March Colon Cancer Awareness

For many years, we have been spreading the word about colon cancer screenings and their potential to save lives. Recently, our claims were backed up in the New England Journal of Medicine. According to an article printed in the New York Times, the results of a research study show a correlation between colonoscopies with polyp removal and a 53% reduction in deaths from the disease. The five-year survival rate for colon cancer found in an early, localized stage is 90%. Now, we just have to convince more people to get screened.

Colon cancer (also called colorectal cancer) is the third most common cancer in both men and women as well as the third most deadly. While incidence rates have been decreasing for most of the past twenty years (colon cancer used to be the number two cancer killer), increased awareness and prevention education is still vital because early stages of the disease do not typically show any symptoms. And, while the number of total diagnoses has been declining, the number of younger adults being diagnosed has been on the rise. Knowing your risks, the symptoms, and how to get screened in a timely manner is potentially life-saving knowledge.

"What are my risks?"
The biggest risk of colon cancer is associated with age. According to the American Cancer Society, 91% of cases are diagnosed in people 50 years of age and older. Other medical or hereditary factors that increase your risk include a family history of the disease, a personal history of other colon-related diseases such as chronic inflammatory bowel disease, and certain inherited genetic conditions. Studies have also found that people with type-2 diabetes are at higher risk.

Non-medical, and easily modifiable risks include obesity, physical inactivity, a diet high in red or processed meats, alcohol consumption, long-term smoking, and possibly very low intake of fruits and vegetables. Consumption of milk and calcium and higher blood levels of vitamin D appear to decrease colorectal cancer risk in research studies.

"What are the symptoms?"
As we mentioned before, early stages of colon cancer typically do not show any symptoms, which is why screenings are so important. More advanced stages of the disease may cause rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, a change in bowel habits, and cramping pain in the lower abdomen. In some cases, anemia can result from blood loss within the bowel, which would cause symptoms such as weakness and excessive fatigue.

Recommendations:
Beginning at age 50, your doctor should start encouraging you to get a colonoscopy. If the results show no polyps or areas of interest, you should plan to schedule another screening in ten years unless you have risk factors that would suggest more frequent follow up screenings. Discuss your personal follow up plans with your physician.

Another screening option is the Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) that can be done at home in the privacy of your own bathroom. Throughout the month of March we have FOBT kits available at no cost. Simply stop by our office at 5835 W. Sunset in Springdale to pick one up, and follow the directions on the package.

If you experience any of the symptoms listed above in yourself or your loved ones, you should pursue evaluation by a medical professional as soon as possible. If your doctor prescribes a screening test and you are unable to pay for one, contact our Save-A-Life program coordinator, Christina Bostian, for information on how to apply for assistance from Hope Cancer Resources. We're here for Northwest Arkansas with support for the journey and education for life. 

Cancer Prevention: What's on the Horizon?

As early as 2006, we were seeing news articles about the possibility of a vaccine coming to market to fight cervical cancer. At that time, the HPV vaccine was in the final stages of research, and was under review by the FDA. In the summer of that year, the vaccine was approved for girls and young women, and was later approved for males as well. It is now considered a vital tool in the prevention of cervical cancer in men and women, and is as close to being a "cure" as we have seen to date.

Just like those conducted on the HPV vaccine, there are hundreds more clinical research trials being done every day that are investigating the effectiveness of newly developed drugs and procedures. Clinical trials are a vital key to removing the word cancer from "household word" status.

Cancer research trials are conducted for many reasons. Some are simply focused on finding a "cure". Sometimes, these lead to discoveries that were unexpected - such as a medication that was being used to treat one kind of cancer that is then found to be effective on another type, or even another disease altogether. In other studies, researchers may be trying to discover ways to manage symptoms or after-effects of treatment such as "chemo-brain" and post-radiation nerve damage. Trials are also conducted that study the psychological impact of medical treatments and offer new "best practices" for doctors in order to prevent patients from suffering emotional distress during their treatment and recovery.

For a patient, the decision to participating in a clinical trial can be a difficult one to make. Many trials are "double-blind", meaning that the doctor and the patient don't know if the syringe or i.v. of fluid being administered is actually a newly created medication, or a placebo. Entering into that kind of study means placing faith in the importance of the study, not necessarily in any improvement that might be seen by the patient themselves.

There are many benefits to participating in a clinical trial. They offer a level of care that may be a step up from the standard if the treatment you are receiving is found to be effective. Participation can empower a patient and allow them take a lead role in their treatment plan. The psychological effect of this can be beneficial to many patients - feeling "helpless" is a common complaint of cancer patients who are undergoing cancer treatment and request counseling support. Finally, participation in clinical trials allows patients to become part of the important work being done to improve cancer treatment and find cures on a national and global scale. The ongoing legacy of cancer trial participants is significant.

Of course, there can be drawbacks to participation, and patients have to discuss them with their physician as well. There could be side-effects that doctors are not yet aware of. Even if the new treatment has benefits, it may not work on every patient. Health insurance does not always cover all the costs of a research study. New treatments may simply not be any better than the standard of care, which would mean that money spent and side-effects endured may be of no benefit to the individual patient. That's where the ongoing legacy comes in... the more people that are involved in trials, the more quickly the most effective treatment options and cures will be discovered.

More information on clinical trials being conducted in Northwest Arkansas is available on the Highlands Oncology Group website. Their research staff is on the fore-front of the cancer fight and can provide additional information for patients interested in looking at all their treatment options.

Cancer Prevention: Eat to Defeat!

Most of us have the general understanding that some foods are "good" for us and others are "bad". Food, and our relationship with it, has become part of the daily dialogue at work, school, and even on the nightly news. Recent reports say that 1 in 3 adults are considered obese and our kids are following our example and becoming obese themselves.

But even after reading the statistics, it's still difficult for most of us to include enough fruits, vegetables and whole grains in our diets to meet the recommended daily intake and to reduce fats, sugars and empty calories in our meals. You already know that dietary changes can change your body shape and make you "healthier", but would it make a difference in your eating habits to know that some foods may actually help prevent cancer?
 

We mentioned in this month's first blog post that many cancers include "obesity" in their list of risk factors. From the Centers for Disease Control: 

"Research has shown that being overweight or obese substantially raises a person's risk of getting endometrial (uterine), breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers. Overweight is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 25 to 29, and obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 or higher."

In addition to reducing the risk of obesity, some foods have been found to be beneficial because of health benefits they provide in and of themselves. Antioxidants and phytochemicals in particular have been getting a lot of attention as possible G.I. Joe soldiers in the battle against many diseases, cancer included. There are, in fact, seven "Super Foods" that are recommended for inclusion in any diet being consumed with cancer-prevention in mind. Here's the list, condensed from WebMD:

GARLIC

The same sulfur compounds causing garlic's distinctive odor may also stop cancer-causing substances from forming in your body, speed DNA repair, and kill cancer cells. It also battles bacteria, including H. pylori (connected to some ulcers and stomach cancer), and it reduces the risk of colon cancer. To get the most benefit, peel and chop the cloves and let them sit 15 to 20 minutes before cooking to activate enzymes and release the sulfur-containing compounds that have the most protective effect. Experts say that using garlic supplements does not show the same benefits that the whole cloves do.

BROCCOLI

Many cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, kale, and cauliflower contain phytochemicals called glucosinolates, which produce protective enzymes that are released when you chew the raw veggie, rupturing the cell walls. Your body also produces those enzymes in the intestines, and they are activated when the raw (or gently cooked) veggies are digested. 

Broccoli and its cousins are most protective against cancers of the mouth, esophagus, and stomach, but research is also being conducted on sulforaphane, another chemical found in cruciferous vegetables that might reduce cancer risk by detoxifying harmful substances (such as smoke and other environmental pollutants) in the body and act as an antimicrobial agent by attacking the bacterium H. pylori.

TOMATOES

The red coloring that makes it easy to spot a ripe specimen also makes them a potential weapon against prostate cancer. That red hue comes from a phytochemical called lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, which is most concentrated in tomatoes. Several ongoing studies suggest that a lycopene-rich diet is connected to a reduced risk of prostate cancer. In laboratory tests, lycopene has stopped other types of cancer cells from growing, including breast, lung, and endometrial (the lining of the uterus). Researchers speculate that lycopene protects cells from damage that could lead to cancer by boosting the immune system and interfering with abnormal cell growth. 

To get the most benefit, eat cooked or processed tomatoes, including tomato juice and pizza sauce. Processing makes the cancer-fighting compounds more available to your body because heat breaks down the plant's cell walls. If you just aren't a fan of tomatoes, you can get a reduced amount of its benefits from lycopene in watermelon, pink grapefruit, or red bell peppers.

STRAWBERRIES

Berries of all kinds have been getting a lot of attention lately. Research points to possible protection against heart disease and memory decline as well as cancer. In a recent study, berry extracts slowed the growth of cancer cells; specifically, strawberry and black raspberry extracts had the greatest impact on colon cancer cells. Strawberries are rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C and ellagic acid. 

 

In laboratory tests, ellagic acid seems to have anticancer properties that rev up enzymes, which destroy cancer-causing substances and slow the growth of tumors. They also contain flavonoids, which suppress an enzyme that damages DNA and has been linked to lung cancer. Other types of berries, all rich in flavonoids, that are worth adding to your grocery basket include raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and cranberries. Blueberries are packed with anthocyanins, which reduce inflammation and are one of the most powerful antioxidants. Some consider berries and cruciferous vegetables the most powerful protective foods available to consumers.

CARROTS

One of the easiest vegetables eat, carrots are packed with disease-fighting nutrients. They contain beta-carotene, an antioxidant scientists believe may protect cell membranes from toxin damage and slow the growth of cancer cells. Carrots also deliver other vitamins and phytochemicals that might guard against cancers of the mouth, esophagus, and stomach. Some studies suggest carrots protect against cervical cancer, perhaps because they supply antioxidants that could battle HPV (human papilloma virus), the major cause of cervical cancer. Plus, carrots contain falcarinol, a natural pesticide, which has been found to reduce the risk of developing cancerous tumors in lab tests. 

 

Unlike some foods that lose their potency when cooked, carrots (and tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, asparagus, cabbage, and peppers) experience an increase in their antioxidant levels when exposed to heat.

SPINACH

Maybe you've heard that lutein, an antioxidant, is good for your eyes. Early results of research shows it might also play a role in guarding against cancer. Spinach is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoids that remove unstable molecules called free radicals from your body before they damage it. They're found in spinach and other dark green leafy vegetables, and some studies show they could protect against cancer of the mouth, esophagus, and stomach. 

An NIH/AARP study of more than 490,000 people found that those who ate more spinach were less likely to develop esophageal cancer. Some studies suggest the carotenoids in spinach and other foods reduce the risk of ovarian, endometrial, lung, and colorectal cancer, too. Throw in folate and fiber, which researchers think might trim the risk of certain cancers, and you've got nutritional powerhouse in every dark green leaf. Folate helps your body produce new cells and repair DNA, and is especially important for women of childbearing age because it can prevent neural tube defects in a developing fetus. 

You'll get the most lutein from raw or lightly cooked spinach. Enjoy it in a salad, steamed, or sautéed with garlic and olive oil, or stirred into soups. For a change (but reduced benefit), substitute kale, collard greens, Swiss chard, or romaine lettuce.

WHOLE GRAINS

You may have noticed that a lot of foods - even sugary kids' cereals and frozen pizzas - are adding whole-grain components to their ingredients. It's a result of revised federal nutrition guidelines that recommend half of all the grains you eat -- rice, cereal, and even chips -- should be whole grains, not processed. Whole grains deliver plenty of fiber, which has been suspected to reduce the risk of colon cancer. 

Experts are not yet sure how the fiber/cancer connection works, but whole grains also contain other substances that might battle cancer, including lignans, which act as antioxidants, and saponins, which could keep cancer cells from multiplying. Look for bread labeled "100% whole wheat" rather than simply "wheat bread," which likely contains refined grains. For even more lignans, choose a whole wheat bread sprinkled with flax or sesame seeds.

So, now you know WHAT to eat, but do you know how much of these foods makes up a serving? Here's an article that can help. Habits can be tough to break, and family-members' preferences can also present a challenge when trying to add some Super Foods to your diet. Use these tips to make changes to your family's meals in small steps. Remember, small steps may be necessary at first, but they still start you off in the right direction.

Cancer Prevention: Know Your Moles

Has a mole that you’ve had since you were a child gone through some changes? Maybe it's a different shape or color, or it's just getting thicker and a little itchy? Have you recently found a new mole that doesn't look like the rest? If you can answer yes to at least one of these questions, then want to consider getting screened by a dermatologist for skin cancer. 

The internet is an abundant source of information about cancer types, prevention, and treatments, but all that information can be overwhelming and confusing. In keeping with our cancer prevention theme through the month of February, we have gathered some great information from our Certified Health Education Specialist, Casey Shelor. We hope this post will help eliminate some confusion with respect to the prevention of skin cancer.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The two most common types of skin cancer—basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas—are highly curable. However, melanoma, the third most common skin cancer, is more dangerous. 

Here are some tips on reducing the chance of being diagnosed with any type of skin cancer, from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.

Protection from ultraviolet (UV) radiation is important all year round, not just during the summer or at the beach. UV rays from the sun can reach you on cloudy and hazy days, as well as bright and sunny days. UV rays also reflect off of surfaces like water, cement, sand, and snow. Indoor tanning (using a tanning bed, booth, or sunlamp to get tan) exposes users to UV radiation.

The hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daylight savings time (9 a.m. to 3 p.m. standard time) are the most hazardous for UV exposure outdoors in the continental United States. UV rays from sunlight are the greatest during the late spring and early summer in North America. The CDC recommends several easy options for protection from UV radiation:

• Seek shade, especially during midday hours. You can reduce your risk of skin damage and skin cancer by seeking shade under an umbrella, tree, or other shelter before you physically feel a need for relief from the sun. Your best bet to protect your skin is to use sunscreen or wear protective clothing when you're outside—even when you're in the shade.

• Wear clothing to protect exposed skin. Loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and long pants made from tightly woven fabric offer the best protection from the sun's UV rays. Keep in mind that a typical T-shirt has an SPF rating lower than 15, so use other types of protection as well. Also, a wet T-shirt offers much less UV protection than a dry one. Darker colors may offer more protection than lighter colors. If wearing this type of clothing isn't practical, at least try to wear a T-shirt or a beach cover-up.

• Wear a hat. For the best protection, wear a hat with a brim all the way around that shades your face, ears, and the back of your neck. A tightly woven fabric, such as canvas, works best to protect your skin from UV rays. Avoid straw hats with holes that let sunlight through. A darker-colored hat may offer more UV protection. If you are wearing a ball cap, don't forget to protect the back of your neck and tops of your ears with clothing and/or sunscreen.

• Wear sunglasses. They protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts while also protecting the tender skin around your eyes from sun exposure. Wrap-around sunglasses work best because they block UV rays from sneaking in from the side, and sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays offer the best protection. Most sunglasses sold in the United States, regardless of cost, meet this standard, but check the labels.

• Use sunscreen. Choose sunscreen with sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or higher, and both UVA and UVB protection. The sun's UV rays can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes. Put on sunscreen before you go outside, even on slightly cloudy or cool days. Apply a thick layer (rub it in until it's gone) on all parts of exposed skin and get help for hard-to-reach places like your back. Sunscreen does wear off, so all sunscreens (even the "waterproof" ones) need to be reapplied after swimming, sweating or being outside for more than two hours. Check the sunscreen's expiration date. Sunscreen without an expiration date has a shelf life of no more than three years, but its shelf life is shorter if it has been exposed to high temperatures.

• Avoid indoor tanning. Using a tanning bed, booth, or sunlamp to get tan has been linked to an increased risk of skin cancers - including melanoma - and cancers of the eye. A recent study found that using a tanning bed - any type and for any length of time - increases a person's risk of melanoma by 74%. Some are likening the use of tanning beds by teens to the use of cigarettes, saying that it is a carcinogen and should be regulated in people under the age of 18. You have to ask yourself: Is a golden tan really worth dying for?

As always - know the facts, and do your part to protect yourself and your loved-ones from the potentially deadly effects of cancer. Skin cancer is preventable, and making the right choices can save your life.

Cancer Prevention: Tobacco Use

As we shared last week, the number one thing you can do to reduce your risk of cancer is to stop using tobacco. More specifically, to stop smoking cigarettes. By now, everyone knows that smoking is linked to lung cancer, but did you know that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States for men and women. 90% of lung cancer deaths in men and 80% of lung cancer deaths in women are directly linked to smoking. Lung cancer is also one of the costliest cancers - contributing to approximately $263.8 billion in costs to patients and insurance companies in the U.S. in 2010.

And if that news was not sobering enough, smoking is also linked to many other types of cancer, including cancers of the throat, mouth, nasal cavity, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, kidney, bladder, and cervix, and acute myeloid leukemia.

Now that we've got your attention, we're going to share some information about how you can stop smoking.

We know that smoking is one of the hardest habits to break, simply because there is an addiction involved. Nicotine is the drug in tobacco that causes addiction. It is absorbed and enters the bloodstream through the lungs when smoke is inhaled, and through the lining of the mouth when tobacco is chewed or used as oral snuff or for non-inhaled pipe and cigar smoking.

Nicotine is a psychoactive drug with stimulant effects on the electrical activity of the brain. It also has calming effects, especially at times of stress, as well as effects on hormonal and other systems throughout the body. Although its subjective effects are less dramatic and obvious than those of some other addictive drugs, smoking doses of nicotine causes activation of "pleasure centers" in the brain, which may explain the pleasure, and addictiveness of smoking.

Studies show that tobacco use usually begins in early adolescence, and those who begin smoking at an early age are more likely to develop severe nicotine addiction than those who start later. Each day, more than 4,800 adolescents smoke their first cigarette, and 42 percent of them go on to become regular smokers. (from ehealthmd.com)

So, what can you do to stop? Quitting cold turkey is generally not effective, for reasons detailed above. But there is help available. Google "how to quit smoking" and you'll find countless articles, programs and could easily get bogged down in the many different suggestions and plans offered. There are telephone helplines, various nicotine replacement options available by prescription, and prescription medications as well. Some people swear by alternative therapies such as hypnosis, acupuncture, herbal remedies and even electronic cigarettes. The wide range of options is detailed here at the American Cancer Society website.

For our neighbors in Northwest Arkansas, we have an even better suggestion. At Hope Cancer Resources we are fortunate to have a Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist on staff who can help you create a personal plan that is best suited to you, your lifestyle, and the resources available. Whether you have decided for yourself that it's time to quit - or if you know someone who needs information, contact Casey Shelor by email or at 479-361-5847 and let her help you develop a plan. It may be the most important decision you can make for your health, and for the people you love.

The Best Defense is a Good Offense

The Arkansas Department of Health recently published their annual report, Cancer Facts & Figures 2011. It states that cancer remains the 2nd leading cause of death in Arkansas and the United States. The overall estimated cost of cancer in the U.S. in 2010 was $263.8 billion, with the highest costs being assocated with breast, colorectal, lymphoma, lung and prostate cancer. The American Cancer Society (ACS) predicts about 577,190 people will die of cancer in the U.S. this year. That averages out to approximately 1,500 each day. What are you doing to reduce your risk?

Cancers caused by environmental exposures are modifiable and can be prevented. The American Cancer Society estimates that in this country in 2010 approximately 171,000 cancer deaths were related to tobacco use and one-third of the 569,490 deaths were related to obesity and physical inactivity. Deaths from cancers caused by infectious agents, such as Hepatitis B, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human papillomavirus (HPV), and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) etc. could have been prevented through behavioral changes, vaccinations and antibiotics.

February is National Cancer Prevention Month, so in our weekly posts we'll be taking a closer look at a few specific ways to prevent cancer in yourself and your loved-ones. To get us started, here's a list created by the Mayo Clinic: 

1. Don't Use Tobacco 

Tobacco use is the single greatest avoidable risk factor for cancer mortality worldwide, causing an estimated 22% of cancer deaths per year. Smoking has been linked to various types of cancer — including cancer of the lung, bladder, cervix and kidney — and chewing tobacco has been linked to cancer of the oral cavity and pancreas. Exposure to secondhand smoke may also increase your risk of lung cancer.

Avoiding tobacco — or deciding to stop using it — is one of the most important health decisions you can make. If you are being treated for cancer and need help quitting tobacco, our Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist, Casey Shelor, can help you find a plan that works best for you. Contact her by email or at 479-361-5847 for a confidential appointment.

2. Eat a Healthy Diet 

Although making healthy selections at the grocery store and at mealtime can't guarantee cancer prevention, a diet heavy in fats and processed foods has been linked to several types of cancer. Consider these guidelines:

• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Base your diet on fruits, vegetables and other foods from plant sources — such as whole grains and beans.
• Limit fat. Eat lighter and leaner by choosing fewer high-fat foods, particularly those from animal sources. High-fat diets tend to be higher in calories and may increase the risk of overweight or obesity — which can, in turn, increase cancer risk.
• If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation. The risk of various types of cancer — including cancer of the breast, colon, lung, kidney and liver — increases with the amount of alcohol you drink and the length of time you've been drinking regularly. 
  

3. Maintain a Healthy Weight & Include Physical Activity in Your Daily Routine

Maintaining a healthy weight may lower the risk of various types of cancer, including cancer of the breast, prostate, lung, colon and kidney. Physical activity counts, too. In addition to helping you control your weight, physical activity on its own may lower the risk of breast cancer and colon cancer. As a general goal, include at least 30 minutes of physical activity in your daily routine — and if you can do more, even better. Try a fitness class, rediscover a favorite sport or meet a friend for daily brisk walks.

4. Protect Yourself from the Sun

Skin cancer is one of the most common kinds of cancer — and one of the most preventable. Try these tips:

• Avoid midday sun. Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest.
• Stay in the shade. When you're outdoors, stay in the shade as much as possible. Sunglasses and a broad-rimmed hat help, too.
• Cover exposed areas. Wear tightly woven, loosefitting clothing that covers as much of your skin as possible. Opt for bright or dark colors, which reflect more ultraviolet radiation than pastels or bleached cotton.
• Don't skimp on sunscreen. Use generous amounts of sunscreen when you're outdoors, and reapply often.
• Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps. These are just as damaging as natural sunlight.

5. Get Immunized
Cancer prevention includes protection from certain viral infections. Talk to your doctor about immunization against:

• Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B can increase the risk of developing liver cancer. The hepatitis B vaccine is routinely given to infants. It's also recommended for certain high-risk adults — such as adults who are sexually active but not in a mutually monogamous relationship, men who have sex with men, and health care or public safety workers who might be exposed to infected blood or body fluids.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that can lead to cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine is available to both men and women age 26 or younger who didn't have the vaccine as an adolescent.(We covered this subject in detail in our recent post about HPV vaccines.)   

6. Avoid Risky Behaviors

Another effective cancer prevention tactic is to avoid risky behaviors that can lead to infections that, in turn, may increase the risk of cancer. For example:

• Practice safe sex. Limit your number of sexual partners, and use a condom when you do have sex. The more sexual partners you have in your lifetime, the more likely you are to contract a sexually transmitted infection — such as HIV or HPV. People who have HIV or AIDS have a higher risk of cancer of the anus, cervix, lung and immune system. HPV is most often associated with cervical cancer, but it may also increase the risk of cancer of the anus, penis, throat, vulva and vagina.
• Don't share needles. Sharing needles with an infected drug user can lead to HIV, as well as hepatitis B and hepatitis C — which can increase the risk of liver cancer. If you're concerned about drug abuse or addiction, seek professional help.

7. Take Early Detection Seriously

Regular self-exams and professional screening for various types of cancers — such as cancer of the skin, colon, prostate, cervix and breast — can increase your chances of discovering cancer early, when treatment is most likely to be successful. Ask your doctor about the best cancer screening schedule for you.

If you have any questions about these tips, you can contact one of our Certified Health Education Specialists at 479-361-5847.

More Than a Mission Statement

When we created our mission statement back in 2009 we thought we covered the bases pretty well. But a mission statement is really just "the big picture" of the organization it represents. For those individuals fortunate enough to have never watched a loved one endure a battle with cancer, or gone through one themselves, it's hard to imagine exactly what "cancer support" can entail.

Our social workers work with patients to determine their immediate needs, as well as needs that may arise in the future as they are going through treatment. Since we meet with patients on their very first visit to the oncology clinic, it's common to hear "I'm fine, I won't be needing any help." But we still share our services and programs... just in case. And many times, we hear from them later when the reality sets in. Cancer treatment is extremely difficult - physically and emotionally. On both fronts, we meet patients' needs.

Here's a list of the opportunities for giving support that we encounter every day with the patients and families we serve:

Financial Assistance

Prescription Assistance: Hope Cancer Resources assists with the purchase of cancer-related prescriptions and will help find long-term drug assistance whenever possible. The medications used to treat cancer are not like those used to treat a case of strep-throat or a stomach bug. And you don't have to be uninsured to find yourself facing a financial struggle when diagnosed with cancer. When medical insurance covers a percentage of your prescription medications and your chemotherapy drug is $2000 for a 30-day supply, you could end up writing a check for $500. And that's just for one medication. In 2011, we purchased 981 individual prescriptions for patients at a total value of $45,035. In addition, we assisted in matching patients with pharmaceutical company programs that provided $173,414 in prescriptions to patients in Northwest Arkansas.

Emergency Financial Assistance: We provide direct, temporary assistance to cancer patients who are struggling financially due to their treatment, including payments for housing and/or transportation needs as well as dental needs associated with their cancer diagnosis. Just as with prescription medication costs, a cancer-related financial crisis can be completely unexpected. A patient undergoing cancer treatment may be forced to take time off work or incur travel expenses, or just have more medical bills than usual. We help alleviate the stress associated with making sure that bills are paid while medical necessities are provided. Last year, we provided $188,380 in emergency financial assistance and $56,175 in gasoline cards to help patients get through their treatment.

Emotional Assistance

Our services compliment each other in every way. Every time we interact with a cancer patient or their family members there is an opportunity to provide emotional support. Even the smallest thing - like providing a brochure - can reduce a patient's stress level. Licensed social workers help patients and caregivers cope with emotional distress through counseling, education and information on support groups offered in our community, including those facilitated by our staff. In 2011, we served 2,337 patients with 9,348 hours of emotional support through support groups, counseling, and intensive emotional support.

Spanish Interpretation

Imagine being faced with a diagnosis of cancer and not being able to speak the same language as the medical staff providing your treatment. Our Spanish interpreter is available to assist patients during appointments as requested by patients and their caregivers. Last year, our interpreter provided 599 hours of assistance to patients in need.

Tobacco Cessation
Every list ever published telling us how to be healthier and reduce our risk of cancer puts stopping smoking at the top. We all know it's a deadly habit, but it's a terrible one to try to quit on your own. Our Certified Health Education Specialists will meet one-on-one with patients to talk about strategies and resources to help you quit using tobacco products. In 2011, we provided smoking cessation counseling to 94 individuals who made the decision to quit.

Transportation
Sometimes a patient's biggest obstacle when trying to survive a cancer diagnosis is just getting to treatment. Some types of cancer or medications cause patients to be unable to drive for their own safety. Some patients simply don't have adequate transportation or anyone who can get them to and from their appointments. We provide rides to and from treatment and other cancer-related medical appointments when a patient has no other options available to them. Last year, our drivers made 2,299 trips totaling 129,043 miles to guarantee every patient had an equal shot at recovery.

Please visit the Hope Cancer Resources website for more on our services and contact information.