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According to the American Association for Cancer Research, approximately 19,680 women in the United States are expected to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year. Unfortunately, because most ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage when the disease has already spread beyond the ovaries, nearly 12,740 will lose their lives. Ovarian cancer is the mostly deadly cancer of the female reproductive system and the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in women in the United States.   The SEER five-year survival rate for ovarian cancer, if caught in early (stage one), is a promising...

August is Wellness Month and an excellent opportunity to talk about how crucial a healthy lifestyle is to cancer prevention. “Up to 90 to 95 percent of cancers have their roots in environment and lifestyle, while only 5 to 10 percent have a genetic component,” explains Dr. Aisha Ahmed, medical oncologist and hematologist at Arizona Oncology. Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that between 30% to 50% of all cancer cases are preventable. When you make choices that prioritize your health and wellness, you are taking actionable steps against developing cancer. While not all...

Recent studies indicate a troubling trend: cancer diagnoses among adults younger than 50 are becoming more common. What used to be considered an affliction of the elderly is striking more and more people during their prime working and child-rearing years. “By 2030, one recent study estimated, the number of these early-onset cancer diagnoses could increase by roughly 30% worldwide,” says Dr. Aisha Ahmed, medical oncologist and hematologist at Arizona Oncology. That’s a frightening statistic, but understanding what drives it can be empowering. Dr. Ahmed walks us through the facts. Why Are More...

About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, usually after age 65. This common cancer often grows slowly and may not cause significant harm in its early stages, but some forms of prostate cancer can be aggressive and spread rapidly to other parts of the body. This Men’s Health Month, Arizona Oncology radiation oncologist Dr. Curtis Mack weighs in on what you need to know about prostate cancer. Starting the Journey Have you or a loved one been newly diagnosed with prostate cancer? Prostate cancer management can follow many paths. It can be difficult to know...

After completing cancer treatment, you may want to take steps to help prevent a recurrence. While you cannot control every risk factor, one thing you can control is what you eat. Nutrition plays a role in about one third of all cancers. After smoking, obesity is the most significant controllable risk factor. By maintaining a healthy weight and eating a balanced diet full of healthy, non-processed foods, you can do your part to reduce your risk. In addition to helping prevent recurrence, a healthy, nutritious diet can also help your body recover from cancer treatment. Eating well...

Is Melanoma Genetic? Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It forms in the cells that produce melanin, which is the substance responsible for your skin's color. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV rays) from the sun or tanning beds increases the risk of developing any skin cancer. In the case of melanoma, experts say there's also a strong link between genetics (your family history) and your risk of developing melanoma. Family History and Genetic Factors If one or more of your parents, siblings or children develop melanoma, you have a higher risk of developing melanoma...

April is Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month. According to the American Cancer Society, about 22,000 new cases of esophageal cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year. We’ve asked Arizona Oncology medical oncologist and hematologist, Dr. Suresh Mukkamala, to answer a few questions about this relatively rare cancer that affects more men than women. Q: What are the first signs of esophageal cancer? Dr. Mukkamala: "Sticking" of solid food, chest discomfort or burning could be the earliest symptoms of esophageal cancer. This is typically followed by difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)...

If your oncologist told you there was something safe, free, beneficial and often enjoyable you could do to improve mental and physical health while you undergo active cancer treatment, you might enthusiastically agree right away. Or, you might be skeptical. The good news is that research shows there is such an activity: Exercise! It's true that cancer patients grappling with the tolls of radiation and chemotherapy typically don't make exercise a priority. They can feel physically and mentally exhausted by their cancer treatment regimens. Ironically, if you push through your initial...

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...

Originally posted March 2012 More than two million people in the United States will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year.  It is the most common form of cancer in this country, but it is also one of the most preventable. As part of Skin Cancer Awareness Month in May, Arizona Oncology reminds the community about the importance of protecting their skin from the sun and other sources of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.  UV rays are invisible to the naked eye and are more intense in the summer, at higher altitudes, and in areas closer to the equator. Overexposure to ultraviolet radiation from the...