Kidney cancer is among the 10 most common cancers in both men and women. March is Kidney Cancer Awareness Month and Arizona Oncology, a practice in The US Oncology Network, encourages men and women to speak with their healthcare providers about the symptoms, risk factors and treatments for the disease. Also known as Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC), kidney cancer is among the 10 most common cancers in both men and women.
The rate of new kidney cancers has been on the rise since the 1990s. Most likely this is due to improved technology such as CT scans which now help locate cancers that were not previous identified. The death rates for these cancers continue to decrease, making early diagnosis key to both treatment and survival.
More than 600,000 kidney cancer survivors are living in the United States today, according to healthline.com. Recent advances in diagnosis, surgical procedures and treatment options provide patients new hope to manage and live with the disease, with a high quality of life.
Based on American Cancer Society estimates, about 81,800 new cases of kidney cancer will occur this year, and more than 14,000 people will die from the disease. Most people with kidney cancer are older, with an average age of 64. Overall, the lifetime risk for developing kidney cancer is about 1 in 43 for men and 1 in 73 for women.
Factors that increase the risk of kidney cancer include:
Smoking, which can double the risk of the disease
Regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which may or may not increase the risk by 51%
Obesity
Faulty genes
A family history of kidney cancer
Having kidney disease that needs dialysis
Being infected with Hepatitis C
Previous treatment for testicular cancer or cervical cancer
In addition to being aware of the risk factors of kidney cancer, Arizona Oncology reminds all men and women to speak with their healthcare providers about this disease during their annual exams.
At Arizona Oncology, we understand that cancer impacts every aspect of our patients’ lives, with effects that can last for a long time after initial therapy is completed. Here we answer some common questions about cancer survivorship and our survivorship program.
Am I a cancer survivor?
If you have been diagnosed with cancer, yes! You are considered a cancer survivor from the day of your diagnosis until the day of your death from any cause. You do not have to wait for a certain number of years, or be considered free of disease, in remission, or cured to be a cancer survivor.
What are some challenges that cancer survivors face?
Our survivors can experience the effects of cancer and cancer treatment in nearly every domain of their lives, including physical, emotional, financial, and spiritual. Some of these issues include fatigue, body image problems, nutritional alterations with weight gain or weight loss, sexual dysfunction, insomnia, fear of recurrence and worsening depression and anxiety. Certain chemotherapy treatments are known to increase risks for cardiovascular or lung disease or promote the development of secondary cancers. The experience of individual survivors is unique, however, and varies a lot from survivor to survivor; it is not uncommon that two cancer survivors of a similar age and cancer diagnosis have very different longterm effects and concerns following treatment. The challenges faced by survivors can depend on the diagnosis and treatments received, age at diagnosis, other co-existing health issues, individual coping skills and quality of a support network among other factors. This is why having a personalized survivorship visit and care plan is so important.
What will happen during my survivorship clinic visit?
First, we will review your diagnosis, cancer treatments received and any related symptoms or health issues you are experiencing. I prepare a written treatment summary and care plan for all survivors, which many patients find useful. This document outlines the frequency of follow up, the potential long term risks or complications which may occur, and what to expect going forward with your ongoing care, including expected schedule for follow up imaging, doctor visits and/or blood work. I also send the treatment summary and care plan to primary care providers, as keeping your relationship with a primary care provider is an essential component of healthy survivorship.
At your visit, we will also discuss wellness, quality of life and healthy lifestyle recommendations. We review schedules for cancer screening tests and vaccinations. Survivorship care is very much guided by to your personal situation and health goals. For example, I may assist one survivor with tools and prescription medicines to help with quitting smoking, while another survivor may be dealing with marital stress and need a referral for counseling. It is my goal that all cancer survivors have the tools and resources necessary to achieve the best health possible, so we often discuss nutrition, stress reduction techniques, and benefits of exercise. I also assist my patients in connecting with local community organizations, support groups, and other medical specialists as needed.
When your oncologist gives you a diagnosis of cancer, there are many things that begin to happen. You may need to arrange further doctor’s appointments and tests before your treatment plan begins. You’ll be feeling a lot of emotions and your mind may bounce in different directions.
One thing you may wonder is how to tell your family and friends that you have cancer. This is a personal experience for you, and you must do what feels most comfortable to you. Here are some things to consider before talking to friends and family.
Who Are You Going to Tell?
It’s okay to not tell everyone you know about your cancer diagnosis. It’s up to you to decide who you want to share the news with and who you don’t. Of course, there are people that will need to know at some point in the near future.
There will be close friends and family that you need to tell in person and others that you can talk to about your diagnosis over the phone or by email. It’s beneficial to make a list and ensure you tell everyone that you want to know.
When it comes to the workplace, you don’t have to tell everyone in the office. However, you need to sit down with someone in human resources (HR) and let them know. It’s probably beneficial to include your immediate supervisor at this meeting. In the coming weeks and months, you’ll need to take time off for treatments, so you can go ahead and fill out any necessary paperwork.
Prepare Yourself for Talking to Others
As you prepare to talk to others about your cancer diagnosis, it’s a good idea to determine how you feel about it. There isn’t one right way to feel. You may feel shocked, angry, numb, scared, and any number of other things. Once you know how you feel, you’ll be in a better position to let your friends and family know how they can help you, and that’ll be one of their first questions.
Selecting a time and place to tell your family and friends can be a challenge. You don’t want to announce it during your cousin’s daughter’s birthday party. You might consider scheduling a time for them to come to your home for the discussion.
You want to decide how you want to tell them. Do you want to take a direct approach or lead in to more gently? You might consider practicing a few times before telling someone. Imagine what you’ll say and what they’ll say.
Just remember, you don’t have to tell anyone until you’re ready.
What Details Do You Want to Share?
Once you announce you have cancer, your friends and family will have questions. It’s up to you to decide how much you’re comfortable sharing. From treatment to prognosis, your friends are going to want all the details. It’s beneficial for you to decide how much you want to share with each person before you break the news to them.
You might consider the idea of different levels of sharing. For instance, you might tell your immediate family everything, while only telling the extended family about possible treatment plans. Casual friends and co-workers might only know that you have cancer and that you’re pursuing several different treatment options. You need to be comfortable sharing the information that you do provide.
How to Handle Offers to Help
The truth is that there will probably come a time when you will need help during your treatments. While you might not need anything now, you might leave the door open for future offers.
It’s a good idea when accepting offers of help to match offers with the person’s strengths. For example, if your best friend asks how she can help, and your kids all play on the same soccer team, perhaps, you can ask her to take over carpool duty for a couple of months. Perhaps, your neighbor loves to cook, and you find yourself too sick to cook after treatment. You could ask your neighbor to make a meal for your family on treatment nights.
However, you need to set your boundaries. If you’re uncomfortable with accepting help from some people, then don’t. While everyone wants to help, you don’t have to accept it.
What to Do When Someone Says Something Unhelpful
Almost everyone you tell loves you and only has the best motives, but sometimes, someone is going to say something unhelpful. They may talk about how a friend of a friend was part of a cancer trial and lived forever. Of course, it was probably a different type of cancer and forever is a long time. The person means well, but you don’t need to hear it.
It’s a good idea to respond politely and firmly to unhelpful statements. You might not be ready to talk about an issue, and it’s okay to let the person know that you appreciate their concern, but you aren’t ready yet. You can leave it open-ended to future discussions if you like. Once again, you should only talk about things that you’re comfortable talking about.
Things to Avoid When It Comes to Relationships and Friendships
When you were just recently diagnosed with cancer, it’s a stressful time for you and for your friends and family. It’s easy to let your emotions take over the conversation and for triggers to send you into bouts of tears. However, you don’t want to push your friends and family away. You want to build and strengthen these relationships.
It’s a good idea to avoid saying harsh things. You can also take a few minutes to think before you speak. You don’t want to pull back and isolate yourself from your normal activity and the people who love and support you the most.
At Arizona Oncology, we understand how you feel when you first receive your diagnosis of cancer. We can help you navigate treatment and know how important your support system of family and friends is to your treatment. Remember, don’t let anyone rush you to tell others or make you accept help when you don’t want it. Do everything on your schedule.
At Arizona Oncology, we understand how you feel when you first receive your diagnosis of cancer. Not only can we help you navigate treatment, we also know how important your support system of family and friends is to your treatment. You have control of your care but also communication. Remember, at Arizona Oncology, we are here for you.
Cancer patients can greatly benefit from integrative (sometimes called “alternative”) therapies along with their medical treatments. Touch therapies like acupuncture, massage, manual lymphatic drainage, and reflexology can help with side effects of cancer treatment and also reduce pain and stress.
It is always important to talk to your doctor about any alternative therapy before starting it, as not all alternative therapies are recommended for all patients. Here is a list of Arizona Oncology Foundation’s approved touch therapies you can discuss with your doctor.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that has been used for thousands of years. Based on the concept of energy (chi or qi) passing through certain pathways in the body (meridians), acupuncture is believed to help re-balance energy flow in the body.
Acupuncture has been shown to help with a number of side effects of cancer treatment, including:
Nausea and indigestion
Diarrhea and constipation
Anxiety and depression
Fatigue
“Chemo brain”
Peripheral neuropathy
Pain
Sinus congestion
Hot flashes and night sweats
Joint and muscle stiffness
A trained acupuncture practitioner places very thin, delicate needles into specific areas of your skin. In many cases, you won’t feel them, but be prepared for a slight prick. The needles are left in place for a period of time while you relax. In some cases, mild electrical pulses are applied through the needles. You may have slight bleeding when the needles are removed.
Massage
Massage uses the power of touch for healing, applying pressure to soft tissues and pressure points throughout the body. While there are many types of massage, oncology massage therapists are trained to perform massage in a way that is safe and comfortable for cancer patients.
Many studies have found oncology massage to be helpful in combating:
Stress and anxiety
Depression
Pain
Nausea
Fatigue
Poor circulation
Reduced mobility
Massage can be a very comforting, relaxing, and therapeutic accompaniment to your treatment.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Manual lymphatic drainage is a special form of massage used to treat lymphedema. Lymph nodes damaged by cancer treatment can stop the normal flow of lymph in the body, causing fluid retention and symptoms like swelling, pain, heaviness, tightness and hardening of tissues.
Manual lymphatic drainage is a gentle, relaxing practice involving circular, upward movements that encourage healthy lymph flow. Because the targets of lymphatic drainage are just under the skin, this type of massage does not affect deep tissues. In this way, manual lymphatic drainage offers many of the same benefits as oncology massage.
Reflexology
Reflexology is a form of touch therapy applied to the feet. An ancient practice, its history is difficult to pinpoint, but the underlying theory is that specific areas of the feet are linked to certain organs or areas of the body. By applying pressure to “reflex areas”, the reflexologist works to remove energy blockages in the corresponding area of the body.
Reflexology has been shown to help with:
Circulation
Pain
Neuropathy
Fatigue
Nausea/vomiting
Hair loss
Appetite loss
Sore mouth
Skin reactions
Stress relief
Reflexology is not appropriate for all patients, including those at risk for deep vein thrombosis, or those with bruising or severe edema in the feet.
Reiki
Reiki is a Japanese form of energy work where the practitioner uses his or her hands to convey universal energy to the patient. Many patients experience a subtle warmth, tingling, or sensation of pressure during reiki sessions and find it very comforting. Reiki can help with pain, anxiety, and side effects from cancer treatment. It can also help patients gain resilience in the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of facing cancer.
CranioSacral Therapy
CranioSacral therapy is a safe, noninvasive therapy that involves light touch applied to the bones of the head, sacrum (lower back), and spinal column. Through gentle compression (about the weight of a nickel), craniosacral therapy aims to release restrictions in the soft tissues around the nervous system. For cancer patients, it has been shown to:
Improve immune function
Decrease stress
Decrease side effects of pain, nausea, headaches, and fatigue
Increase tolerance of physical activity
Improve sleep
Zero Balancing
Developed by osteopathic physician Dr. Fritz Smith, zero balancing involves special touch aimed at balancing body structures and energy. Finger pressure and gentle traction are applied to bones, joints, and soft tissue, helping to release tensions deep in the body so it can relax and reorganize. Zero balancing has been shown to reduce stress, improve vitality, and adjust bone alignment. After a zero balancing session, you may feel lighter, freer, and more energized.
To learn more about alternative therapies and other support services that can help you in your cancer journey, speak with your doctor or contact the Arizona Oncology Foundation at 520-324-2840.
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Incidences of colorectal cancer are rising in people under age 50. That makes it even more important for adults to understand their individual risk and take steps to be screened for colorectal cancer.
What is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer is cancer that develops in the large intestine (colon) or the part of the large intestine that connects to the anus (rectum). Most colorectal cancers begin as polyps—small growths in the lining of the intestine. Polyps, even noncancerous ones, can be removed during a colonoscopy, which is why we say that colorectal cancer screening can also be preventive. Removing a polyp before it becomes cancerous is a cancer prevention strategy.
About 95% of colorectal cancers are not inherited. However, some inherited syndromes are linked to colorectal cancer, and some ethnic groups have much higher incidences of colorectal cancer than others.
Who is at Risk for Colorectal Cancer?
Anyone can get colon cancer, but there are a number of factors that increase your risk.
Age. Most people who get colon cancer are over age 50, but the rates of colon cancer are increasing in younger people, and doctors aren’t sure why.
Being Black. The Black community has the highest rates of colorectal cancer in the United States. If you are Black, you are 20% more likely to develop this form of cancer and about 40% more likely to die from it than other racial or ethnic groups in the U.S. Black women have a higher mortality rate than women from any other group, and Black men are more likely than Black women to die from this disease.
Being of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. This ethnic group has one of the highest risk rates of any group worldwide.
Having a specific inherited syndrome. Individuals with Lynch syndrome (HNPCC) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), are at higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. While rare, these cases still make up about 5% of colorectal cancers. Genetic testing can determine whether family members are carriers of these gene mutations, enabling earlier intervention and medical management to help reduce risk.
History of colon polyps. Even if your colon polyps are noncancerous, they raise your risk of developing cancerous polyps.
History of colon, rectal, ovarian, or uterine cancer. If you’ve had any of these cancers in the past, your risk is elevated.
Inflammatory intestinal conditions. Chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease raises your risk of developing colon cancer.
Type 2 Diabetes. Type 2 diabetics are at higher risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Lifestyle Factors that Affect Colon Cancer Risk
Many risk factors for colon cancer can’t be avoided, such as your ethnic background or medical history. However, there are several risk factors that are within your control. You and your doctor can work together to reduce these external factors and protect your health.
Weight. Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing colorectal cancer. Extra weight raises blood levels of insulin, insulin growth factor, and estrogen, which can increase the chance that cancer will develop. Obese people often have more low-level inflammation in their bodies, which also creates an environment conducive to cancer.
Activity Level. Being physically inactive or leading a highly sedentary lifestyle increases your risk.
Vitamin D. Low levels of vitamin D are associated with colorectal cancer.
Diet. Eating a lot of red and processed meat is linked to colon cancer, as is consuming meats cooked at high temperatures (fried, grilled, barbecued or broiled). These meats create chemicals that can lead to DNA mutations causing cancer.
Smoking and Alcohol Use. Smoking increases cancer risk. Moderate to heavy alcohol use is also associated with higher cancer risk.
The American Cancer Society guidelines provide recommendations for maintaining a healthy weight, lifestyle, and diet, all of which can reduce colorectal cancer risk. The recommendations include regular physical activity, incorporating fiber- and nutrient-rich foods into your diet, and curbing consumption of processed meats and foods, sugar-sweetened drinks, and refined grains.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
The American Cancer Society recommends that adults aged 45 years and older with an average risk of colorectal cancer undergo regular screening with either a high-sensitivity stool-based test or a structural (visual) examination, depending on patient preference and test availability. As a part of the screening process, all positive results on non-colonoscopy screening tests should be followed up with timely colonoscopy.
Symptoms of Colon Cancer
Any change in bowel habits that lasts more than a few days should be checked out by a physician. Any unexplained weight loss is also a red flag, as is blood in the stool. Other potential signs include persistent abdominal cramps, gas, or pain; a feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely, or weakness/fatigue. These are not always signs of cancer, but they should be evaluated by a physician.
Celebrate Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month by talking to your doctor about your individual risk and scheduling your colorectal cancer screening today.
Some cancer patients face hair loss, also known as alopecia, as a result of cancer treatment. While this is a common side effect, losing one’s hair can still be a significant emotional challenge.
The good news is that this change in appearance usually doesn’t last forever. Most cancer patients see hair re-growth begin shortly after they are finished with treatment. Until that time, however, many people turn to head coverings such as scarves and wigs to help them cope during this transition.
Initially, the thought of wearing a wig may seem worrisome. There may be some concerns about how it will look to others, how it will feel, and how much it will cost. If you aren’t sure whether a wig is for you, continue reading this guide.
Benefits of wearing a wig during cancer treatment
The encouraging news is many wigs look very natural and offer some unexpected benefits, which may include:
Confidence boost: We express our individuality through our appearance, which often includes styling our hair. While some people feel confident without a wig, others enjoy a confidence boost from wearing a wig during treatment.
Freedom to experiment: While you can certainly replicate your normal hairstyle with a wig, you can also have fun trying out new hair colors and styles. You can even have a few different styles on hand, giving you the flexibility to mix up your look whenever you want.
Simple routine: Most wigs are easy to take care of, only needing the occasional wash and style. This allows you to enjoy a simple routine.
Empowerment: Wearing a wig gives you the chance to feel empowered. While you can’t control the hair loss, you can control how you look during cancer treatment.
Choosing a wig during cancer treatment
Choosing the right wig can be overwhelming. Most cancer patients want to find one that appears natural-looking, fits well, feels comfortable, and is affordable. Below are some tips that may help make your experience a little easier.
Timing your wig purchase
It is a good idea to purchase your wig before your cancer treatments begin. Not only does this make it easier to find a wig that better matches your current hair color and style, but it also allows you to be better prepared for hair loss once it happens.
You may want to talk to your doctor before you make your purchase. If there is a high probability that you will lose your hair, ask your oncologist to write a prescription for a cranial prosthesis rather than a wig to claim insurance benefits. Wigs needed for medical purposes are often partially or fully covered by health insurance.
After you make your purchase, you may want to make an appointment with your hairstylist. Some patients choose to get themselves ready by cutting their hair short. Some patients also choose to have their wigs trimmed and styled for their faces.
Human hair wigs vs. synthetic wigs for cancer patients
Cancer patients have two choices when it comes to choosing a wig: human hair or synthetic hair. Natural hair wigs are created from harvested human hair, which means they will look, feel, and act just like your own hair. Synthetic wigs are created from man-made fibers and are designed to mimic the overall appearance and feel of real hair.
Many times, wig buyers think that human hair wigs are better than synthetic ones. This, however, is a misconception. In fact, it is often hard to tell the difference between the two when the synthetic wig is high quality.
One perk of human hair wigs is that they can be colored, permed, and styled just like your own hair. Because of this, however, they are more expensive and often require much more maintenance.
Synthetic wigs, on the other hand, are much easier to care for and are typically a lot more budget-friendly. Although they can’t be treated in the same manner as human hair wigs when it comes to styling, their affordability makes it possible for cancer patients to purchase multiple wigs that can be worn for different occasions.
To help make the decision process easier, it is a good idea to visit a store that specializes in wigs. Since most wig stores have experience in dealing with cancer patients and hair loss, they will likely be able to provide advice and assist you in making sure your wig is both comfortable and well-fitting.
Where cancer patients can buy wigs
Depending on where you live, you may or may not have a wig shop nearby. If you don’t, you may want to consider ordering one online. The following companies specialize in or offer cancer patients wigs for chemotherapy:
Remember, the choice of whether to wear a wig is up to you. A wig should not make you feel uncomfortable or self-conscious. If you have more questions, you can always discuss them with your health care provider.
