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.
Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. In fact, research shows that it is the third-leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, will result in over 53,000 fatalities in 2020, and will appear in almost 150,000 patients over that same time frame.
As with many health issues, knowledge of colorectal cancer means power: the power of early detection, treatment, and in some cases even prevention. You may worry that you or a loved one are at risk for developing colorectal cancer; or you may want to better understand certain aspects of this disease. If so, then the following information will likely prove to be very helpful to you, as it covers several frequently asked questions about this type of cancer.
What is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer is a cancer that starts in the colon or rectum (the last part of the digestive tract).
It is important to note that the term “colorectal cancer” is actually a combination of colon cancer and rectal cancer. Colon cancer can start anywhere in the colon, whereas rectal cancer is confined to the rectum, or the last 5 inches of the colon. However, since these two cancers target the same general region of the body, they are usually referred to by the single phrase “colorectal cancer.”
What is the Colon?
The colon, also known as the large intestine, is a tube-like structure designed to remove fluid and salt nutrients from waste, temporarily store that waste, and then finally push it out of the body. Your colon is shaped like a little “n” with an entryway that connected to the small intestine and a discharge section (the rectum) that finally eliminates waste when you have a bowel movement. It has 5 basic parts:
The ascending colon
The transverse colon
The descending colon
The sigmoid colon
The rectum
How Does Colorectal Cancer Develop?
The majority of colorectal cancers start out as a polyp, or a small growth with a stalk that protrudes from the inner lining of the colon or rectal wall. There are two common kinds of polyps:
Hyperplastic polyps. These are usually benign and occur in areas where your body has repaired damaged tissue.
Adenomas. These polyps are generally considered pre-cancerous. Anywhere from one-third to one-half of people will develop at least one adenoma which, if not removed, could become cancerous over the course of 5 to 10 years.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer?
One of the most daunting aspects of colorectal cancer is the fact that its symptoms may not appear until after the cancer has already progressed and spread. In addition, many common signs of colorectal cancer are the same symptoms that arise from less dangerous conditions, such as hemorrhoids or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Symptoms of colorectal cancer may include:
Diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool (e.g. stool that is stringy or pencil-like) that lasts for several days
The sensation that you need to have a bowel movement even after you have one
Rectal bleeding
Blood in the stool, or extremely dark stool
Abdominal cramps
Fatigue
Unintended or sudden weight loss
Is Colorectal Cancer Hereditary?
Only 5% or so of colorectal cancers are considered to be hereditary. However, if close relatives such as parents, siblings, or children have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, then your odds of also developing this cancer are 2 to 3 times higher than the average person.
5% of colorectal cancers are hereditaryIn addition, certain inherited conditions can increase the risk that you will develop colorectal cancer. These include Lynch syndrome and Familial adenomatous polyposis.
What is a Screening Colonoscopy, and When Should I Have One?
A screening colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure that is performed on sedated patients. In this procedure, a flexible scope equipped with a lighted camera is used to inspect the entire colon and rectum. During the operation, the surgeon will generally remove any polyps discovered in the colon. In order to prepare for the colonoscopy, the patient is typically instructed to only drink clear liquids like water and chicken broth the day before the procedure.
It is generally recommended that patients with an average risk of colorectal cancer should begin screening at 45 and (if no concerns are raised) to do so every 10 years thereafter. Of course, there are some exceptions to this guideline. For instance:
African Americans are usually at higher risk for colorectal cancer, and should thus begin screening earlier than age 45
Individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer should begin screening around age 40
Any other individuals at high risk (those with hereditary syndromes, IBS, etc.) should begin screening earlier than age 45, and should screen more frequently thereafter
Are There Other Ways to Detect Colorectal Cancer?
There are some alternative screening options besides the traditional colonoscopy. These include:
Flex sigmoidoscopy
Virtual colonoscopy
Stool testing
In the near future, researchers may also develop a blood test for colorectal cancer detection. It should be noted that if any of these tests come up positive for colorectal cancer markers, it is most likely that your attending physician will still recommend a traditional colonoscopy.
What is the Prognosis When Diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer?
The 5-year overall survival rate for patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer, regardless of the stage, is about 65%. When individuals are diagnosed with the disease in its early stages, that rate shoots up to 90%.
As of this writing, less than 65% of individuals over the age of 50 have had some form of colorectal screening. The National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable has the stated goal to drive that percentage up to 80%, which could prevent over 200,000 deaths within the next two decades.
Colorectal screening can save lives but only if people get screened. The best test is the one you will do.
Can I Prevent Colorectal Cancer?
There is no 100% guaranteed way to prevent colorectal cancer. Nevertheless, there are several things that you can do to reduce your risk of developing this disease. These include:
Engaging in 2 1/2 hours of moderate to strenuous physical exercise every week
Taking in adequate amounts of calcium, fiber, fruits and vegetables
Reducing your intake of red and processed meats
Limiting daily alcohol consumption (1 drink for women, 2 drinks for men)
Avoiding/quitting cigarettes and other forms of smoking
Working to maintain a healthy body mass index and weight
Even though colorectal cancer can be a scary prospect for many, if you know your family’s medical history, screen early, and cultivate a healthy lifestyle, then you will greatly reduce your risk of developing this harmful disease.
Arizona Oncology plays a major role in helping people throughout the state, and their families, win their battle against colorectal cancer by providing easy access to a full range of advanced cancer care services in a setting that allows patients to remain close to their homes and their support network of family and friends.
Originally written February 2018. Updated February 2020.
