Apr 5, 2023 | Southern Arizona
Many patients worry about cancer getting in the way of daily life, which may include their summer vacation or travel plans. Initially, yes, a cancer diagnosis can put certain things on hold – but in most cases, it’s only temporary. Once your cancer treatment plan is in place, resuming everyday activities often becomes more manageable – even when it involves going on a trip. Traveling with cancer may involve some extra planning, but there are ways to help it be less stressful and more enjoyable. Here are some tips to get you started so you can enjoy the travel season.
Preparing for Travel When You Have Cancer
- Talk with your oncologist. Before you go, make an appointment with your cancer care team so they can determine if it is safe for you to travel. It is very important that you talk with them about all your travel plans so they can provide you with information pertinent to self-care during your trip as well as side effects that you may need to consider before traveling. It is also a good idea to request a copies of any medical records that can be taken on your trip.
Take a list of questions with you that address topics such as your potential needs, possible restrictions you may face, and how to handle days you feel ill. Asking your doctor to write a letter with details of your cancer and treatment plan is also a good idea.
- Make special arrangements if needed. If your doctor clears you for travel, you may want to notify the appropriate facilities (airline, hotel, etc) of any special requirements you have. For example, if flying you may want to request a seat with additional leg room or a seat close to the lavatory.
Remember, you may be more tired than usual because of cancer treatment so try to make life as convenient as possible while traveling. If staying at a hotel, you can request a room on the first floor or at least a room close to an elevator. A handicap accessible room may also be a good option if you’d prefer to sit to shower. They often have shower seats in these rooms.
- Get your medications together. Carrying your medications with you is also important (if you are flying, be sure to keep your medications in your carry-on). In addition to having your meds on hand, bring along a list of your current prescriptions and your doctor’s contact information. This makes it easier for a pharmacy or hospital to verify what you need should you happen to lose any medication while away from home.
- Pack snacks. If traveling by car, take a cooler full of healthy snacks so you have something better on hand when you get hungry. Energy bars as well as bags of nuts or trail mix will also work if taking a cooler isn’t an option. Taking along snacks you can tolerate gives you something to eat if nothing else sounds good.
- Have a backup plan. It doesn’t hurt to plan for the unexpected. Before you leave, compile a list of cancer treatment centers near your destination, so you’ll know where to go if you need help. You may want to call your insurance provider to see if you’re covered in the area you’re visiting.
During Travel
To keep from becoming overwhelmed, ask for help.Even though travel experiences differ among cancer patients, there are some common steps that can be beneficial whether traveling by plane, train, or automobile:
- Ask for assistance. Traveling can be stressful and exhausting. To keep from becoming overwhelmed, ask for help. This may include reserving a wheelchair, taking a shuttle between airport terminals or even using the airport “carts” that will take you to your gate so that you can reserve your energy.
- Eat right and stay active. Eating well can certainly be challenging for anyone when you’re on the go. During your travels, try to avoid fast food and fried foods. Instead, opt for grilled meats at restaurants and focus on eating enough vegetables, salads, and fruit. Be sure to ask whether certain foods contain uncooked or undercooked ingredients. If so, choose something else. Stay hydrated by drinking water and avoiding alcohol. When possible, try to get in some light exercise. Stretch your legs, take a walk, or have a swim. Stretching and walking is especially important as long flights and car rides can increase your risk of developing blood clots known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
- Practice sun safety. Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy can increase the sensitivity of your skin, making you more vulnerable to sun damage. Be sure to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen that’s at least 30 SPF or higher and reapply every 2 hours. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and light, protective clothing can also guard your skin from the sun. Keep in mind that the sun can reach you while in the water, on snow, and in the car.
- Wash your hands regularly. Certain cancer treatments can temporarily weaken the immune system. To prevent infection, take time to wash your hands. Ask any travel companions to wash their hands regularly as well. Carry some sanitizing gel with you for times you don’t have access to soap and water. Wearing a mask, especially while on a plane, can also provide an extra level of protection.
- Listen to your body. It is very important that you do not ignore any symptoms while away. Get enough rest and if you experience illness, such as fever, pain, sudden nausea or vomiting, shortness of breath, or something entirely new, seek immediate medical care.
- Enjoy yourself! If this is a recreational trip, and you’ve prepared accordingly, be sure to enjoy the scenery and the company you’re with. It may be hard to keep your mind off your cancer but trying to do so can help you cope better.
Upon Return
Even if you’ve taken the best precautions prior to your trip, it’s a good idea to schedule another appointment with your cancer doctor once you’re back home. Your doctor will be able to verify whether or not you contracted any illnesses while you were away.
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Apr 3, 2023 | Southern Arizona
April is Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month. Head and neck cancers are a group of different types of cancers that develop in the throat, nose, mouth, sinuses, or larynx.
Types of Head and Neck Cancer
Head and neck cancers include:
- Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancer. Laryngeal cancer develops in the voice box, or larynx. Hypopharyngeal cancer develops in the lower throat.
- Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancer. Oral Cavity cancers occur in the mouth and tongue. Oropharyngeal cancer starts in the middle part of the throat, behind the mouth.
- Nasopharyngeal Cancer. Nasopharyngeal cancer starts in the upper part of the throat, behind the nose.
- Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinuses Cancer. Nasal cavity cancer starts in the nasal cavity, the opening behind the nose. Paranasal sinus cancer starts in the sinuses.
- Salivary Gland Cancer. Salivary gland cancer starts in the glands that produce saliva, located inside and near the mouth.
Risk Factors for Head and Neck Cancer
Not all Head and Neck Cancers can be prevented, but some outside factors are strongly linked to the disease.
Alcohol and Tobacco Use
Cancers of the oral cavity, hypopharynx, and the voice box are linked to alcohol and tobacco use. This includes exposure to secondhand smoke and chewing tobacco. People who use both tobacco and alcohol have a greater risk of developing head and neck cancers than those who drink alcohol or use tobacco alone. Reducing or eliminating consumption of alcohol and tobacco products, or limiting secondhand tobacco exposure, may reduce cancer risk.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
The HPV virus has been linked to cancers found in the back of the throat, on the base of the tongue, and on the tonsils. HPV may cause up to 70% of oropharyngeal cancer cases in the United States. The HPV vaccine for cervical cancer also protects against the types of HPV known to cause oropharyngeal cancers. HPV infection risk can also be lowered by consistent and correct usage of condoms and dental dams.
Other Factors
Head and neck cancers may also be caused by other factors like radiation exposure or Epstein-Barr virus infection. Genetics may also play a role.
Signs and Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer
Signs and symptoms of head and neck cancers vary depending on the location and type of cancer, but may include:
- Mouth sores that won’t heal
- Red or white patches on gums
- A lump, thickening, or mass in the cheeks or neck
- Trouble chewing or swallowing
- Tongue numbness
- Voice Changes
- Difficulty moving tongue or jaw
These symptoms may also be caused by other, less serious conditions. Speak to your doctor or dentist if you develop these symptoms and have any concerns about head and neck cancer.
How is Head and Neck Cancer Treated?
A treatment plan will depend on the type and location of the cancer as well as factors like the stage of the cancer, the patient’s age, and their overall health. Treatment options may include:
- Radiation therapy
- Targeted therapies
- A combination of the above treatments
Radiation therapy may be recommended as the primary treatment for head and neck cancer, or in combination with other treatments, such as surgery or chemotherapy. The following types of radiation therapy may be used:
- External Beam Therapy (EBT). This form of radiation therapy delivers a beam of high energy x-rays to the tumor using a machine outside the body.
- Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT). This is a type of external radiation therapy that uses advanced technology to accurately direct the radiation beams at the tumor, avoiding healthy cells.
- Internal Radiation Therapy. Also called brachytherapy, this form of radiation is given through an implant that is placed in your body, near the tumor.
Head and neck cancer treatment is done to either remove the disease or control the growth of the disease. Care is also taken to preserve the function of the affected areas as much as possible and to provide support to help the patient return to normal activities as soon as possible.
Head and Neck Cancer Treatment at Arizona Oncology
At Arizona Oncology, we take a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care, ensuring you receive premier, evidence-based care close to home. Our doctors and support staff take a patient-centered approach, listening to you and helping you navigate your cancer journey every step of the way. If you would like to make an initial appointment or schedule a second opinion with one of our oncologists across the state of Arizona, visit our portal or call one of our locations directly.
Mar 27, 2023 | Southern Arizona
Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare but aggressive form of breast cancer. This cancer, which accounts for 1% to 5% of all breast cancer diagnoses in the United States, forms in the cells that line the breasts’ milk ducts, but quickly spreads to nearby lymph nodes and sometimes, to other tissues in the body. The cancer is called “inflammatory” because the cancer cells usually block the lymph vessels in the breast. This blockage causes a buildup of fluid, which then leads to inflammation that is usually red and tender to the touch.
How Does Inflammatory Breast Cancer Differ From Typical Breast Cancers?
Compared to slower-growing forms of breast cancer, inflammatory breast cancer progresses and spreads through the body quickly. In some cases, it spreads in a matter of months or even weeks. Inflammatory breast cancer is also harder to treat than other breast cancers since it has usually spread to distant parts of the body (metastasized) by the time it is diagnosed. Traditional treatments for breast cancer (such as hormone treatment using the drug tamoxifen) aren’t effective treatments for inflammatory breast cancer. Breast cancer specialists report that inflammatory breast cancers are usually diagnosed more frequently in younger patients than other breast cancers. This type of cancer is also more common in women of African-American descent and people who are obese.
Signs and Symptoms of Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Inflammatory breast cancer can be hard to diagnose because it often doesn’t cause a breast lump like other types of breast cancer. This means inflammatory breast cancer may not be detected on a mammogram.
The most common symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer include:
- Swelling of the breast
- Tenderness or itching of the breast
- Redness involving one-third or more of the skin, on or around the breast
- Hardening of the breast
- Pitting or ridging of the skin of the breast (texture resembling an orange peel)
- Affected breast feels warmer or heavier than your other breast
- Swollen lymph nodes beneath the arm or near the collarbone
- Inverted nipple (especially if that was not typical for you)
If you have any of the signs or symptoms listed above, that doesn’t mean you have inflammatory breast cancer. The symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer are very similar to other more common breast infections. However, you should make an appointment with your primary care physician right away for evaluation.
How is Inflammatory Breast Cancer Diagnosed and Treated?
Inflammatory breast cancer spreads rapidly. Your doctor may first suspect you have a breast infection and prescribe antibiotics if you are exhibiting any symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer. Because inflammatory breast cancer spreads rapidly, it is important to follow up with your doctor if your symptoms don’t improve within 7 to 10 days. If your primary care doctor suspects you might have breast cancer, he or she will refer you to a breast cancer specialist.
If an oncologist suspects inflammatory cancer, he or she will most likely order a biopsy and imaging tests, such as a mammogram or an ultrasound.
If cancer is detected, CT scans, lymph node biopsies, and bone scans are used to stage the cancer and find out if it has spread to other parts of the body. Treatment for inflammatory breast cancer depends on how advanced the disease is. Breast cancer doctors generally treat inflammatory breast cancer first with chemotherapy, then with surgery to remove the tumor, followed by radiation therapy treatment. In regards to treating inflammatory breast cancer specifically, this multimodal approach has been shown to be most effective.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer or any type of breast cancer, you undoubtedly have many questions. If you are researching your options for breast cancer treatment, we encourage you to contact the location nearest you.
Originally posted in 2019, updated in 2024.
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Mar 23, 2023 | Southern Arizona
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.
Originally posted 2015. Updated March 2024.
Mar 22, 2023 | Southern Arizona
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.
Mar 16, 2023 | Southern Arizona
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.
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