Blog
The Importance of Exercise – Before, During and After Cancer Treatments
Did you know that exercise is one of the most important actions you can take during your cancer treatment? It’s true! New research has shown that exercise before, during, and after cancer treatments can: Help alleviate side effects of cancer treatment, such as fatigue, pain, and bone and muscle loss Fuel your appetite Improve your quality of life by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression Reduce the risk of cancer recurrence Help sustain your heart health Maintain or improve your physical abilities Boost your self-image and confidence Help control your weight This doesn’t mean cancer...
A Question and Answer Session on Esophageal Cancer with Dr. Suresh Mukkamala
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)...
Breast Cancer Misconceptions
Chances are you or someone you know has a close relative or friend that has been impacted by breast cancer and they may even be receiving breast cancer treatment at one of our clinics. Busting these common myths about breast cancer can help you be informed about what's real when it comes to this disease. Breast Cancer Myth 1: Breast cancer only occurs in women. Though it is true more women are affected by breast cancer, it still can and does occur in men. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, over 2,800 men are diagnosed annually with breast cancer. It is important that a man...
How Exercise Can Benefit Cancer Patients in Active Cancer Treatment
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...
What I Learned from My First Colonoscopy
(Note: The recommended age to begin colon cancer screening for those at normal risk as been changed to 45.) I recently turned 50 which meant it was time for my first colonoscopy. Colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths and generally when caught early, has a good cancer prognosis. Yet, in 2021, 29% of adults age 50 and older had not had a colonoscopy to screen for colon cancer! However, getting your first colonoscopy doesn’t have to be scary, and you can prep to make the procedure go as smoothly as possible. Here’s what I learned from my first colonoscopy: Know the colon...
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...
Reduce Your Risk of Skin Cancer
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...
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...
What Happens After Ovarian Cancer?
I’m done with Ovarian Cancer Treatment, now what? This is a common question among women who have recently gone through treatment for ovarian cancer–and rightfully so. While the thought of remission can bring a sense of relief, there are also concerns about what other challenges may lie ahead regarding lifestyle changes, fertility, and the possible chance of recurrence. If you have recently finished ovarian cancer treatment it is important to remember to give yourself time to adjust to any physical and emotional changes you are going through. Eventually, ovarian cancer survivors...
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...