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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...

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...

The Gleason Score is more than likely one of the first things your doctor will discuss if you have received a prostate cancer diagnosis. That’s because it’s used to explain the stage of prostate cancer you have. Let’s discuss prostate cancer, the purpose of the Gleason Score, how it is calculated, and why it is so important.   What is Prostate Cancer? The prostate is a gland found only in males that lies just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Prostates in younger men are about the size of walnuts but tend to become larger as they age. It serves two main functions in the body. The...

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...

11 common essential oils used in aromatherapy for managing cancer symptoms and side effects include: Lavender: used to relieve stress, improve sleep, reduce inflammation, and treat depression Eucalyptus: used to invigorate, reduce fever, and fight migraines and bacterial infections Geranium: used to ease anxiety, reduce depression, and promote sleep Tea tree (Melaleuca): can ease pain, reduce inflammation, and fight bacteria. Lemon: used to get relief from pain, anxiety, nausea, and vomiting Chamomile: used to soothe, promote sleep, and support the immune system...

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...

I was enjoying my very busy life as a radiation oncologist, in a relationship, running, going to CrossFit daily, and taking care of three dogs, when my world changed with a simple blood test.   At 3:30 in the afternoon on July 9th, I saw my last new patient of 2013, and was admitted to the hospital at 8 am the next day. I was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia with multiple critical issues. I was not permitted to leave the hospital for 23 days. It took a village to come to my aid, providing care for my menagerie of pets,...

Although the human papillomavirus (HPV) is quite common, there is still a lot of confusion when it comes to the facts. But in order to protect your health – and those you love – it’s important to break through the myths you may have heard about HPV. Here are five common HPV myths and the truth about them. HPV Myth #1: Only women can get it. Truth: HPV is a very common virus among both women and men. An estimated 80% of sexually active people will contract it at some point in their lives. Although most HPV infections go away on their own, infections that don’t go away (persist) can cause...

Although the terms “genetic” and “genomic” are often used interchangeably, they are actually very different. Learning more about the differences between them can help clear up some of the confusion we often see related to hereditary genes linked to developing cancer. Genetic Testing   Genetics usually refers to the study of specific, individual genes and whether they are passed from one generation to the next. Cancer researchers have studied hereditary gene mutations (changes) that can play a role in the development of cancer.   Genetic tests are medical tests that look for certain...

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...