If you have been diagnosed with depression (the most common form) you are not alone: greater than 25% of adult women and 15% of adult men are prescribed antidepressants, in the U.S. (reference). In the oncology population, the percentages are likely ... [Read More]
Dr. Lawenda Discusses Stress and Depression and Their Impact On Cancer
KNDU/NBC TV "Living Well" Show: Dr. Lawenda Discusses Stress and Depression and Their Impact On Cancer (December 24, 2016) https://vimeo.com/197205314 ... [Read More]
Toxic Produce, Light Therapy, Ketogenic Diet And More
The 2016 "Dirty Dozen" and "Clean Fifteen" Lists Are Out EWG's "Dirty Dozen" for the first time rates strawberries as the #1 most toxic produce item. They are contaminated by pesticides linked to cancer, reproductive and developmental damage, ... [Read More]
Depressed and Tired? Get A Light Box
We all know that getting outside and enjoying some sunshine can really perk you up. Most of us don't get enough sunlight since we spend so much time indoors. Even when we are in the sun we usually wear sunglasses to protect our eyes, but this ... [Read More]
Saffron Extract Works As Well As Prozac For Depression
If you have mild-to-moderate depression (the most common form) you are not alone: greater than 25% of adult women and 15% of adult men are prescribed antidepressants, in the U.S. (reference). In the oncology population, the percentages are likely ... [Read More]
Depression Treated With Acupuncture
Needles or the couch: A new study reports similar efficacy in the management of depression. It is not uncommon for cancer patients and survivors to suffer with depression, so I'm always researching for new and effective non-pharmacologic treatments ... [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]
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]
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]
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]
Consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids reduces fatigue & inflammation in breast cancer survivors
A new study, reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, found that breast cancer survivors have less fatigue if they consumed higher quantities of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (a major component of an "anti-inflammatory diet"). The ... [Read More]
Cannabis and Cancer: prescribe 5 different drugs or simply one botanical…your choice
This is a completely non-political blog entry on the science of the medical efficacy of Cannabis (marijuana) in oncology. Cannabis is plant that is classified in the U.S. as a controlled substance with an "increased potential for abuse and no known ... [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]