It is NOT a new concept that if you can make your tissues less conducive to cancer growth you will have a much greater shot at beating cancer. One of the greatest minds in the history of modern medicine (Dr Stephen Paget) eloquently noted this in ... [Read More]
Spirituality and Social Support
In this section, you will learn about the importance of social support, support groups, caregivers, family, friends, support groups and spiritual practice (non-religious or religious) during and after cancer treatment.
Why You Need An AntiCancer Guide
Whether you just were diagnosed with cancer, currently undergoing treatment or are in remission you want to make sure you are doing everything you can do to make your body less conducive to cancer growth or recurrence. If cancer was a simple ... [Read More]
I Wish All My Patients Would Meditate
Chronic stress is one of the most insidious health conditions in modern society and is linked to increased risks of developing and exacerbating nearly every chronic disease- including cancer. I'd even go so far as to call it a 'cancer growth ... [Read More]
What Integrative Oncology Is And Is Not
http://youtu.be/cx5VuAMaW6k What Is Integrative Oncology? Before I get into clarifying what integrative oncology is NOT, let’s first make sure all of our newer readers know what it IS. Integrative oncology is the use of evidence-informed ... [Read More]
Are You Feeling Distress? Your oncologist needs to know
Are you feeling distress? We have covered this topic in a previous blog post, but this is worth repeating as I encounter this in my patients every day. What is "distress"? "Distress" is purposely chosen as the word we use even though it is a very ... [Read More]
Love Is The New Superfood
If, like me, you’re fed up with Valentine’s-Day madness – cards, candy and oceans of pink – fear not: this isn’t another tract about the aphrodisiac properties of caviar and oysters, or advice on how to cook your way to your lover’s heart. No, ... [Read More]
Loneliness and Cancer: Is There A Link?
Increased inflammation and diminished immune function can both drive cancer growth and progression. Loneliness, sadness, depression have all been linked with these cancer-promoting physiologic conditions. It is certainly not a far stretch to believe ... [Read More]
12 Healthy Gift Ideas
At a time when retailers in want us to worry about holiday gifts, it occurs to me that everyone I know has everything they need – except, perhaps, for health and happiness. So this year, why not give gifts that may – at least to some extent – help ... [Read More]
Engaging Our Mind And Emotions To Change Our Biology: Anti-Cancer Strategies For Stacking The Deck In Your Favor
INTRODUCTION In this blog post, you will learn (1) how we know that you can use your mind to affect your biology; (2) how doing so has been shown to improve medical outcomes and even extend life; (3) what type of stress reduction practices have ... [Read More]
Can Coping With Anxiety, Depression and Stress Increase Remission and Survival? What Every Cancer Patient Needs to Know
In this blog, you will learn: (1) about the experience of anxiety, depression and stress among cancer patients and survivors; (2) how cancer patients describe those emotions in response to diagnosis, treatment, or long-term care; (3) how these ... [Read More]
Dr. Lawenda’s Interview on Integrative Radiation Oncology: Today and The Future
Listen to my interview with host, Karolyn Gazella, of Five To Thrive Live (on 11/12/12) We discussed a variety of topics including: What is integrative oncology Why and how I chose to become an integrative radiation oncologist I discuss what ... [Read More]
Healing touch and guided imagery work for severe stress symptoms.
Wow...a short 2-week regimen of healing touch and guided imagery treats the most severe form of stress, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD.) In a recent study, researchers found that by adding a short course of healing touch and guided imagery ... [Read More]
Yoga for Cancer Recovery
I'm sure you've heard that Yoga, a 5,000+ year old practice, can help in your cancer recovery. Yoga combines exercise (postures, called asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama) and meditation...a system that has been scientifically proven ... [Read More]
Til Death Do Us Part: Does Marriage Improve Survival After Cancer?
New research suggests that marital status impacts cancer survival. Investigators report that among those individuals treated for lung cancer (with stage 3, non-small cell lung cancer) with chemotherapy and radiation, married patients were much more ... [Read More]
The Importance of Spirituality in Cancer Care
Over the last century, scientific and technological advances have shifted medical care from a service-oriented model towards a cure-driven model. While these medical developments have profoundly impacted our ability to live longer, healthier lives, ... [Read More]
Depression and Cancer 101: Depression May Shorten Survival After a Cancer Diagnosis
Depression affects up to 50% of patients with cancer...and unfortunately many go undiagnosed and suffer in silence. The problem is two-fold: Oncologists often feel too busy or not qualified to be able to diagnose and treat this condition, ... [Read More]
Male partners of breast cancer patients take a pass on spousal support groups
We often recommend support groups to our patients to help them better cope with various issues surrounding their cancer diagnosis (i.e. treatment options, side effects, complications, financial issues, etc.) Unfortunately, the emotional impact of a ... [Read More]
12-minute yoga slows cellular aging, improves cognitive function and reduces depression
This remarkable study explored the effects of a convenient 12-minute, daily yoga practice on a group of psycho-emotionally taxed caregivers. What they discovered is truly amazing. In their study, the researchers compared two groups of study ... [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]
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]
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]
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]
Yoga significantly reduces fatigue and improves sleep quality after cancer treatment
In a study (abstract published online in May 2010, Journal of Clinical Oncology; to be presented on June 5th, at the American Society of Clinical Oncology 2010 annual meeting, in Chicago) investigators, from the University of Rochester Medical ... [Read More]
Social interaction (even over the phone) reduces the body’s response to stress
In a study (published in May 2010, in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B.) investigators have demonstrated that social interaction (over the telephone) after a stressful event significantly decreases amount of stress hormones (cortisol) ... [Read More]