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Today’s Colorectal Cancer: What You Need To Know

Today’s Colorectal Cancer: What You Need To Know

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness month. Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers, and it is appearing in younger and younger people. Why? Scientists aren’t yet certain. “There are lots of theories, but we still don't really know,” explains Dr. Peter Lee of the Colorectal Surgical Specialists, community members of Arizona Oncology. “Theories include poor diet with consumption of processed meats and foods, the obesity epidemic, and a sedentary lifestyle.” The American Cancer Society estimates the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is 1 in 23 for men and 1 in 25 for...

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Mandy’s Story: A Journey With a Very Rare Cancer

Mandy’s Story: A Journey With a Very Rare Cancer

Thirty-eight year old Mandy Hanlon did not expect to get a cancer diagnosis when she arrived at her job as a pharmacy tech on a typical day in August of 2023. She describes what she thought was a sudden onset of nerve pain. Her legs “wouldn’t do what I was telling them to,” and she experienced an abrupt bout of numbness followed by pain. “The pharmacist saw how much pain I was in and called my dad to pick me up, and we went to Northwest Hospital,” Mandy recalls. “They did a test on me and saw a mass on my back. After tests and more tests, they found out I had stage four bone cancer and...

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Navigating Cervical Cancer Treatment

Navigating Cervical Cancer Treatment

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Facing a cervical cancer diagnosis, whether discovered through routine screening or after experiencing symptoms, can be an overwhelming experience. Arizona Oncology understands the challenges you might be facing and is here to provide you with the essential information you need to make informed decisions about your health. Your cancer care team, led by experts trained to treat gynecologic cancers, will be instrumental in guiding you through the treatment process. This team may include a gynecologic oncologist, radiation oncologist, and medical...

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A Gift Guide for Cancer Patients

A Gift Guide for Cancer Patients

The holiday season is a time for giving, sharing, and spreading joy. For those undergoing cancer treatment, the warmth and comfort of thoughtful gifts can make a significant impact. We've curated a list of gift ideas recommended by our staff and patients to bring a touch of festive cheer to someone you care about who is on a cancer journey. Warm Blankets As the winter chill sets in, a soft and cozy blanket becomes a cherished companion. It provides warmth during hospital stays, treatment sessions, or quiet moments at home. Opt for blankets made of soft materials to ensure comfort, and select...

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My Mammogram Results are Abnormal. Now what?

My Mammogram Results are Abnormal. Now what?

Receiving an abnormal report on your screening mammogram can be scary, but it doesn’t mean you have cancer. It doesn’t even necessarily mean that you require a biopsy. In this blog post we take an in-depth look at what it means to receive an abnormal mammogram result, and what the next steps might look like. What does “abnormal” mean on a mammogram report? There are several reasons why your report might be abnormal. ·       The images were unclear or missed some part of your breast tissue ·       There is an area that appears...

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New Arizona Oncology Cancer Center Opens in Prescott

New Arizona Oncology Cancer Center Opens in Prescott

On October 27th, 2023, we held the ribbon-cutting for our brand-new facility in Prescott. Located at 5430 Landmark Lane, this 23,000 square foot practice will provide chemotherapy, diagnostic imaging, genomic testing, and more in one location. By expanding the current Prescott office with this brand-new facility, our aim is to bring advanced cancer treatment closer to patients' homes and support systems. And we’re so excited to show it to you! Here’s a view of the building from the outside. The project was realized through the collaboration of NexCore Group with McKesson and US Oncology. And...

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Dr. O’Neill Talks About Her Breast Cancer Journey

Dr. O’Neill Talks About Her Breast Cancer Journey

You probably already know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but did you know that approximately 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer over the course of their lifetime? Dr. Jennifer O’Neill was one of those women. Dr. O’Neill is a breast surgeon practicing out of Arizona Oncology’s Goodyear office. She discovered her cancer during a breast self-examination despite the fact that self breast examinations weren’t encouraged at the time. “Self breast examination had received very negative attention,” she explains. “The argument at the time was that if a...

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Radiation Oncologist Dr. Sarah Kilic Talks about Gynecologic Cancer

Radiation Oncologist Dr. Sarah Kilic Talks about Gynecologic Cancer

September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month. In the spirit of raising awareness and providing education on these cancers, we’ve invited Sarah Kilic, MD, one of the newest members of our radiation oncology team, to share some knowledge. Dr. Kilic has an extensive background in the research and delivery of treatments for gynecological cancer. She has authored over 30 publications in various medical journals, including JCO Oncology Practice and the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics. She has also published several book chapters and presented...

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Arizona Oncology Joins National Initiative for Better Cancer Care

Arizona Oncology Joins National Initiative for Better Cancer Care

Arizona Oncology proudly announces its participation in the Enhancing Oncology Model (EOM), a novel program aimed at improving cancer care. Only 44 oncology practices across the country, including ours, have been selected to take part in this initiative. Backed by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI), the program aligns with the Biden Administration's Cancer Moonshot effort to enhance the cancer treatment experience. What EOM Means for Patients The EOM primarily targets Medicare and Medicaid patients undergoing chemotherapy for seven cancer types: breast...

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Deborah’s Cancer Journey: Controlling What You Can Control

Deborah’s Cancer Journey: Controlling What You Can Control

“Cancer and the diagnosis has changed my life.” - Deborah, Arizona Oncology patient Arizona Oncology patient, Deborah, recently shared her story with the world in the hopes that others could learn from her experience and be inspired by it. Deborah was diagnosed with advanced stage gynecological cancer. Her oncologist is Dr. Shobhana Talukdar, a gynecological oncologist practicing out of Arizona Oncology’s Wilmot Road clinic in Tucson, Arizona. “I immediately had total trust in her, and I could tell that she cared and she made me at ease. She's such a caring person. I just am...

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