Holiday Stress Relief

We're sharing an oldie but goodie from our blog archives today. The information is still relevant, and we hope beneficial to you or someone you love.

The holidays can be incredibly stressful and even depressing for a cancer patient and their caregivers. You may be too exhausted to make travel plans or host your annual open house. Besides the physical challenges of being a cancer patient, the holidays can also be very difficult emotionally. Feelings may not always be joyous. In fact, during this time of year a cancer patient may deal with many complex and overwhelming feelings that they are able to stay on top of during the rest of the year.

Here are some tips for coping with cancer during the holidays**:

For the Patient...
Prepare yourself emotionally.
Holidays are often a time of remembrance, and of looking ahead. For a cancer patient, both of those things can cause feelings to surface that have been dormant or non-existent previously. Fears about your continuing treatments, recovery period, or how long your remission will last can all be overwhelming when faced with loved ones' questions and concerns. Know that you may be asked questions about your diagnosis and your current state of health, as well as your prognosis for the future, and decide how you will handle those potentially uncomfortable moments.

Plan to get together with friends, family or co-workers.
As much as is possible depending on your physical stamina, plans should be made to spend time with people who are supportive of you and your situation. Don't assume that you need to stay away from everything - it will only lead to feelings of distress and lonliness. That said, you don't have to do it all! Allow yourself to decline invitations if necessary. Your health and well-being is your priority.

Keep it simple.
If you have traditionally been the one expected to provide the meals and host the festivities, ask everyone to bring their favorite dish or suggest a restaurant instead. Perhaps you could host a mid-afternoon get together or dessert reception instead of a sit-down meal? Enlist friends or a maid service to help you prepare for a gathering, and clean up afterward.

Share the work.
You may be apprehensive of the holidays because you have always been the one who managed the planning. Take care of yourself by confiding in close friends or loved ones and asking them to take on part of the burden. Many times those closest to you want to help, but aren't sure what to do. Let them be there for you.

Be a creative shopper.

There are so many catalogs and internet shopping options available nowadays, there's no need to get out in the crowds and exhaust yourself (not to mention the risk of infection if your blood counts are low). Many online stores even offer free shipping for orders of a certain size, or those made by a certain date. Take it easy, and enjoy the giving - not the shopping. And don't think a gift card is not an acceptable gift! Many local merchants like Walgreens have great selections of cards from restaurants and stores found all over the country. You can get all your shopping done while waiting for your prescriptions to be filled!

Share your feelings.
Seek out additional support if it's hard to talk to those you're closest to. Find a support group or just talk to someone one-on-one. Communicating your feelings - even the ones you find difficult to admit having - can help you feel less alone and more connected. (Contact Hope Cancer Resources with your questions about talking to a counselor.) As suggested above, be ready for questions about your cancer diagnosis and prognosis. If you would rather not discuss it, don't be afraid to post a little note at the front door or on the invitations you send out that designate your home as a Cancer-Free Conversation Zone.

Set goals for the New Year.
A cancer diagnosis can alter your future plans and even your personal priorities and life path. But there is nothing that says a re-evaluation is not valuable, no matter what your situation is. Even if you're not sure how things will turn out after your treatment, make plans and set goals. It can help strengthen your resolve to recover and get back in control of your life if you remind yourself that there's something out there to work toward.


For the Caregiver...
Remind your loved one that you care, and are there.
They may need a little extra reassurance that they are needed and loved, even if they can't do all they have done in the past. Give them gifts that speak to who they are apart from being a cancer patient. Let them know you see them as a person, not as a cancer patient.

No pressure, please.
Invite your loved one to join in holiday activities, but don't pressure them to be involved in every event. They may need to rest their body and their mind in order to make the things they choose to do more enjoyable.

Offer to help.
Offer to clean the house, do laundry, cook, get groceries, decorate, etc. Give your loved one the opportunity to decide what they want to do, and then help with the rest. If you're not sure what you can do to help, or aren't sure what they want to do for the holidays - just ask! Talk to them about their feelings and share your own. Working together to make decisions about holiday preparations can help each of you feel more connected.

Be sensitive to their feelings.
Don't expect your loved one to react to the stimuli of parties, family gatherings, and even small things like a quiet meal the same way as they have in the past. They may be grateful for the time with you, but feel guilty about the efforts others have to make to get them there or work around their physical needs. They may be frustrated about an unknown future and find it hard to fully appreciate being in the moment. These kinds of emotions are normal - allow them to feel what they feel and communicate those feelings to you (or not) without judgement.

Maintain some normalcy.
Your loved one probably wants to celebrate the holidays as normally as possible, without a lot of time spent dwelling on their cancer. Let them know you are with them because you love them and enjoy their company, not because you feel sorry for them.


**Thanks to CancerCare for the original fact sheet that inspired this post!

Knowing What to Expect

One of the worst parts of the entire experience of having cancer is the initial feeling of not knowing what to expect. Physicians can only treat the physical part of the disease, and yet the stress and fear that come along with hearing those three words, "You have cancer." can be as devastating to a person's mental health as the actual disease is to their body.

Our social workers strive to alleviate some of that initial fear simply by allowing patients to share their concerns, and working to alleviate as many as they can. When a patient meets our social workers at their first visit with their oncologist, they are told that we are available to help with financial needs, prescription payments, transportation, Spanish interpretation, and emotional support. Some patients don't need to access our assistance programs, others are provided with several kinds of support. Some patients are relieved just to know we are here if the time comes that they do need us.

Here are some tips to help prepare a patient for their journey, compiled from an article published by Caring4Cancer.

Once a patient has been diagnosed, they should learn as much as they can about their diagnosis and type of cancer. Knowing what they are dealing with can help them ask the right questions of physicians and other medical professionals, and understand their treatment plan. For a list of questions to ask your doctor, follow this link.

After diagnosis, many patients undergo testing and scans to determine whether the cancer has spread to any other part of their body. This helps the medical team determine the stage of their cancer and the proper course of treatment. Some tests you may encounter include:

Biopsy: A biopsy is one of the most important cancer diagnostic tests. A small sample of tissue is removed for examination under a microscope by a specially trained doctor called a pathologist, who can tell if these cells are cancerous (or precancerous). A biopsy can be done surgically or with a needle while the patient is awake.

Tumor Marker Tests: Tumor markers are substances (usually proteins) produced by cancer cells or other cells in the body that turn up in unusual amounts in your blood, urine, or tissues. Although they may be used to help diagnose cancer, monitor the effect of treatment, and watch for a recurrence, they can also occasionally be high in people without cancer.

Complete Blood Count (also known as a CBC): The information a CBC provides can make a difference in a patient's treatment. It measures amounts of the three types of blood cells: red, white and platelets. Patients will probably have a CBC test done each time they visit their oncologist so the doctor can track the effects of treatment. Low red blood cells can lead to anemia and fatigue. Low white blood cells increase your risk for infection. Low platelet count can increase a patient's risk of bleeding because the platelets are the component in your blood that initiates clotting.

Good communication between the patient and the health care professionals who will be treating them will be the best line of defense against the feelings of anxiety that can accompany cancer treatment. If possible, patients should take a friend or close family member with them to appointments with their oncologist. Having someone else there can not only alleviate some of the patient's stress, but can help them remember things said and questions asked. Carrying a small notebook is a good idea as well, to record notes they might refer to later.

If a patient is already managing other conditions with their primary care physician, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, they should continue to maintain that relationship. The oncologists involved in a patient's cancer treatment will only be managing the cancer, and will not be keeping up with other conditions that might be affected by their treatment.

The journey through cancer treatment can be frustrating and confusing, but information and support can lessen the anxiety and give patients the tools they need to navigate it successfully.

Join us "On the Border"!

We are fortunate (and thankful!) to do our work in an area that is home to so many businesses that give back to the community. We have great partners for our programs and events, and we also receive support in the form of "give back" events that some companies have hosted for us. In 2012 we have worked with Ruby Tuesday, Fish City Grill, Brighton Collectibles, The Independent, Chili's, Harp's Foods, Painting with a Twist, and Ozark Natural Foods. Look for more great opportunities to give back while eating out or doing some shopping in 2013!

Tomorrow night, join us for the latest (and possibly the last - but we're always open to more!) give back event of the year at On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina in Rogers. Take the flyer below with you and present it to your server when you're paying your bill, and they will donate 10% of your check to Hope Cancer Resources. This includes all drinks, and there is no limit on how many people can be included on the check, but you MUST present the flyer for the donation to happen.

We wouldn't mind at all if you printed off a few flyers and handed them out to neighbors and co-workers, the more the merrier! Thank you for your support throughout the year, and we hope to see you in Rogers tomorrow night!

Pancreatic Cancer: Silent and Deadly

Some kinds of cancer are in the news often and inspire walks and 5k races and vigils. Others, like Pancreatic Cancer, are less well-known. But that doesn't mean that the "silent" cancers are not worth learning more about. In fact, it may be just the opposite.

Pancreatic cancer is often referred to as a silent cancer because it does not typically show many symptoms in early stages. Because there is no screening method for early detection, and because diagnosis is usually made when the cancer is in later stages, the mortality rate is higher than some other cancers. Out of an estimated 43,920 new cases expected to occur in 2012, 37,390 deaths will occur. That's an 85% mortality rate.

Compare that to lung cancer which has a mortality rate of approximately 71%, and breast cancer with a rate of approximately 17%. Those cancers are deadly to larger numbers of people - but more people diagnosed with them are treated successfully and become survivors. For pancreatic cancer victims, the prognosis is not as hopeful.

The good news is that there are survivors, and there are preventative measures that you can implement to create a lifestyle that is less likely to lead to pancreatic cancer.

Stop smoking. We say this a lot, but it's for good reason. Smoking is linked to more cancers than any other environmental or personal habit risk factor. Incidence rates of pancreatic cancer is about twice as high for cigarette smokers as it is for nonsmokers.

Maintain a healthy weight. Diabetes and obesity have been linked to pancreatic cancer, as well as a number of other cancers. Eat a healthy, balanced diet and engage in a moderate amount of exercise each week to help lower your risk for cancer.

Know the symptoms. Even though they don't typically show up in early stages, it's always a good idea to know what to look for - especially if you do have some of the risk factors which include a family history of the disease. Here is a list from the Pancreatic Action Network:

Jaundice
Weight loss
Pain
Digestive difficulties
Changes in stools
Blood clots
Diabetes

Know your risk and educate yourself on how to reduce it. And if you or someone you love need support in the Northwest Arkansas region, we are here to help. Contact our social workers at 479-361-5847 Monday - Friday with questions or concerns.

Caring for the Caregiver

Research has shown that emotional support is as important to a cancer patient as the physical treatment that they receive, and the support of caregivers is a vital component in their successful recovery. If you are caring for your loved-one as they are going through cancer treatments, you know how all-consuming your role can be. Many caregivers are surprised to find themselves not only physically exhausted, but mentally and emotionally drained as well.

Besides the stress of simply being there for your loved-one around the clock, you might also experience increased feelings of isolation and loneliness due to your single-minded focus. Calling on friends and neighbors to give some relief - even if only for an hour here and there - is vital. A caregiver needs to care for themselves as well in order to provide effective support for the patient.

If you're a caregiver who does not have other people in your life to offer support, seek out support groups, counselors, or even online information that is available to help replenish your emotional state. A good source for information online is the National Family Caregivers Association. Don't hesitate to ask friends for help if they don't offer - many people want to help but don't know what to offer.

There are also agencies that specialize in caring for patients that can be contracted on a monthly, weekly or even an "as-needed" basis. Look online or in your local phone book for "home health", "in-home care", and "personal assistance" companies. Some have nurses on staff to assist those who need medical care at home, while others offer non-medical services like running errands, doing your shopping, or house-cleaning. If you are in Northwest Arkansas, you can call us for a list of local agencies that offer services in our area.

If you or someone you know are experiencing emotional difficulties resulting from caring for a cancer patient, call us. Hope Cancer Resources offers counseling to cancer patients and their families and caregivers at no-cost. Our social workers are available for consultation Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at 479-361-5847.

Lung Cancer Today

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. In 2008 (the most current year these numbers are available), 2,625 Arkansans were diagnosed with lung cancer, and 2,126 died of the disease. In 2012, the American Cancer Society estimates that over 217,000 men and women in the United States will be diagnosed with the disease. Lung cancer accounts for more deaths than ANY OTHER CANCER in both men and women.

Cigarette smoking is the most common risk factor associated with lung cancer. Men and women who smoke are 23 and 13 times more likely, respectively, to die of lung cancer than men and women who do not smoke. There are other risks, including environmental exposure to secondhand smoke, radon gas, asbestos, certain metals, a history of tuberculosis, and a family history of lung cancer. At times, people are diagnosed with lung cancer with no obvious risk factors at all.

Some might ask why a person who has smoked for years should bother to stop, given that damage has already been done. Because stopping makes a difference! Consider a recent report on a long-term study done in the U.K. that shows that women who quit smoking add at least 10 years to their lives. No matter when it happens, stopping smoking is always the right choice.

Earlier this year the FDA reported that new warning labels like these would be implemented* on cigarette packages to educate people about the dangers of smoking. Some might argue that these dangers have been made clear for years, and that it's fine to leave the personal health of individuals up to those individuals. But unfortunately, the people who live with that person who decided to smoke - often including children - are also at risk. A study reported in May showed that children who are exposed to second-hand smoke do not just suffer from respiratory health challenges in their youth, but that the problems - including chronic cough, wheezing, and asthma - lasted into adulthood even if the child never smoked themselves.

The bottom line is, lung cancer is still much too common in our country, and there is still only one major factor in the diagnosis - tobacco smoke. Make the right choice for you and your loved-ones. Stop smoking, and keep living.


*The implementation date is uncertain, due to ongoing proceedings in the case of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. v. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, No. 11-1482 (D.D.C.), on appeal, No. 11-5332 (D.C. Cir.).

We hope you'll join us this year for our annual Shine-A-Light on Lung Cancer Vigil scheduled for November 15th at our office. It's a lovely evening of remembering, honoring, and educating. Click on the invitation below to register online.

What is Lymphedema?

After a patient has endured weeks or months of cancer treatment including any combination of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, the relief of being deemed "cured" can often be tempered with frustration about long-lasting effects of the disease and its treatment.While a few "late effects" may be temporary, many more, such as lymphedema, can only be managed and will never truly go away.

Lymphedema is swelling, usually in the arms or legs, but also in other parts of the body, that is caused by the removal of or damage to lymph nodes during treatment of cancer. It's caused by lymphatic fluid becoming clogged up when the regular pathways are no longer available. Lymphedema that occurs as a result of surgery or other cancer treatment is classified as "secondary", as opposed to lymphedema that occurs naturally as a result of a naturally-occurring malfunction of the lymph system. It can present itself immediately after treatment, or weeks, months, even years after the trauma that caused it.

Here's a description from The National Lymphedema Network:

Secondary lymphedema, or acquired lymphedema, can develop as a result of surgery, radiation, infection or trauma. Specific surgeries, such as surgery for melanoma or breast, gynecological, head and neck, prostate or testicular, bladder or colon cancer, all of which currently require removal of lymph nodes, put patients at risk of developing secondary lymphedema. If lymph nodes are removed, there is always a risk of developing lymphedema.

Lymphedema can develop in any part of the body or limb(s). Signs or symptoms of lymphedema to watch out for include: a full sensation in the limb(s), skin feeling tight, decreased flexibility in the hand, wrist or ankle, difficulty fitting into clothing in one specific area, or ring/wristwatch/bracelet tightness. If you notice persistent swelling, it is very important that you seek immediate medical advice (and get at least one second opinion) as early diagnosis and treatment improves both the prognosis and the condition.

The current treatment plans for lymphedema vary depending on the cause and location, and whether or not treatment is still occurring. If you notice any of the signs listed above in yourself or your loved one, contact your oncologist or surgeon immediately to report them, and schedule a visit to talk about the best way to manage it based on your personal health.

Gentlemen of Distinction Wrap Up

When our committee had its first meeting last spring, they thought it would be fun to have a James Bond theme as a way to focus our decorating and music theme for this year's Bill Fleeman Gentlemen of Distinction event. We eventually dropped the more obvious references to 007, but then found out on October 5th, the day of the event, that it was Global James Bond Day! It seemed appropriate, given the cool guys we had on the runway that night. Thanks in part to our sponsors, including Presenting Sponsor, Harps Food Stores, it was one of the best events date!

As usual, the entire day was full of preparations... Fourteen live cypress trees were brought in and created a beautiful backdrop to several areas of the John Q. Hammons Center ball room, gold cording was tied around chairs to add a little sparkle, and centerpieces of bronze calla lilies, magnolia branches and candles were placed on tables to enhance the colors of the room. Buzz Event Planning & Design made everything look beautiful for the evening.

We were thrilled to see one of our most dedicated volunteers receive the annual Bill Fleeman Gentleman of Distinction award from the event's Founding Sponsor, Jeannie Fleeman. Jack Igleburger and his wife, Temple, lead the only Support for People with Oral, Head and Neck Cancer support group in the state of Arkansas. Oral, head and neck cancers can leave victims with long-lasting difficulty eating and swallowing, and there are other late-stage effects of radiation to the head that can be disabling and frustrating for patients after their treatments have ended and they have been "cured". Jack is a survivor himself, and has helped dozens of other victims of the disease to get through treatment and learn how to become survivors as well.

When the fashion show sponsored by The Independent got underway, the crowd enjoyed watching our local Gentlemen strut their stuff and share a side of themselves that they probably don't get to show off very often.

Our auctioneer, Richard Clifton, was outstanding, and helped us raise $15,600 on the live auction that night. We'll share photos of the lucky folks who will be enjoying some of the things they purchased in coming months. We expect our favorite will be the daughters of one of our models, Eddie Hight of America's Car-Mart, who will be seeing the band One Direction in concert at Madison Square Garden in December. Word has it that the airfare has already been purchased and the girls are still on cloud nine!

The silent auction was full of amazing items including everything from spa packages to artwork, to sports memorabilia, to concert tickets and even this sweet registered black lab puppy! We were mildly surprised that she did not go home with Gay Prescott, our Director of Development you see giving it some love here.

In total, we raised over $107,000 that night to benefit the patient assistance and community education programs of Hope Cancer Resources. What an amazing testament to the dedication of our supporters, sponsors, and volunteers who worked so hard to make this event happen, and the approximately 400 attendees in the room who believed in what we are doing enough to make gifts and buy auction items.

During the event, we played a video to help attendees who weren't familiar with us before the event understand exactly what impact our programs have on families and individuals in our community. We're sharing it here for you to watch and share. It's a powerful testament to the devastation cancer causes in lives all around us, and to the hope that our services provide.

Thank you so very much to all who helped make the event a success.We can't do what we do without you.

When cancer is just another challenge...

Imagine finding out you have cancer and feeling as though it's just one more in a long line of hurdles to get over in your life. Research shows that people who are challenged socioeconomically are more likely to die of cancer. It doesn't matter what race or ethnicity they are, the disproportionate death rates are only seen along the lines of income and education. For example, cancer deaths among African American and Hispanic men with a high school education or less are almost 3 times higher than cancer deaths among all male college graduates combined. The numbers increase when lung cancer is pulled out specifically, with deaths occurring 4-5 times more often.

The reasons for these higher numbers are rooted in initial risk factors, and in the less favorable outcomes after diagnosis. People with a lower socioeconomic status (SES) are more likely to engage in activities and behaviors that increase their risk for cancer, such as tobacco use, physical inactivity, and making poor nutritional choices.

Lower SES is also seen in communities and families with inadequate health insurance, limited access to preventative care and treatment services (which leads to less favorable outcomes mentioned above), and lower literacy rates. These issues lead to late-stage diagnoses, missed treatments, and an inability to understand the instructions given to them by medical professionals. 

Hope Cancer Resources is here to support individuals along their cancer journey, no matter the diagnosis. Our patient assistance programs are vital to those individuals who are unable to manage the cost of their care or the logistics of getting to appointments, as well as those whose first language is Spanish. Instead of slipping through the cracks of low SES, we can help them navigate the journey with hope, and have a better shot at survival. Our educational programs make inroads in our community to help alleviate the burden of behaviors that increase cancer risks. We hope to break the cycle of some of these behaviors and make a legacy-affecting difference in families.

Find out how you can be a part of our efforts in Northwest Arkansas with a gift, or by volunteering, by contacting us at 479-361-5847.

Liver Cancer FAQs

Although liver cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the world, it is uncommon in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates 28,720 people will be diagnosed with liver cancer this year, and numbers have been rising by approximately 3-3.6% each year since 1992. Approximately 20,550 deaths will occur, with incidence and death rates both being higher in men than in women.

The numbers are not encouraging. Liver cancer is not discussed as often as some other cancers, possibly because the death rates are so high and 5 year survival rates tend to be low (approximately 14%). But that doesn't mean there are no prevention steps that could (and should) be taken in order to decrease one's risk. The numbers mean it's even more important to know your risks, the symptoms, and what you can do to prevent it.

In the United States, alcohol-related cirrhosis, and possibly non-alcoholic fatty liver disease associated with obesity, account for the majority of liver cancer cases. In fact, colorectal, breast, and many other cancers list obesity as a risk factor.

Cancer of the liver that did not originate there is not called liver cancer. It is the result of a metastasis of cancer from another part of the body such as the colon or ovaries, and is named after the first, or "primary" site.

Unfortunately, screening has not been proven to improve survival in liver cancer, so being familiar with signs and symptoms are especially important. Common symptoms include:

• Losing weight without trying
• Loss of appetite
• Upper abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• General weakness and fatigue
• An enlarged liver (occurs in 50%-90% of patients)
• Abdominal swelling
• Yellow discoloration of your skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice)
• White, chalky stools

More information on liver cancer, and what you can do to reduce your risk, can be found at the Mayo Clinic website.

Think Pink in October

It's October, and for people who are dealing with, have lost someone to, or are survivors of breast cancer - it's a big deal. Towns turn pink, baseball jerseys turn pink, there are pink luncheons and pink accessories go in the windows of the local boutiques. One local shop that is making a difference in the lives of breast cancer patients this month is the Brighton Collectibles boutique at Pinnacle Hills Promenade Mall in Rogers. During the month of October, they are selling limited-edition Power of Pink bracelets, and donating $10 for each one sold to Hope Cancer Resources. Isn't it lovely? It's even better in person.
If you don't live in Northwest Arkansas, look for your local Brighton shop, many of them around the country are participating in this promotion with their $10 donations benefiting organizations that support women breast cancer in their local area.

UPDATE!!!
Brighton is not only providing a donation for each Power of Pink bracelet sold, but for several other items as well. So, if you're not in the market for jewelry, check out these other options for your personal and gift-giving shopping needs: The purchase of a "Go Go" Messenger Bag (in hot pink!) will provide a $25 donation, the "Twister" card/phone case will provide a $10 donation, the Zippered Coin Purse will also provide a $10 donation, and the Power of Pink Key Fob will provide a $5 donation. There is also a raffle for this gorgeous basket of goodies with the ticket purchase of $5 going into the donation pot.

You may have seen a recent news report about a new test for women with dense breast tissue that will allow doctors to see suspicious areas in better detail. This will help reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies by ruling out spots that are truly not worrisome, and will also expose problem areas that may have been hidden because of the density of the tissue surrounding them. This new technology is available in Northwest Arkansas, so discuss your individual scanning needs with your physician if you think it might benefit you.

We are a grantee of The Susan G. Komen for the Cure - Ozark affiliate - so to those of you who have participated in the annual Race for the Cure (or Sleep for the Cure, Bark for the Cure, etc...) in Northwest Arkansas, we want to say THANK YOU!! Your efforts truly do support local women right here in our community. Since our newest grant began in April of 2012, we have provided services to 329 breast cancer patients in our area.

In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, visit www.BreastCancer.org to learn how to do a regular self-check at home.

What you need to know about prostate cancer.

Between 2004 and 2008, prostate cancer was diagnosed 11,217 times in Arkansas. That made it the number one most diagnosed cancer in men in the state during that time period. Nationally, it is the second-leading cause of cancer death in men after lung cancer. In 2012, the American Cancer Society estimates there will be 241,740 new cases of prostate cancer in the country, with the highest numbers occurring in African American men.

Now that we have your attention, we'll share some good news...

Since the early 1990s, death rates have been decreasing in men of all ethnic backgrounds, reflecting the increased prevalence of screenings using the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. Since 2004, incidence rates have decreased by 2.7% per year in men over 65, and have remained stable in men younger than 65.

What exactly does the prostate gland do? Here's a video that will tell you all about it.

Any swelling of the prostate gland affects the urinary function of the penis, which is not a topic most men want to discuss, even with their doctor. But with early diagnosis, the 5-year survival rates are high. And, due in part to the screenings available, most diagnoses are made early. In an effort to keep that trend going, here are the things you need to know, courtesy of the American Cancer Society's Cancer Facts & Figures 2012 report:

Symptoms:
Early prostate cancer usually has no symptoms. But when the disease is in more advanced stages, a tumor increases the size of the prostate gland (which sits just below the bladder). At that time, men may experience weak or interrupted urine flow; inability to urinate or difficulty starting or stopping urine flow; the need to urinate frequently, especially at night; blood in the urine; or pain or burning with urination.

Risk Factors: 
The only well-established risk factors for prostate cancer are increasing age, African ancestry, and a family history of the disease. About 60% of all prostate cancer cases are diagnosed in men 65 years of age and older, and 97% occur in men 50 and older. Recent studies suggest that a diet high in processed meat or diary foods may be a risk factor, and obesity appears to increase risk of aggressive prostate cancer. There is some evidence that risk is elevated in firefighters as well. Here's a study that's currently looking into that.

Early detection: 
At this time, there are insufficient data to recommend for or against routine testing for early prostate cancer detection with the PSA test. The ACS recommends that beginning at age 50, men who are at average risk of prostate cancer and have a life expectancy of at least 10 years receive information about benefits and limitations associated with testing.

If you live in Northwest Arkansas, you might be interested in a free prostate screening scheduled for October 1st, from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Allen's Grocery Store parking lot (60 Sugar Creek Center) in Bella Vista. To schedule a time, call Cara Harris at 1-800-338-1383.

Remember, regular visits to a physician are vital in the prevention of any kind of cancer. Know your risks and the symptoms, and talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. 

Gynecological Cancer in the News

September is the Gynecologic Cancer National Awareness Month and Ovarian Cancer National Awareness Month. Gynecologic cancer is a group of cancers that primarily affect the tissue and organs of the female reproductive system. Each type of cancer is named after the organ in which it originates. Besides Ovarian, other types of gynecologic cancer include:

• Cervical
• Endometrial
• Fallopian Tube
• Vulvar

Symptoms vary for each of these diagnoses, depending on the location of the cancer. That said, a general overview of symptoms for these types may include:

• pelvic pain
• abnormal vaginal bleeding
• vaginal bleeding during or after sexual intercourse
• persistent abdominal swelling or bloating
• unintended weight gain or loss
• persistent bowel changes, like diarrhea or constipation

Just like the symptoms, risk factors and prevention methods for each type of gynecologic cancer can vary. However, there are some prevention methods that can make a difference in several different types.

Reduce your HPV risk: Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted virus that has been linked to a number of different cancers. Virtually all cervical cancers are caused by HPV infections, with just two HPV types, 16 and 18, responsible for about 70 percent of all cases. Types 16 and 18 have also been found to cause close to half of vaginal, vulvar, and penile cancers (More info on the link between HPV and cancer can be found here.)

Get a regular Pap smear. Getting a regular Pap smear is a highly effective way to reduce your risk of cervical cancer. The Pap smear is a simple test that can detect abnormal cervical changes long before they become cancerous. The key to the effectiveness of the Pap smear is having it done regularly. How often you need a Pap smear varies from woman to woman, based on age, previous pap smear results, and your cervical cancer risk factor.

Avoid smoking. We know that tobacco use increases the risk of both ovarian and cervical cancers, in addition to the numerous other non-gynecologic types research has found a link to. In addition, it is linked to a growing list of non-cancerous diseases and conditions. The evidence is clear - if you don't smoke, don't start... and if you do, quit.


Some information used in this article was found here.