Lung Cancer Screening

Have you smoked in the past?  Or... Are you a current smoker?  If so, lung cancer screening may be an option for you.  

The Center for Chest Care now has a website where you can find the answers to commonly asked questions regarding the benefits of lung cancer screening along with risk factors for developing lung cancer.  

www.screenforlungcancer.com

If you are 50 years or older, have a long history of smoking, exposure to occupational or environmental cancer causing substances, and/or have a family history of lung cancer, then this screening could be right for you.  Call 479.695.0081 for an appointment or more information.  

"Lung Cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. With over 200,000 new diagnoses per year and over 160,000 deaths per year, lung cancer is responsible for more deaths each year than breast, colon and prostate cancer combined. Primarily because it is discovered in advanced stages. There is an enormous benefit to detecting lung cancer at its early stages. A screening CT gives the best chance for early detection." from www.screenforlungcancer.com

Men's Health Week from a Cancer Perspective

June 10-16 is National Men's Health Week 

The focus of this week is awareness of preventable health issues and to promote early detection and treatment among males.  Here is some information regarding cancer occurrences in men in the United States.  

Prostate cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers among men.  Incidence rates among African-American men are 70% higher than white men.  There are just fewer than 30,000 deaths each year due to prostate cancer, making it the second leading cause of cancer death in men. Lung cancer is the number one cancer killer of both men and women.  Early-staged prostate cancer has no warning signs or symptoms, while more advanced-disease men may experience weakened or interrupted urine flow, the inability to urinate, difficulty starting or stopping,  frequency of urination especially during the night, blood in the urine, pain or burning  with urination.      

Risk factors include:  Increasing age, African-American ancestry, and a family history of the disease.

60% of all men diagnosed are 65 years old and older

97% of all prostate cancers occur in men aged 50 and older

African-American men and Jamaican men of African descent have the highest documented prostate cancer incidence.

Recent studies suggest that a diet high in processed meat and dairy products may be a risk factor. Obesity also appears to be a risk factor in aggressive prostate cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, at this time there is insufficient data to recommend FOR OR AGAINST routine testing for prostate cancer for early prostate cancer detection by using the PSA test.

The American Cancer Society does recommend 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 the potential benefits and known limitations associated with testing for early detection and have the opportunity to make an informed decision based on their personal values and preferences.  Men at high risk of developing prostate cancer (African-American men or men with several close family members diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65) should have this discussion with their health care provider starting at age 40.

Bottom line defense against prostate: 

• Watch your intake of processed foods including red meat and dairy products. 
• Keep your weight in check.  
• TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT YOUR FAMILY HISTORY. 

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men and is most commonly found in individuals age 50 and older.  Early-stage colorectal cancer typically does not show any symptoms, so screening is usually necessary to detect the disease in its early stages.  Again, the risk increases with age, and according to the American Cancer Society, 90% of cases are diagnosed individuals age 50 and older.  Modifiable risk factors include:  obesity, physical inactivity, diets high in red or processed meat, alcohol consumption, long-term smoking, and possibly very low intake of fruits and vegetables.  Family history of colorectal cancer and/or polyps, a personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease, and certain inherited genetic conditions also increase risk.  

In 2008, the American Cancer Society and other organizations worked to release updated colorectal cancer screening guidelines, which include a number of different screening options. They recommend that individuals discuss these options with their general physician and begin screening once they have reached age 50.  

If you would like more information regarding prostate cancer screening and the benefits and limitations associated with early detection, please contact Sandy Prince, MS, CHES at Hope Cancer Resources at sandy.prince@hopecancerresources.org or 479-361-5847. This free service is provided in part by funding from: The Cancer Challenge, The Walker Family Foundation and The Hope Cancer Resources Foundation, and Arkansas Cancer Coalition.

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.

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.

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.

Recognizing our Sponsors

Our annual gala, the Bill Fleeman Gentlemen of Distinction Fashion Show is just around the corner! If you haven't purchased your tickets or table yet, you should definitely put it on your list of "to-dos" - our tables are selling fast.

We're thrilled to have the design talent of local artist, Matt Miller, assisting us with a painting that will be used for our theme at the event. We will also be auctioning off the one-of-a-kind piece he's creating in our live auction that evening. To keep up with all of our auction items and other information about the event, be sure to follow the Gentlemen of Distinction Facebook page.

As with any non-profit organization putting on a fundraising gala, we can't do it without the support of local businesses and individuals who sponsor our efforts with their cash or in-kind donations. We hope you'll join us in thanking the following businesses for their support of this year's event.

        

   

        

 Bank of Arkansas

Regions Bank

Walker & Associates Realtors, Inc.

Signature Bank of Arkansas

Collier's International

Davis, Clark, Butt, Carithers & Taylor, PLC

Design Works/NWA Events Online

Hull Dermatology & Aesthetics

Head Country BBQ

Employees of J.B. Hunt

MailCo USA, Inc.

Philip & Mary Ann Taldo

Nestle - Dreyer's Ice Cream

Bedford's Camera & Video 

Johanson Group

Media Sponsors:

       

3W Magazine

KNWA

NWA Media

Vertical Magazine

Filling the Gap

An article was recently published listing ten states that are "dying for healthcare coverage". Unfortunately, Arkansas hits the list at no. 3, just behind Louisiana and Mississippi. According to the report by 24/7 Wall St., "Arkansas had the second-lowest cost of health care in the U.S. However, with 18.8% of the population living below the poverty line and a median annual household income of just over $38,307 - both among the lowest figures for any state - many Arkansans cannot afford private health coverage. As a result, just 58.78% of the population has private insurance."

It has long been understood by medical providers that people who lack healthcare insurance put off routine care because they fear the cost of doctor visits and potential tests or procedures they can't afford. According to the American Cancer Society's Cancer Facts & Figures 2012, "Lack of health insurance and other barriers prevent many Americans from receiving optimal health care, and uninsured patients... are substantially more likely to be diagnosed with cancer at a later stage, when treatment can be more extensive and more costly."*

One of our core goals at Hope Cancer Resources is to enhance quality of life in our community of Northwest Arkansas. To reach that goal, we help provide access to cancer-related medical care and information for individuals who, because of financial hardships and lack of adequate insurance coverage, would otherwise be unable to receive it. We do this in several ways:

• Cancer prevention education is provided free-of-charge to civic groups, schools, clubs, churches and businesses that request it. Our certified health education specialists can meet with groups of all sizes, visit your health fair, or simply provide take-home information. Just let us know what you need.

• A Spanish interpreter is available to help Spanish-speaking patients receive information from their medical appointments in their own language. This assistance helps build trust between patient and physician, and helps ensure that treatment plans will be followed correctly, making successful recovery more likely.

• Transportation is provided to individuals who are unable to drive because of their medical condition, or who are without transportation altogether. We also provide gas cards if a patient is able to drive but is having trouble paying for gas. This happens often if a patient is required to travel out of our area for part of their treatment, or if they are driving long distances frequently - such as for radiation patients living in Carroll or Madison counties and driving to a clinic in Fayetteville or Rogers for a six-week stretch of daily radiation treatments.

• Financial assistance is provided through our Save-A-Life Cancer Screening Program to help individuals pay for physician-recommended cancer screenings. Research shows that regular screening exams can result in the detection of removal of precancerous growths as well as the diagnosis of cancers at an early stage (when they are most treatable). But for some patients the cost of screening tests can be a barrier and result in a delay in care that can potentially be life-threatening. We also hold annual screenings for prostate and skin cancer serving 400 individuals, and provide take-home colorectal screening kits to 500 individuals every year.

The mission of Hope Cancer Resources is to provide compassionate, professional cancer support and education in the Northwest Arkansas region today and tomorrow. As long as there are statistics like those listed at the beginning of this post, we will continue to work toward our vision of being recognized as the premier source for comprehensive cancer support services while enhancing quality of life. And hopefully, we'll help get Arkansas off that list.

For information on our prevention and education programs, or to ask about our screenings and other support, contact Casey Shelor by email or at 479-361-5847.

*For more information on the relationship between health insurance and cancer, you can see the Special Section in Cancer Facts & Figures 2008 available online at www.cancer.org/statistics.

Bladder Cancer Facts

Bladder cancer doesn't get a lot of attention, but it affects more people each year than leukemia and almost as many as melanoma (skin cancer). The American Cancer Society's annual Cancer Facts and Figures report estimates over 73,000 new cases will be diagnosed in 2012.

Bladder cancer is usually found in early stages when more easily treated. However, it also has a high recurrence rate, which means follow-up tests may be necessary for many years after initial treatment. Common symptoms for bladder cancer include blood the in urine (called hematuria), frequent and/or painful urination, back pain and pelvic pain. Blood in urine can appear dark yellow, bright red or cola colored. At times the blood can even be undetectable except through microscopic inspection.

It's not always clear what causes bladder cancer, but it is known that about half of all bladder cancers are linked to smoking. Smoking increases the risk for bladder cancer four times over a non-smoker's risk due to the chemicals in cigarettes that are processed and secreted through the bladder. Individuals who work in industries that use arsenic (textile, paint, dye, rubber and leather manufacturing) or live in communities with high levels of arsenic in the drinking water are also at an increased risk for similar reasons. Additional risks as reported by Mayo Clinic include:

• Aging. Bladder cancer can occur at any age, but it's rare in people younger than 40.
• Previous cancer treatment. Treatment with the anti-cancer drug cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) is known to increase the risk of bladder cancer. Radiation treatments focused on the pelvic area may also elevate the risk.
• Diabetes medication. People who take the diabetes medication pioglitazone (Actos) for more than a year may have an increased risk of bladder cancer. Other diabetes medication that contain pioglitazone include pioglitazone and metformin (Actoplus Met) and glimepiride (Duetact).
• Chronic bladder inflammation. Chronic or repeated urinary infections or inflammations (cystitis), such as may happen with long-term use of a urinary catheter, may increase your risk of a squamous cell bladder cancer.  
• Personal or family history of cancer. If one or more of your immediate relatives have a history of bladder cancer, you may have an increased risk of the disease, although it's rare for bladder cancer to run in families. A family history of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, also called Lynch syndrome, can increase your risk of cancer in your urinary system, as well as in your colon, uterus, ovaries and other organs.  

To read more information about bladder cancer you can visit the following links:

The Mayo Clinic 

American Urological Association

Let's Make More Survivors!

Throughout the month of June we've been sharing information about survivorship and what it means to those who are given the title "Survivor" after hearing the words "You have cancer." The journey of cancer is different for everyone. Some consider the journey to be a kind of battle - a war they will either win or lose. Others look at it as just one bump in the road that they will get over and put behind them. For others it is (or becomes) a spiritual journey that causes them to look at their life differently and perhaps rearrange some of the priorities they had pre-diagnosis. And for some, it's a combination of some or all of these, or something completely their own.

No matter what the journey is to each individual, it's safe to say that the desire to become a "survivor" is universal. And for those of us who have been caregivers or who have just been around as a friend or loved-one dealt with cancer treatments, we want to do everything we can to make their journey shorter, easier, and more likely to end with the rest of a long life ahead of them. What if we told you that you have the opportunity to help potentially millions of people not only become survivors, but never be diagnosed at all? It's true... read on.

The American Cancer Society's Epidemiology Research Program is inviting men and women between the ages of 30 and 65 years of age who have no personal history of cancer to join an historic research study. The ultimate goal is to enroll at least 300,000 adults from various racial/ethnic backgrounds from across the U.S. By joining Cancer Prevention Study - 3 (CPS-3), you can help researchers understand how to prevent cancer.

The first version of this study, CPS-1, was the largest prospective mortality study of diseases caused by tobacco use ever conducted. The study, which began in 1959 and continued through September 1972, played a critical role in establishing the causal linkage between smoking and several diseases, and it remains one of the most comprehensive presentations of the disease risks caused by smoking. The laws and regulations currently in place related to advertising and sales of tobacco products are a direct result of CPS-1.

CPS-2 began in 1982 as a prospective mortality study of approximately 1.2 million American men and women. Approximately 77,000 volunteers for the American Cancer Society recruited participants into the study in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. This study is still ongoing.

All voluntary participants in CPS-3 will be required to undergo a simple blood draw, and to complete a detailed questionnaire that will be used as a base-line for your current health and lifestyle. The purpose of CPS-3 is to better understand ways to prevent cancer. This multi-year survey will study lifestyle, behavioral, environmental and genetic factors that may cause or prevent cancer with the ultimate goal of eliminating cancer as a major health problem for this and future generations.

A local enrollment opportunity is coming up July 19 and 20 in Fort Smith. You can find more information on enrollment on the event website. Feel free to share the site and recruit your friends and family. Together, we can make an impact on the future of cancer in our world.

The "New Normal"

This week we're sharing a piece originally posted last year by one of Hope Cancer Resources' Oncology Social Workers, Lisa Manzini-Pace, LCSW.

The term "New Normal" has a special connotation for people undergoing treatment and/or survivors of cancer.  Without their consent, they have been inducted into an intense and often baffling treatment regimen, one that changes their daily routines, expectations, interactions with others and ability to predict how they will fare during and after prescribed treatments.  This is a daunting trajectory and one best faced in small doses.

As human beings we seek to predict, quantify and control.  These instincts, while often previously successful, can be impediments to smoothly navigating the cancer treatment labyrinth.  Oncologists, who the patient seeks to trust implicitly, are often the first to admit that treatment involves commonalities but that each individual tends to respond in a somewhat unique manner.  The truth is that none of us working with cancer treatment have a crystal ball.  That said, here are a few observations noted by this writer courtesy of cancer patient wisdom and research.

Undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation will test one’s metal.  Chemo induces various side effects but the overwhelming one mentioned is fatigue.  And a close second is chemo brain.  The former is a bone weary fatigue and the latter is a passing state of impaired memory and clarity.  It is essential that one lower his/her triathlon or quiz show expectations during these phases.  There will be good days and not-so-good days.  Learning to be gentle with oneself is as crucial as any pill one may swallow.  It is an art to be cultivated along with a stalwart sense of humor. 

One’s entire arsenal of healthy coping is there to be used.  This may include but is not limited to eating well, exercise (physical, mental and spiritual), common sense, resourcefulness, courage, compassion (self first!), joyfulness, intelligence, mirth, humility, faith, hope and love.  These are the aspects of you—unlike cells—that cancer cannot touch.  Use them in large doses.

Priorities will change.  Things that once seemed important are relegated to the back seat of the caboose.  To quote Arthur Golden in Memoirs of a Geisha, “Adversity is a strong wind. It tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn, so that we see ourselves as we really are.”  Most  patients say that such experiences were the awakening of new strength and understanding.

Avoid the naysayers.  Cancer, rather like pregnancy, invites unsolicited confidences from others.  Some will be little gems to be treasured while other “stories” will be about fear, pain and darkness.  You get to choose who you will listen to and who you will wish well and send on their merry way.

Simply, remember that your "new normal" may vary greatly from that of another person who has dealt with a cancer diagnosis. Find your comfort zone and surround yourself with people who are going to help you stay there. 

Dealing with Loss of Appetite

When a cancer patient is enduring radiation and chemo treatments for cancer they enter a seemingly endless cycle that causes them to need nourishment and healthy food options just at the time that the last thing they want to think about is putting food in their mouths. Many cancer patients lose not only the appetite for food, but the ability to taste what they are taking in. Sometimes the mere texture or smell of whatever is on their plate is enough to make them nauseous.

This aversion (both mental and physical) to eating can cause serious stress to the patient and their caregiver as they try to maintain their calories and protein intake in order to help their bodies tolerate and recover quickly from their treatments.

A healthy diet helps a body keep up its strength, prevent tissue breakdown, rebuild damaged tissue, and maintain its defenses against infection. It can also help a patient cope more successfully with side effects. Some cancer treatments are more effective in people who are well-nourished and getting enough calories and protein. Growing numbers of research studies are being done to understand the relationship between good nutrition and cancer survivorship.

We've collected some tips to help patients and caregivers plan for and manage cancer treatment and make successful outcomes more likely. Please note: this information is meant to help patients increase protein intake and calorie consumption - but not at the expense of other components of a balanced diet. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains should still be a part of anyone's meal planning, and perhaps even more so for cancer patients.

Plan ahead.
Stock the pantry and freezer with favorite foods to cut down on shopping trips. Now is not the time to worry about calories, so don't bother with low- and no-fat varieties.

Prepare meals in advance and freeze foods in individual portions. This is a great thing to ask friends to do when they offer to help out. They can kill two birds with one stone by whipping up a few things while they are visiting for an afternoon.

Snack time is ALL the time!
You may need to make a few changes in your regular meal-time routine. Try eating small meals all day long, and having healthy snacks available whenever you feel like you can keep a few bites down. A handful of nuts or peanut butter on crackers can be easy protein-builders. They can also easily be thrown in a bag for car trips. There are some great protein bars on the market now as well... try a few and see which ones you like best, then keep a stash with you all the time and eat anytime you're watching t.v., reading a book, or waiting for an appointment. Other great (easy) options are yogurt, cereal and milk, half a sandwich, and cheese and crackers.

Avoid snacks that could make your treatment-related side effects worse. Some patients suffer from diarrhea, so they might want to limit popcorn and raw fruits and veggies. Radiation can cause "road rash" on the tongue and throat's tender tissues, so you may have to avoid dry, coarse snacks and acidic foods.

Throw out the rules.
If you think some leftover chicken casserole would be perfect for breakfast, don't let anyone tell you different. Right now is not the time to worry about the "normal" ways to plan your meals - if you need to eat, and it sounds good, it's right for you. That said - be careful about taking in a too many empty calories. For example, ice cream is not bad for you, but if you're making a meal of it or polishing off a half-gallon every day, you're missing out on some nutrients you really need.

Don't wait until you're hungry to eat, because you may actually lose your appetite and never feel hungry. Eat every few hours just because you know you need to fuel your body. Just as your automobile can only go so many miles on a tank of gas, your body can only be up and active so long before needing a meal.

Examples of high protein foods:

Milk products - 
Add cheese to baked potatoes, soups, noodles, meat and fruit for added protein. Use milk for cooking in place of water for cereal and cream soups. Ladle some cream sauces on your veggies and pasta. Add powdered milk to cream soups, mashed potatoes and pudding.

Eggs - 
Keep hard-boiled eggs in the fridge for a quick snack. Eat them alone or chop and add to salads, casseroles and soups.

Beans, legumes, nuts and seeds -
There are great options on the nut aisle of the stores! Lots of individual packets and flavored coatings to enhance their taste. You can sprinkle sunflower seeds in salads and on veggies and casseroles, add peanut butter to a milkshake or make a peanut butter and banana sandwich with whole grain bread. Add beans to soups, salads and casseroles. Simple bean burritos are quick and easy to make - use mashed pinto or black beans, and sprinkle a little cheese in for good measure.

Examples of high calorie foods:

Butter and margarine - 
Now's your chance to live like Paula Deen and put butter on everything! Potatoes, rice, pasta, and veggies are a good start. Stir it into soups and casseroles and spread it on bread before adding sandwich meats and cheeses. Remember grilled cheese sandwiches? Now's your chance to pretend you're a kid again.

Milk products - 
Add whipped cream to your desserts, pancakes, waffles, fruit and hot chocolate. Fold it into soups and casseroles and puddings. Add sour cream to potatoes and veggies and the aforementioned bean burrito.

Salad dressings - 
Use regular, not low-fat or diet varieties. Put mayo on your sandwiches and make dips for fresh veggies and fruit.


Some information used in this post was pulled from the American Cancer Society's booklet "Nutrition for the Person with Cancer during Treatment".

After Treatment: What does it mean to be a Survivor?

According to a report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the number of cancer survivors in the United States increased to 11.7 million in 2007. To put that in perspective - consider the fact that there were 3 million cancer survivors in 1971 and 9.8 million in 2001. Since 1999, the rate of cancer in the U.S. has dropped .5 percent each year. The death rate of adult cancer patients has also annually dropped by about 1.5 percent since that year, according to the Annual Report to the Nation on the Status on Cancer, 1975-2008.

More good news that accompanies those numbers... Study findings indicate:

• Breast cancer survivors are the largest group of cancer survivors (22 percent), followed by prostate cancer survivors (19 percent) and colorectal cancer survivors (10 percent).
• Among all survivors, 4.7 million received their diagnosis 10 or more years earlier.

All three of those of those cancers in the first bullet point are able to be found with a cancer screening. What this information tells us is that those screenings we keep encouraging you to have are working. And not only are people surviving - they're surviving longer, which can be attributed to increasingly effective treatments. Those treatments are discovered through research trials - valuable, but under-utilized tools in the fight to rid our world of cancer.


Of course, more survivors mean an increasing need for support after the battle. Survivors often deal with long-lasting effects of their treatments that can be uncomfortable, annoying, or even physically debilitating. When a patient and their family is in the middle of their treatment, it's hard to think past what they are doing right then, so the work that comes after - staying healthy, recovering and maintaining pre-cancer activity levels, and learning to accept the limitations that they may have to live with - is often nothing they want to discuss or even consider.

Support groups and information focused on survivorship are in demand more and more by patients and their families. We work to meet that demand in the support groups we facilitate and also with our licensed Social Workers on staff. They work with individuals to determine specific emotional needs, and find sources of information and support to make sure that transitioning into the new life post-cancer treatment is as smooth as possible. If you or someone you know needs some assistance and information about being a cancer survivor please contact us at 479-361-5847.

More information about cancer survivorship can be found on these websites:

• National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has information, podcasts, and even the ability to send an e-card here.
• The National Cancer Institute lots of information grouped by survivorship topic here and a long list of publications and resources here. 
• American Cancer Society covers a lot of information about being healthy survivors here.

Some of the information in this posting was found in this press release on the National Cancer Institute website.

It's Oncology Nurses Week!

If you ask a cancer patient who was one of the most important people they came in contact with while  they were undergoing cancer treatment, they will inevitably mention an oncology nurse. Physicians, counselors and pharmacists all play vital roles in a patient's successful journey through treatment - but at one time or another the nurses they encounter take on some vital roles as well.

For decades, nurses were not very involved in cancer care. Their role was limited to the inpatient care of patients who underwent surgery to treat their cancer (the primary method of treatment until the early 1970s). But with the National Cancer Act of 1971 there began to be a change in the way cancer was treated and managed. Along with those treatment changes, nurses were provided with opportunities to become more involved with the care of cancer patients from diagnosis through recovery.

From the NurseSource.org website:
"The oncology nurse functions as a coordinator of care, collaborating with other cancer care providers and team members to provide required care as effectively as possible. Advanced practice may include the roles of direct caregiver, coordinator, consultant, educator, researcher and administrator."

There are many specialties available to an oncology nurse, including:

• chemotherapy
• biotherapy
• breast oncology
• hematology/oncology
• radiation
• GYN oncology
• head and neck oncology
• surgical oncology
• bone marrow transplant
• cancer genetic counseling
• prevention and early detection
• symptom management
• palliative care

Some of the awesome nurses we work with at Highlands Oncology Group.

Hope Cancer Resources' staff gets to work alongside professional, highly trained and committed nurses in local clinics who are making a difference in the lives of cancer patients in Northwest Arkansas every single day. Join us to thank an oncology nurse this month, and every month.

The Wheels on the Van

It's easy to think that the most difficult part of a battle with cancer is the physical condition that some of the treatments can leave you in. And, for many people, that is certainly the case. Chemotherapy can make you sick, radiation can leave you with uncomfortable rashes that make even the most comfortable clothing in your closet painful to wear. Both forms of treatment cause fatigue that there is simply no cure for except the end of treatment.

But for many people in Northwest Arkansas the first hurdle to be cleared when discussing a treatment plan with their oncologist is figuring out how they will even get to their appointments in order to begin the fight. Some patients may not be able to drive as a result of their disease, others because of treatment side-effects. Friends and family may only be able to help for a short time or on a limited basis. With chemotherapy appointments scheduled every few weeks and radiation plans typically requiring a patient to visit the clinic five days a week for 5-7 weeks, transportation becomes one of the primary obstacles for patients as they go through treatment. Patients can not fight their cancer if they are unable to get to the clinic.

At Hope Cancer Resources we have three vehicles in our transportation program. Our drivers drive hundreds of miles every weekday to provide the support necessary to make sure that treatment plans are carried out as prescribed.

In the first four months of 2012, our drivers put over 54,000 miles on our vehicles and made 927 trips. That's 10,000 miles more than this time two years ago. Sometimes a trip is only a few miles. Other times a driver could be gone all day picking up and taking home to towns in Oklahoma or Carroll county. In 2011, the total miles logged by our vehicles came in at just over 129,000. That's a lot of time behind a wheel, and a lot of doctor's visits that weren't missed. That's a lot of hope given.

If you or someone you know would benefit from transportation assistance, or if you'd like to make a donation to support the program, please contact us.

Quarterly Update

How does an organization in the business of helping people with a scary, sometimes fatal disease report a "great first quarter" without sounding morbid or insensitive? It is, admittedly, a unique position to be in.

On one hand, the fact that more people are being served by our programs means that more people are being diagnosed with cancer in our community. On the other hand, those same people - if our programs were not available - would still be on the frightening and often confusing journey that is cancer treatment and recovery. The difference is that without our services, many of them would be required to choose between paying their mortgage and buying their monthly prescriptions, or be unable to get to their treatments because their cancer made them unable to drive.

We can report that we have had a great first quarter because we have been fortunate enough to serve 462 new patients being seen in local oncology clinics with the compassionate, professional cancer support and education that we are bound by our mission statement to provide.

Our patient assistance staff are the first in line to help when a patient requests an application for services. Our licensed social workers begin providing emotional support the moment they greet a new patient. From there, we are available as much or as little as needed. Since January 1st of this year, we have provided the following to cancer patients and their families in Northwest Arkansas:

$18,328.00 in direct prescription assistance;

Assistance through drug company assistance programs valued at $52,398.00;

$55,365.00 in direct emergency financial assistance;

$16,500.00 in gasoline cards;

3708 hours of emotional support services to 927 patients;

193 hours of Spanish interpretation;

668 van trips to and from appointments for a total of 39,743 miles.

Our health educators are out in the community every week sharing information on prevention, risks, awareness and our services to civic groups, schools, health fairs and local companies. Their services are vital to the health and well-being of our community... in fact, the screenings that they help secure for patients in need or provide at our annual screenings in our office can save lives. All of our educational services - as with all of our assistance and support - are provided at no cost to the patient. Since January, our health educators have provided: 

Education and prevention information to 128 individuals;

Smoking cessation counseling valued at $4,247.00 to 60 individuals; 

188 cancer screenings valued at $122,813.00.

Also in the first quarter of 2012, we held several small fundraising events in the community. You may have seen us on Facebook and Twitter talking about our events at Fish City Grill in Rogers, Ozark Natural Foods in Fayetteville and Ruby Tuesday in Fayetteville and Bentonville. They all hosted us for some great friend-making and awareness-building opportunities. Thank you to everyone who came out to see us or supported us silently at those events!

Finally, as a not-for-profit organization, the support we receive from local businesses and individuals is vital. We are grateful for the following grants that affirm that our work is vital and valued in our community.

Arkansas Blue and You Foundation

Carroll County Community Foundation

Komen for the Cure - Ozark Affiliate

Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation

Winthrop Rockefeller Cancer Institute Auxiliary

See, it HAS been a great first quarter! Thank you for your support that allows us to do what we do in Northwest Arkansas. We are humbled every day by comments and notes such as this one:  

"The cookbook arrived today - I'll enjoy looking through it! Hope Cancer Resources helped two of my brothers as they battled cancer, and it is nice to have a remembrance of your organization. It was a great encouragement to my brothers to receive financial help... Thank you for all you do!"

One for the Guys

It's not the most common form of cancer, nor is it the most deadly. In fact, it's pretty rare... but testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in American men between the ages of 15 and 34. The good news is that it is highly treatable, even if it has spread beyond the testicles upon diagnosis.

In 2012, it is estimated that 8,590 men will be diagnosed, and 360 men will die from testicular cancer. In order to skew the odds in your favor, get familiar with these symptoms and learn how to spot reasons for concern:

• A lump or enlargement in either testicle
• A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
• A dull ache in the abdomen or groin
• A sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
• Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum
• Enlargement or tenderness of the breasts

Testicular cancer usually affects only testicle. Be sure to see your doctor if you notice any unusual pain, swelling or lumps in your groin, especially these symptoms last longer than two weeks. The American Cancer Society provides some instruction on how to perform a self-check.

Risk factors include:

• An undescended testicle (cryptorchidism). The testes form in the abdominal area during fetal development and usually descend into the scrotum before birth. Men who have a testicle that never descended are at greater risk of testicular cancer in either testicle than are men whose testicles descended normally. The risk remains even if the testicle has been surgically relocated to the scrotum. Still, the majority of men who develop testicular cancer don't have a history of undescended testicles.
• Abnormal testicle development. Conditions that cause testicles to develop abnormally, such as Klinefelter's syndrome, may increase your risk of testicular cancer.
• Family history. If family members have had testicular cancer, you may have an increased risk.
• Age. Testicular cancer affects teens and younger men, particularly those between ages 15 and 34. However, it can occur at any age.
• Race. Testicular cancer is more common in white men than in black men.

Sí, hablamos español.

When we schedule an appointment with a doctor in Northwest Arkansas, most of us can be fairly certain that our doctor will be able to communicate with us and that we will understand everything they say. Even if we're not sure of the meaning of a particular word or phrase, we will feel comfortable asking the doctor to clarify. We can assume we will leave their office knowing what was done at that appointment, what treatment is coming, and what medications have been prescribed. That is not typically the case for our neighbors who are Spanish speakers.

That is why Hope Cancer Resources employs a full-time Spanish interpreter. The challenge of being able to understand the language of Oncology is magnified when one is not in full command of the language the doctor speaks. Kathy Taylor assists cancer patients and their families as they go through cancer treatments and other medical visits related to their diagnosis. She provides a level of comfort to them as they make their way from diagnosis to recovery.

Living in Japan as a child, Kathy remembers feeling isolated by her inability to read and understand the language around her. She took her first Spanish class in 7th grade, and enjoyed the language enough to continue her studies through high school, majoring in Spanish in college. During her college studies she spent a year in Seville, Spain immersing herself in the culture even more.

But a degree in Spanish is not all that is needed to be a successful interpreter. Kathy is currently preparing for the next phase of testing for certification through the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters. The coursework she has completed included instruction on anatomy and other medically-focused vocabularies that an interpreter may need to be familiar with at a doctor's appointment.

Additional instruction on what it means to be an interpreter is also part of her training. For example, interpreters must use the same meaning, same inflections, and same "register" of language as the person being interpreted. "Register" refers to the level of vocabulary being used. An interpreter is not allowed to change the statement being made based on his or her own experience or what they believe the person "really" means... what they say must perfectly match what is said by the person they are interpreting.


Kathy is available to meet with every new patient at Highlands Oncology Group clinics who requests an interpreter. She initially meets the family in the waiting room and gives them an idea of what to expect for that day. She may also ask a few questions to better understand the patients' unique situation, and so that she can help patients remember questions they may have for the doctor during their appointment. The staff at Highlands also turn to her when they need to provide additional information to patients over the phone.

Cancer treatment is a frightening situation for anyone, and language can be a barrier to successful adherence to treatment plans. If a plan is not followed as prescribed, recovery can be slower, or simply not possible. With Kathy providing this vital service to the Spanish speaking patients treated at Highlands Oncology Group, she is helping us meet our mission of providing compassionate, professional cancer support and education to the Northwest Arkansas region today and tomorrow.

Treating the Whole Patient

If you have spent any time with a cancer patient as they underwent treatment, you probably know that the physical effects of the disease are only one part of the journey. A change in an individual's ability to function as they did pre-diagnosis causes a tremendous amount of stress. Fear of the unknown - and even the fear of the known - can also cause a patient to endure a level of stress that can be detrimental to their emotional health. These stresses can affect relationships with caregivers and other loved-ones, as well as their ability to function at work or perform routine tasks.

1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes, according to American Cancer Society estimates. Nothing can prepare a person to receive a diagnosis that can be potentially fatal. And even when a patient has successfully made it through treatment and is declared "cancer free", there still may be a tremendous amount of residual worry.

The National Cancer Institute addresses stress and cancer on their website: 

Studies have indicated that stress can affect tumor growth and spread, but the precise biological mechanisms underlying these effects are not well understood. Scientists have suggested that the effects of stress on the immune system may in turn affect the growth of some tumors. However, recent research using animal models indicates that the body’s release of stress hormones can affect cancer cell functions directly.

A review of studies that evaluated psychological factors and outcome in cancer patients suggests an association between certain psychological factors, such as feeling helpless or suppressing negative emotions...

Every time a staff member at Hope Cancer Resources interacts 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. Our licensed oncology social workers help patients and caregivers cope with emotional distress through counseling, education and  information on support groups offered in our community. 

Here's a story of one of our patients who received emotional support from Hope Cancer Resources:

"Jason" is a cancer patient, married with three grown children. When we met him, he was suffering from chronic pain stemming from a previous accident as well as increasingly acute pain related to his cancer diagnosis.  Jason refused all but the mildest forms of pain medication. His pain was so extreme that he considered ending his life.

 Jason had never been to a counselor. He had always been strong and able to "handle anything on my own." Not wishing to burden his family, he kept his suffering to himself, but doing so had taken its toll on this once vibrant person who had already overcome many obstacles in life. Were it not for the insistence of his physician, Jason might never have sought help. By the end of his first therapy session, however, he shared what a relief it was to have a safe place to talk about both his physical and emotional pain.   

Over the next several weeks, he and one of our licensed counselors met on a regular basis and explored his beliefs about asking for help as well as his fear that taking strong pain medications would cause him to develop an addiction.  Subsequently, Jason felt comfortable discussing and pursuing additional options for pain relief with his physician.    

By his fourth session, there was nothing less than a remarkable change in Jason.  Physically, he appeared "lighter," peaceful and well rested, but it was the change in his outlook on life that really made an impression. His focus had shifted completely.  Whereas Jason had previously been plagued by persistent thoughts of death, he now talked in great detail of his renewed relationship with his wife, their summer travel plans, and resuming hobbies he enjoyed.  With a big grin on his face, he came in one day to simply say, "I've got a lot to live for."

If you know someone who is undergoing treatment for cancer and could benefit from the emotional support services we offer, contact one of our social workers at 479-361-5847.  

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.