Blog

By: Lori McNeill Do you ever feel like you were meant to do something ... as if your life has guided you toward serving a particular purpose? Or even that you’ve come full circle from one point in your life to a similar place, but as a changed person from the journey? “I’m a spiritual person, and I believe God brought me full circle,” said Mareta Childs, Founder and Executive Director of Loving Hands of Healing Hope, a Tucson non-profit that provides spa services to those going through cancer treatments. Mareta does seem to have come full circle to bring an idea to fruition: from supporting...

One in seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men excluding skin cancer. Men, aged 65 or older, have a family history of prostate cancer, a female relative with a BRCA positive breast cancer, or are African American, have a greater risk of being diagnosed. Though prostate cancer can be a serious and scary diagnosis, many men are not likely to die from prostate cancer. Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer Prostate cancer in its early stages usually has no symptoms. As the cancer grows, men may have difficulty urinating, urinate...

In recent years, cancer immunotherapy has emerged as a groundbreaking approach in the field of oncology, revolutionizing the way we think about cancer treatment. By leveraging the body's own immune system, this innovative therapeutic strategy has shown remarkable potential in the fight against cancer. Let’s delve into the realm of cancer immunotherapy, exploring how it works, its effectiveness, and some of the most significant advancements in this field over the past decade. What is Immunotherapy? Cancer immunotherapy encompasses a diverse range of treatments designed to stimulate...

The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention has designated the Friday before Memorial Day as “Don’t Fry Day”–a day to encourage awareness of sun safety in hopes of reducing the rates of skin cancer caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. With a little planning, you can enjoy the summer sun and protect your skin–not just on this day, but every day. The Importance of Sun Safety Sunshine is enjoyable–but too much exposure to the sun can be dangerous. Overexposure to UV rays can result in more than a painful sunburn. It can also lead to more serious health problems, including...

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in this United States, but it is also one of the most preventable. With the heat and activity of the summer months still upon us, it is important to be proactive in protecting your 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 sun causes sunburn (erythema), skin cancer, premature aging (skin wrinkling), cataracts (gradual clouding of the...

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men after skin cancer. One in nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Learning the facts about the risk factors, screenings, and symptoms can help you understand your risks and create a personal medical plan. Risk Factors of Prostate Cancer Prostate cancer typically has nothing to do with your lifestyle or personal habits. However, there are certain indicators that could signal you are at an increased risk of getting the disease. If you have a combination of risk factors, your doctor may...

Cancer is a complex and challenging disease that requires continuous research to develop new treatments and improve patient outcomes. Clinical trials play a crucial role in this process as they provide a way to test the safety and effectiveness of new cancer therapies. Clinical trials also offer hope to patients and families who are dealing with this disease. If you are considering taking part in a cancer clinical trial, here are some things you should know. What are clinical trials? Clinical trials are research studies that involve human participants to evaluate new treatments, drugs,...

April is Oral, Head & Neck Cancer Awareness Month and Arizona Oncology, a practice in The US Oncology Network, would like to remind both men and women to speak with their healthcare providers about getting screened for the disease. Oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers are more than twice as common in men as in women and occur most often in the tongue, tonsils and oropharynx, gums, floor of the mouth, and other parts of the mouth. It is estimated that approximately 39,500 people will get oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer in the United States this year, and an estimated 7,500 will lose...

April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month. Approximately 1 in 250 men will develop testicular cancer at some point during their lifetime, and Caucasian men are four to five times more likely to develop testicular cancer than African-American and Asian-American men. The average age of a man diagnosed with testicular cancer is 33. Approximately 6% of cases occur in children and teens, and about 8% occur in men over 55. If detected early, testicular cancer is one of the most curable forms of cancer. With today’s treatments, testicular cancer survival rates are high, with 95% of...

Prostate cancer and testicular cancer are two different diseases affecting the male reproductive system. These cancers occur in two different locations and commonly affect men at different stages of their life. Because of these differences, it’s important for ALL men to learn as much as they can so they can take the appropriate steps toward early detection.  What is Prostate Cancer?  Prostate cancer is cancer that occurs in the prostate, the small walnut-shaped gland in men that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. It is the most common cancer with about...