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.

Sometimes it's hard...

The stress of undergoing cancer treatment can often be magnified during the holidays, simply due to the additional stress that comes along with travel, hosting family/friends, and making all those lists. Even seemingly simple traditions such as putting up holiday decorations or baking cookies can cause a cancer patients to find themselves wrapped in sadness rather than joy.

Sometimes the difficulty in coping is born out of sheer exhaustion - cancer treatment saps even the most physically fit person of their strength on normal days, let alone days with added tasks on the to-do list. Other times, there is an emotional component to the stress. A brave face may be hiding some fear in many patients (and caregivers), so remembering holidays past and thinking about those to come can be overwhelming.

Whether you are dealing with cancer yourself, know someone who is, or recently lost someone special, these tips (edited from Mayo Clinic) may be helpful as you prepare for the coming weeks. If you are a friend of a family dealing with cancer this year, consider what you can do to help lighten their burden.

1. Acknowledge your feelings. For people affected by cancer, the holidays can be bittersweet. It's OK to take time to cry or express your feelings. Don't try to force a false happiness just because it's the holiday season. This advice is valid for caregivers as well... both you and the patient should be able to express whatever you may be feeling, regardless of "appearances".
2. Reach out. If you are unable to spend time with loved-ones this season and are feeling lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious or other social events. They can offer support and companionship. Don't be afraid to reach out to friends. Many of them may want to help, but don't know what you need.
3. Be realistic. The holidays don't have to be perfect or just like last year. As circumstances change, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones. You may find that new experiences can take your mind off of those things you may be missing this year.
4. Set aside differences. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don't seem to be respecting your needs or understanding your limitations. If you're a caregiver, practice compassion if your loved-one gets upset or distressed when something goes awry. Remind them that you've never expected perfection, and this year is no different. 
5. Plan ahead. Set aside specific blocks of time for shopping, baking, visiting or welcoming friends and other activities. Advance planning will help prevent overdoing things and help you spread out the activity, which will reduce stress and help keep you from becoming overly tired. Make sure to line up help for party prep and cleanup (see #2).
6. Learn to say no. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed, and for cancer patients, it can have detrimental effects on your health. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can't participate in every project or activity. Your well-being is more important than that annual holiday cookie-exchange. 
7. Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. When you're planning your activities, be sure to include some down-time. Remember, this is one of the only times since nursery school that no-one will question the idea of naps in the middle of the day! Take a walk or sit out on the patio in the evening to enjoy the night sky. Listen to soothing music. Find something that reduces stress by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing and restoring inner calm.
8. Seek professional help if you need it. Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious, plagued by physical complaints, unable to sleep, irritable and hopeless, and unable to face routine chores. If these feelings last for more than a few weeks, don't hesitate to share them with your physician or a mental health professional.

Hope Cancer Resources' social workers and counselors are here when you need them. Make a confidential appointment to talk about your challenges and concerns this holiday season by calling 479-361-5847.

Cancer of the Pancreas

We already shared information this month about the deadliest form of cancer that you may hear a lot about, Lung Cancer. But we're guessing you don't know much about the 4th leading cancer killer in the U.S., Pancreatic Cancer. An estimated 44,030 new cases of pancreatic cancer are expected to be diagnosed in the U.S. this year, resulting in 37,660 deaths. That's a mortality rate of 86%. That number, coupled with the fact that incidence rate has been increasing every year since 1998, certainly make it a cancer worthy of some attention.

As with lung cancer, research has shown a strong connection between pancreatic cancer and tobacco use. In fact, it is the most important risk factor for this kind of cancer, with smokers being twice as likely to be diagnosed than individuals who have no history of smoking. A family history of pancreatic cancer and a personal history of pancreatitis, diabetes, obesity and alcohol consumption also contribute to an increased risk.

Other possible risk factors are currently being studied, including high-fat diets (especially animal fats) and heavy alcohol consumption. As with many forms of cancer, there are also studies being performed looking for a genetic predisposition to the disease.

Unfortunately, cancer of the pancreas does not exhibit many, if any, symptoms. In more advanced stages, the following symptoms are common for this disease:

• Dark urine, pale stools, and yellow skin and eyes (known as jaundice);
• Pain in the upper part of your belly;
• Pain in the middle part of your back that doesn't go away when you shift your position;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Stools that float in the toilet.

Also, very advanced pancreatic cancer may cause these general symptoms:

• Weakness or exhaustion;
• Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly;
• Unexpected weight loss when not trying.

Get Involved!

On November 20th, the Northwest Arkansas chapter of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCan.org) will be hosting a Purple Light Vigil for Hope to shed some light on the need for increased awareness, prevention practices, and funding for research for this disease. Dana Quinn, the NW Arkansas Community Representative for PanCan joins organizers all over the world who are bringing people together on November 20th to tell their stories and join the fight. Dana recently shared her own story with Celebrate Arkansas Magazine. You can see it here. For more information, and to register for the event, visit the website.

From the PanCan website: "Purple Light Vigil for Hope is a time to honor loved ones fighting pancreatic cancer and for those who have lost the fight. This is a wonderful opportunity for family and friends of those touched by pancreatic cancer to come together to gain both comfort and encouragement."

National Family Caregiver Month

 We all know a caregiver. Parents, grandparents, spouses, children, neighbors and friends are all caregivers for someone. At some point in our lives you may have been called into service to assist someone who needed additional help to get through a difficult time. The following definition makes it pretty clear that any of us, at any time, can be given the title.

care·giv·er  (kârgvr)

n.

1. An individual, such as a physician, nurse, or social worker, who assists in the identification, prevention, or treatment of an illness or disability.

2. An individual, such as a parent, foster parent, or head of a household, who attends to the needs of a child or dependent adult.

For the approximately 1,600,000 individuals expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2011, there are immediately that many caregivers - in some cases, more, as families and friends divvy up the needs of the patient. Caregiving for a loved-one who is suffering from illness is often a job that is taken on out of necessity. The caregiver not only takes on many of the same stresses that the patient is enduring, but they also have separate responsibilities of their own that must be managed simultaneously. For many, the stress of caregiving can be overwhelming.

Although the cancer patient is the main focus of most oncologists and their staff, it is becoming more and more common to see materials and listings for support groups specifically designed with caregivers in mind available in clinics. With the needs of caregivers in mind, the National Family Caregivers Association began promoting the celebration of family caregivers during the week of Thanksgiving in 1994. As interest grew in family caregiving issues, the annual week of awareness turned into a month-long celebration. That first week of recognition in 1994 was declared by then-President Bill Clinton, and every President since has reinforced the importance of this kind of support and recognition for family caregivers.

This month, to coincide with National Family Caregiver Month, Hope Cancer Resources is hosting a mini-symposium especially for cancer caregivers. Emphasis will be placed on the special challenges associated with the upcoming holiday season. If you are currently acting as a caregiver for a cancer patient, we hope you will consider joining us for this informative program. Please find us on Facebook and RSVP to the event, and feel free to share it with others who may be needing this kind of support.

Lung Cancer is not just for Smokers

We all know that smoking is known to cause lung cancer. The numbers are staggering: The American Cancer Society estimates that 221,130 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed in this country during 2011. That is 14% of all cancer diagnoses expected this year. Of those, 156,940 people will die of the disease. Despite these numbers, and the widespread educational efforts showing Americans that smoking causes cancer, people continue to smoke.

Since 1987, more women have died each year from lung cancer than from breast cancer. There are many reasons for this statistic, including the efforts made by the Susan G. Komen for the Cure to increase the number of women doing self-checks and getting annual mammograms. Unfortunately, there are not many screenings that can be done to detect lung cancer in early stages. Certainly not any that are low cost and/or covered by a traditional medical insurance policy.

There are efforts currently being promoted at a legislative level to encourage insurance companies to cover screenings for those at high risk, but the argument being presented by those opposing the action is that lung cancer is primarily developed by people who choose to take up an optional habit. They claim that when a person starts smoking they know the risk, and it's their choice to light up. Admittedly, that is the case. But the problem is, smoking is not the only high-risk factor out there. According to the National Cancer Institute, the major risk factors for lung cancer are:

• Smoking - cigarettes, pipes, and cigars are all carcinogenic;
• Secondhand smoke;
• Family history;
• Environmental risks.

It's understood by most people that the risk factor in people who smoke is higher than those who do not. In fact, it is 20x higher. Smoking causes 9 of 10 cases of lung cancer diagnosed in men and 8 of 10 cases in women. Studies have also found that there is a relationship between the number of cigarettes smoked every day, the number of years you've smoked and your risk for lung cancer. But secondhand smoke is also deadly, and people who live with a smoker have no choice but to breathe the air that has been contaminated with carcinogenic compounds. Should they not have an opportunity to get screened?

A workplace can also be a source of cancer risk. Environmental exposures that cause a higher risk for cancer include exposure to radon gas, asbestos, arsenic, chromium, nickel, tar and soot. A long list of industrial and labor jobs can involve exposure to these substances. Unfortunately, the people who work around these substances but who do not smoke are lumped into the same "you brought it on yourself" group that smokers are put in by those who don't understand the broad reach of this disease.

Until the negative stigma of lung cancer is reduced, there is little an at-risk individual can do except be aware of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer and their own risk. Stop smoking today or encourage your loved-ones to do so. We have certified tobacco counselors on staff who can help. Contact Casey Shelor for information at 479-361-5847. Some common signs and symptoms of lung cancer are:

• A cough that doesn't go away;
• Chest pains that get worse when breathing deep, laughing, or coughing;
• Hoarseness;
• Weight loss or loss of appetite;
• Coughing up blood or rust colored spit or phlegm;
• Shortness of breath;
• Feeling tired or weak without exertion;
• Recurring bronchitis; pneumonia, or other respiratory infections;
• New onset of wheezing.

Did you know?? Northwest Arkansas is fortunate to have a Center for Chest Care available for anyone with known or suspected cancers of the lungs or chest. The Clinic provides a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. They schedule biopsies, pulmonary function testing, bronchoscopies, mediastinoscopies and also do CTscans, pet scans, MRI, ultrasounds and lab work to provide the best possible care for their particular diagnosis. The Chest clinic meets every Tuesday afternoon in the Highlands Oncology Group building at 3232 N. Northills Blvd. in Fayetteville. There is also a Lung Cancer Support Group that meets every third Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m. in the upstairs breakroom of the same Highlands Oncology Group building.

On Tuesday, November 1st, Hope Cancer Resources will join over 75 other groups across the nation to host a Shine A Light on Lung Cancer Vigil to raise awareness and support for those living with lung cancer and to remember those who have lost their battle. Stop by from 6:30 - 8:30p.m. for a very special evening that will include short presentations by Dr. James Counce of the Cardiovascular Surgical Clinic of NWA, Kathy Britt, a local survivor and Leigh Ann Walker, a Hope Cancer Resources board member who lost her mother to lung cancer.

The national organization sponsoring these vigils, the Lung Cancer Alliance, has created a website where you can register to attend and have your name put in the running for a trip to Washington D.C. We hope you'll join us!

Shine a Light on Lung Cancer Vigil

Lung cancer is the number one cancer killer of men and women in the U.S. It will claim the lives of approximately 156,940 people (27% of all deaths from cancer) this year.

On November 1st we will join other groups around the country to host a vigil to raise awareness and support for lung cancer.  Attendees will hear from Dr. James Counce, a thoracic surgeon from the Cardiovascular Surgical Clinic of NWA, as well as Kathy Britt, a local lung cancer survivor and a volunteer for Hope Cancer Resources.  They will tell us about their own experiences with this devastating disease.

The idea and inspiration for the National Shine A Light on Lung Cancer Vigil originated in Boston under the leadership of Diane Legg, a lung cancer survivor and founder of Lung Cancer Alliance's Massachusetts Chapter.  It began as a handful of volunteers on the steps of the capitol and quickly grew into an annual event with hundreds of participants lighting up the Prudential Building in downtown Boston.

Diane and another advocate, David Watson, envisioned a national program offering the millions of people touched by lung cancer a simple yet inspirational and effective way of raising awareness, honoring loved ones, and getting involved in the movement for change. Last year, 65 vigils took place nationwide with thousands in attendance and community-based media sharing the real stories and faces of lung cancer. Thanks to their vision and commitment, the vigil now aims to reach 100 communities nationwide representing all 50 states.  The vigil also has international venues in Australia, an Army base in Afghanistan, and inquiries from several other countries.

We hope you'll join us for this very special evening from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at our office at 5835 W. Sunset Avenue in Springdale. For more information please contact Adela Martinez, LSW, at 479-361-5847.

Do you even know what a pancreas is?

There's an old saying: "What we don't know can't hurt us." But as anyone who has lost someone to cancer can tell you, this is sometimes the furthest from the truth. Sometimes, it's the not knowing that does hurt us most. It's definitely true with cancer of the pancreas, since many of us don't even know what a pancreas is or what it does until it's not working correctly. So, with some information we pulled from the Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Network, we'll fill you in...

The pancreas is a gland, about six inches long, located in the abdomen. It's surrounded by the stomach, small intestine, liver, spleen and gallbladder. The pancreas has two main functions, the exocrine and endocrine functions. Exocrine cells produce enzymes that help with digestion, and the endocrine function involves production of hormones that regulate blood sugar levels.

Cancer of the pancreas is sometimes called a "silent" disease because symptoms are not usually present in early stages. Many patients have advanced disease by the time it becomes noticeable to the patient and their physicians. Individuals may experience different symptoms depending on the location, type and stage of the tumor. Some symptoms that commonly lead to diagnosis include: jaundice, abdominal and/or back pain, unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite. Symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, digestive difficulties and depression may occur at any time.

95% of pancreatic cancers are classified as exocrine tumors because they begin in the exocrine cells. More info on those kinds of tumors is available here. Endocrine tumors may be benign or malignant and tend to be slower growing than exocrine tumors. Less than 5% of all pancreatic tumors are endocrine tumors, affecting the hormone function of the pancreas, but 90% of those tumors are malignant, or cancerous. More info on these kinds of tumors is available here.

Risk Factors:

Smoking - Smoking is a significant risk factor and is the cause of about 25% of all pancreatic cancer cases. People who smoke cigarettes are 2 times more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than people who do not smoke.

Family History - If a person’s mother, father, sibling, or child had pancreatic cancer, then that person’s risk for developing the disease increases by 2-3 times. The risk increases if a greater number of family members are affected. Also, the risk of pancreatic cancer increases if there is a history of familial breast or colon cancer, familial melanoma, or hereditary pancreatitis. Approximately 10% of pancreatic cancer cases are related to a family history of the disease. Individuals who smoke and have a family history of pancreatic cancer are at risk of developing pancreatic cancer up to 10 years earlier than their previously diagnosed family member(s).

Race - African-Americans have a higher incidence of pancreatic cancer compared to individuals of Asian, Hispanic or Caucasian descent. There is also a higher incidence of pancreatic cancer among Ashkenazi Jews, possibly due to a mutation involving the breast cancer (BRCA2) gene that is found in about 1% of individuals of this background.

Gender - Slightly more men are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer than women. This may be linked to higher smoking rates in men. With increasing smoking rates in women, the incidence of pancreatic cancer in women may soon equal that in men.

Diabetes - Pancreatic cancer is 2 times more likely to occur in people who have diabetes than in people who do not have diabetes. In pancreatic cancer patients who have had diabetes for less than five years, it is unclear if the diabetes contributed to the cancer or if the precancerous cells caused the diabetes.

Obesity - For people who are considered clinically obese, there may be a significantly increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer. In those who are overweight, the risk may decrease with increased physical activity. Closely associated with obesity, a diet lacking fruits and vegetables, or higher in carbs, processed meats and animal fats is also considered a risk factor, as is a sedentary lifestyle. Interestingly, obese patients who have an active lifestyle have a lower risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

Know the risks, the symptoms, and what you can do to help prevent this disease, and as always - if you or a loved one are a cancer patient in Northwest Arkansas and need support, don't hesitate to contact us.

 

Shine a Light on Lung Cancer

This Thursday, from 7-9:00 p.m. we will join survivors and supporters at our office to bring some awareness to lung cancer and the facts of the disease. For example...

• Lung cancer has only a 15% survival rate for patients 5 years out of treatment;
• 15% of newly diagnosed lung cancer patients have never smoked;
• 50% of newly diagnosed lung cancer patients are former smokers - some having quit decades ago;
• Lung cancer will claim more lives this year than colon, prostate and breast cancers combined;
• Lung cancer will kill three times as many men than prostate cancer and almost two times as many women than breast cancer this year;
• Only 16% of lung cancers are diagnosed in the earliest and most curable stage.

 And here is the saddest statistic of all:

Lung cancer is the least funded in dollars per death of the four major cancers. 

(These facts were provided by the quiz offered here)

There is a terrible attitude out there that people who smoke and later develop lung cancer "have it coming" or are just "getting what they deserve." But the majority of people who suffer from it, as the facts above illustrate, either quit smoking before developing cancer or never smoked at all. It's time to recognize that lung cancer is not reserved just for people who knowingly assume the risk of cancer by lighting up. And even if it was... why does that matter? It's a deadly disease, and we should be trying to find out how to end it. Let's raise awareness, and Shine a Light on Lung Cancer.

The specific goals of the vigil, as stated on the official website, are as follows:

• Empowering patients, survivors and those at risk with information, hope, and support to improve outcomes and quality of life.
• Educating and mobilizing Americans to gain a better understanding, and bring attention and support for the lung cancer movement.
• Engaging key decision makers, policy leaders, media, and the medical community, securing multiple millions in public health dollars for lung cancer research.
• Honoring and memorializing loved ones. 

We hope you'll join us Thursday! For more information about the vigil or for directions to our office, please call Jessica Minton at 479-361-5847.