the Journal of Clinical Oncology) investigators have found that over 50% of breast cancer patients, who have been prescribed hormonal therapy medications ("aromatase inhibitors" or "Tamoxifen") for preventing ... [Read More]
Prostate cancer may be 30% less likely to recur in men on a common cholesterol lowering medication
In a study published in late June/early July 2010 (in the journal Cancer) investigators report that men who underwent surgery for prostate cancer and had been taking a common cholesterol lowering medication ("statins"), at the time of surgery, were ... [Read More]
A commonly prescribed osteoporosis medication significantly decreases the risk of developing invasive breast cancer
In two large studies, published in June 2010 (in the Journal of Clinical Oncology) investigators report that the use of a class of osteoporosis medications called, "bisphosphonates" significantly reduced the risk of developing invasive breast cancer ... [Read More]
Relaxation & stress reduction counseling reported to reduce breast cancer recurrence and improve survival
In a study (published in June 2010, in Clinical Cancer Research), investigators update the results of a fascinating experiment in which 227 breast cancer patients were randomly assigned to two groups: group 1 (received psychological interventions ... [Read More]
Drink your green tea: a green tea nutrient slows progression of a common cancer
In a study presented, in June 2010, (at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting), investigators report a 69% response rate (reduction in lymphocyte count by >/=20% or a 50% reduction in lymph node size) in patients with a common ... [Read More]