One breast cancer survivor’s story of turning a personal patient solution into a community solution
By: Lori McNeill
Sherri’s Story
“I was shocked.” This, perhaps not surprisingly, was Sherri Romanoski’s response to being told back in 2000, at the age of 48, that she had breast cancer.
“It hit me hard. I was full of fear,” said Sherri.
Along with that fear can sometimes come a sense of powerlessness—how do I combat a disease I don’t fully understand?—and a lot of questions. What’s my cancer treatment plan? How long will it take? What can I do outside of the doctor’s appointments right now to help make a positive difference? How do I tell my family? What do I share, if anything, at work? What do I do about side effects? How am I going to pay for all these medications?
How can someone like Sherri, someone newly diagnosed with cancer, find answers, and empower herself to not just cope but find support, learn to communicate with her doctors and her loved ones, move forward on this unexpected new journey, and even thrive?
Sherri took these questions and not only found answers for her own journey but answers she could share, through a non-profit program called Bag It.
But let’s go back to that first appointment of Sherri’s after her diagnosis …
“I was … surprised.”
“I was … surprised at how little information I was given along with my diagnosis,” commented Sherri. She describes the detail she received as incorporating two pieces of paper and a drawing, maybe a list of side effects. This didn’t seem like much to someone just diagnosed with a disease she didn’t see coming, didn’t fully understand, and requiring long-term treatments she didn’t completely comprehend yet.
As a Kindergarten teacher who also worked in the behavioral health field, however, Sherri was no stranger to finding solutions to challenges. She took a look at some resource bags she was putting together for her students’ parents and thought, “I need a bag.”
She added a three-ring binder to fill with questions and answers, and information and helpful resources relating to her cancer diagnosis and treatment. A binder that would keep all of the information she gathered and collected in and outside of her doctor’s office in one place, in one folder that she could carry with her, reference, and share as she saw fit with her support network.
Sherri created that binder for herself and asked a lot of questions of her Arizona Oncology cancer doctor.
“I felt empowered because I was asking the questions,” she said.
Sherri asked so many questions that during her last appointment following her last treatment she stood up and unrolled a long ream of attached computer paper (the type they used to have back in the day, with the holes punched in the sides and the green and white lines). “I just have a few more questions,” she joked.
The Bag It Story
“If it helped me, it could help someone else.”
Once Sherri finished her treatment, she thought about all of the other cancer patients in her community going through a similar journey. She thought about her binder, a bag full of educational information, questions and answers, treatment details, and more. “If it helped me, it could help someone else.” If it empowered her, it could empower someone else.
Sherri knew a lot of the educational information needed was out there, available from reputable sources like the American Cancer Society, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and more. She gathered and organized the information she thought could be most helpful, but she didn’t just rely on her own experience. She showed the information to doctors and the Southern Arizona Nursing Society. She showed it to cancer survivor groups and support groups. This is how she made the initial decisions of which information would be included in the binder and the bag.
Then she spent two hours telling the office manager at the Arizona Oncology office that she had counted on for much of her treatment, why physicians distributing this free resource—these binders in a bag—could truly make a difference. Not only would Bag It provide patients with education and support resources, it would help physicians answer their patients many common questions in a place where patients could maintain and refer back to the information, even if they forgot what was said in the doctor’s office. Doctors often encourage cancer patients to bring someone with them to their office visits, so they have a second person to hear treatment information. The Bag It binder could help both the patient and caregiver remember personal health and history details and treatment instructions, track test results, and keep support contacts.
Arizona Oncology decided to give it a shot. The first bag featuring Sherri’s binder and information, the first Bag It, was distributed in July 2003. 75,309 bags have been distributed since, free of charge to cancer patients.
“I’m on my fourth binder,” says Sherri. “I take it to every appointment.”
Doctors are seeing the benefit of Bag It to cancer patients, as well.
Bag It supports the community, and the community supports Bag It.
“I’m going to tear up,” Sherri told Program Coordinator Joyce Palasek, when Joyce told her how one physician gives newly diagnosed patients the bag and binder with the hug that Sherri herself can’t give them, but admits she wants to in the opening letter in the binder.
The tears make sense. There’s a lot of work, thoughtfulness, determination, and love behind each Bag It bag and binder, yet Sherri knows the presentation by physicians and health care workers makes a tremendous difference, too. She and her team are very grateful for the support that keeps Bag It helping more and more patients across Arizona, and hopefully eventually across the nation.
It took 18 months to originally gather the materials for the binder, get reviews, and start a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Sherri had a friend’s help and support from her oncologist at Arizona Oncology, both of whom were founding members of Bag It and on the board for many years.
Sherri also had the initial help of 25 people who, in hearing about the binder at a friend’s house, without even being asked, started writing checks to help make the project happen.
150 Bag It bags and binders were distributed each month, when they first started. They were put together on Sherri’s kitchen counter.
“It took a few years to get it into (doctor’s) offices,” Sherri said. The Bag It program started in Tucson, with Arizona Oncology offices, soon moved to other, rural communities, and finally into Phoenix. The binder information is also available in Spanish now.
Distribution grew, but the information that was readily available before became more controlled and limited and had to be ordered. Printing costs came into play. The Bag It team needed help with funding. They had to change their model.
The Bag It team didn’t shy from the challenge. They hold a fundraising hike in Tucson every November and a special fundraising event in Phoenix each spring. They encouraged the support of sponsors in the pharmaceutical and medical communities, and from community businesses. The Beacon Group works with the Bag It team to assemble the bags and volunteers are ambassadors for the bags at local events.
And they always keep in mind the Bag It purpose and look for ways to make it even more helpful to both patients and physicians.
The Work and the Love Behind Bag It Continues
The Bag It team, led by Executive Director Mindy Griffith and Program Coordinator Joyce Palacek, recently put even more research behind improving and perfecting the binders to provide the best patient experience. Once again, they talked to cancer survivors using the binders, doctors, and nurses. The results, seen in the 2019 Bag It bag and binder released just this month, are exciting. The bulk of the binder was slimmed down. Tabs divide information by function, rather than by stage of treatment: “My personal details”; “my test results”; “from my healthcare team”. Booklet information was condensed in some cases, to be more digestible for multiple audiences. Larger print makes the texts more readable. Vetted online resources are included. Binders are customizable by patients and their physicians. The result is a lighter weight binder still offering a plethora of educational materials, support resources, and simple tools for tracking and keeping information … it’s all in the bag.
“Mindy’s leadership has moved the Bag It program on to this new version, new logo and look, and it is truly an amazing endeavor,” said Sherri. “The result is outstanding. It is Mindy and the Bag It staff that have made this happen.”
And in every bag, is Sherri’s heartfelt letter. In every page of the binder is the commitment and dedication of a cancer survivor who once sat where many others sit, in a doctor’s office trying to absorb the shock of a diagnosis no one wants to hear; in the car on the way home fighting the fear of what’s to come; and surprised day in and day out by the seemingly unending questions that keep popping into one’s thoughts.
There are answers. There is support. There is power in knowledge. “Some days will be easier than others,” Sherri says in her opening letter in the binder, “just knowing that helps.”
And, it’s true, says Sherri … you are your own best advocate in your cancer journey. Bag It is her way, the team’s way, and one way many local physicians are helping every patient feel empowered and supported throughout their treatment and survivorship.
As for Sherri’s personal story, while she may be retired from teaching after 25 years, she continues to educate and empower cancer patients through Bag It and similar opportunities. She also spends time with her grandchildren. Cancer may have been a plot twist she didn’t see coming, but it’s only a piece of her much greater story and now her community’s story.
Jackie Dominguez had a very aggressive form of breast cancer, but with a multidisciplinary cancer care team who cared for her both physically and emotionally, she’s thriving with and beyond cancer.
“The doctor was kind enough to not make me wait for the results. I’ll never forget that,” Jackie said. “But he also said that it wasn’t a death sentence. He just reassured me that I wasn’t going to die from this.”
Jackie chose Arizona Oncology for treatment for her breast cancer. For most patients with breast cancer, surgery is the first step, and Jackie went to see an Arizona Oncology breast surgical oncologist in northern Arizona.
“Jackie came in with a very aggressive cancer,” her surgeon said. “She came in with multiple lymph nodes involved and the features of the cancer that make it very aggressive and difficult, sometimes, to treat.” Because of this, a chemotherapy-first approach was the best option for Jackie. “We were able to do that today with this comprehensive care that we offer.”
“I was referred from my gynecologist,” Jackie explained. “When I called her, she did tell me I needed to get with an oncologist first. So I made my appointment, and that same day I went right over and I saw both of them the same day.”
Multidisciplinary Care
Comprehensive, multidisciplinary care is the cornerstone of Arizona Oncology’s approach to cancer treatment. We offer state-of-the-art chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, and surgical treatments, all within one practice. Our multiple locations across the state ensure you receive the care you need close to home. Cancer care is evolving rapidly, and Arizona Oncology prides itself on embracing new technology. All patients get next generation sequencing, have access to state-of-the-art clinical trials, and have access to state-of-the-art radiation oncology.
Next generation sequencing is a form of genomic testing. Not to be confused with genetic testing, which looks at inherited traits that affect cancer risk, genomic tests look directly at tumor tissue to help determine the best way to treat a particular cancer. Arizona Oncology offers both.
Comprehensive Care
“It was life-changing because before I had cancer, my life was defined by my work,” Jackie said. “I wasn’t going to slow down, and I was not going to shift my priorities. I didn’t have a choice once I got breast cancer. I had to slow down, physically and mentally.”
Comprehensive cancer care includes caring for the patient as a whole, physically, mentally and emotionally. Our nurse navigators help coordinate appointments and streamline processes. Our social workers offer real-world support, education, and strategies for managing life with cancer.
Jackie appreciated the support she got from staff throughout her cancer care journey. They talked her through the entire process. She felt like she was in a safe space during a frightening time.
At Arizona Oncology, we understand that cancer is personal. We never lose sight of the fact that you are an individual going through one of the most difficult circumstances of your life. Our care is focused on getting you through this, so that cancer can become just a “blip” on your radar.
“I have a whole different perspective in life,” Jackie said. “Family and friends and my religion is the most important thing to me now.”
Of all the cancers, lung cancer is claiming the most lives of men and women every year in the United States. If you are a smoker, then it likely concerns you that smokers have the greatest risk of developing lung cancer according to the CDC. The good news though is that even after a lifetime of smoking, you can substantially reduce your risk of getting lung cancer if you stop smoking now. This article explores practical tips that can help you to quit smoking and as a result, reduce your lung cancer risk.
What Practical Steps Can Smokers Take to Reduce Their Lung Cancer Risk?
Go Cold Turkey or Cut Your Tobacco Consumption in Half
Eliminate the Smoking Temptations
Clean House
Develop Other New Habits
Be Mindful of Smoking Triggers
Rally Support
Treat Yourself
Go Cold Turkey or Cut Your Tobacco Consumption in Half
A study by the Journal of the American Medical Association found that although quitting smoking decreased lung cancer risk, there was also a benefit to cutting tobacco consumption in half. They found that there was a 27% decrease in lung cancer among those participants who reduced their smoking by 62%. JAMA also reported a 90% reduction in cancer risk for those who quit smoking before middle age. Therefore, for the greatest lung cancer risk reduction, you should quit today. But if you are not ready to go cold turkey just yet, then at least aim for reducing the amount you smoke daily while you work on making a plan for quitting in the coming days and weeks.
Eliminate the Smoking Temptations
Naturally, you need to eliminate every trace of the tobacco product you are trying to quit. That means, cleaning out drawers, nightstands, garage workspaces, any possible place that even one singular cigarette or cigar might be lurking. Even though you may want to prove your willpower by keeping a stray around, recognize that smoking is one of the toughest addictions that exists and there is no time to waste with testing the waters. If your significant other or housemate is a smoker and not interested in joining you in this endeavor, insist that they keep all smoking paraphernalia out of your sight and that smoking be done out of the house only.
Clean House
In addition to ridding yourself of all tobacco products, give yourself a fresh start by cleaning house. Over the years you may not realize the stench that smoking has left behind, in your home, on your clothes and in your car. As your sense of smell becomes sharper after quitting smoking, you may even become more sensitive to the smell of cigarettes on others. Depending on your time and finances you may consider cleaning your carpets, upholstery, curtains and even putting a fresh coat of paint on the walls. After investing in this clean start, it may make you think twice about reaching for that pack of cigarettes again.
Develop Other New Habits
Researchers debate on how long it actually takes to develop a new habit and it is commonly believed that you need at least two months to ingrain a new habit in your life. As you attempt to rid yourself of this old smoking habit, replace it with healthier and enjoyable activities. Think about the times of day that you feel the need to smoke and replace that old activity with a new one. Do not expect that this will be easy. The first few days to weeks are going to be the most challenging. But distracting yourself with a new healthier habit may help you to navigate this time. Instead of smoking you could try;
Playing a game on your phone
Calling or messaging a friend
Taking a walk or stroll
Go to the gym
Go shopping
Be Mindful of Smoking Triggers
Think ahead about potential triggers, what environments or times of day you feel the need to smoke? Is it first thing in the morning? Try to get out of the house or to walk around the block. Is it while on break with co-workers? Then aim to avoid those break area spots popular for smoke breaks and look to find another spot to take your breaks. Do you typically smoke while drinking coffee or having a beer. Substitute these potential triggers for other things while you work through the cravings.
Rally Support
Don’t go it alone. Tell your friends, family and co-workers about your efforts and include them on the progress you are making and challenges that you are experiencing. You may be surprised to learn of others who are trying to quit as well and be able to help one another. You may also consider joining Freedom From Smoking, an initiative by the American Lung Association that offers an online support group, group clinics, a helpline and more.
Treat Yourself
Calculate the expense and put it to paper, how much you will be saving by not smoking. CNN Money rates smoking as one of the biggest money wasters and estimates that many smokers spend on average $70 weekly or $280 a month on their habit. That comes to $3,360 a year. Imagine the ways you could spend that extra money on yourself. It might be a great incentive to save for that trip or cruise you’ve been dreaming of taking. Or this could be the perfect opportunity for you to get into that hobby or sport that your smoking habit and lungs could not tolerate before.
Don’t Give Up
Set backs are normal and will likely be part of your experience. Don’t use a relapse as an excuse to give up but learn from it. It is never a failure as long as you keep trying and don’t be afraid to talk about your feelings and frustrations with a trusted friend.
Quitting smoking will be one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and to those that love you. Not only will you reduce your lung cancer risk but will also help your body to heal from other illnesses and protect yourself from other forms of cancer. At Arizona Oncology, our expert and compassionate oncologist are committed to helping you achieve the highest quality of life while you navigate your cancer treatment.
The internet contains many valuable sources of information about cancer. Unfortunately, it’s also used to spread fear through myths and misconceptions that are repeated so often that many people believe they’re true. These 12 statements about cancer are often relayed as fact. However, they are really myths.
Myths About Cancer
A cancer diagnosis means the end of life.
Cutting out sugar will cure cancer.
Cancer is caused by artificial sweeteners.
A biopsy or surgery will cause cancer to spread.
Cancer cures are being withheld.
Cancer is a modern disease created by humans.
Smartphones cause cancer.
Advances in technology mean we should have cured cancer by now.
Cancer is contagious.
Superfoods can stop cancer.
No family history of cancer means you’re not at risk.
Cosmetics cause cancer.
Debunking the Myths
No matter where you heard them, these myths aren’t true. Keep reading to learn the truth behind the myths.
1. A cancer diagnosis means the end of life.
False. Cancer has never been considered a death sentence and survival rates are growing. The death rate due to cancer in the U.S. has dropped 27% in the last 25 years. The five-year survival rate from thyroid, breast, and prostate cancer is currently 90%. Major factors in this change include reduced smoking rates, early detection, and early treatment. Other factors that affect survival rates include the types of treatment available and how much cancer has spread.
2. Cutting sugar will cure cancer.
False. Though it’s a common misconception that cancer thrives on sugar, your diet alone cannot cure cancer. This myth might stem from the fact that cancer cells consume more glucose than normal cells. However, reducing or cutting out sugar will not shrink cancer cells. High sugar intake has been proven to contribute to obesity which is linked to increased risk of cancer.
3. Cancer is caused by artificial sweeteners.
False. Artificial sweeteners aren’t made by chemicals or anything that increases the risk of cancer. In fact, most of them have been approved by the FDA. They are simply a way to sweeten foods without sugar.
4. A biopsy or surgery will cause cancer to spread.
False. This is a particularly dangerous misconception. Early diagnosis is one of the best weapons in the fight against cancer and avoiding tests and treatment can lower your odds of survival. Some people believe that cancers exposed to air or punctured by a needle or during surgery will spread to other tissue. There is no surgical data supporting the idea that exposure to air spreads cancer. Modern surgeons also take preventative measures to ensure that cancer cells don’t spread to other parts of the body during surgery.
5. Cancer cures are being withheld.
False. Some beliefs that fuel this myth include the idea that cures are either too expensive to create or the government uses disease to control the population. However, neither of these ideas are true. The FDA and cancer care teams around the world are continuously making advances in the fight against cancer. However, every treatment must face rigorous safety tests to ensure there are no dangerous risks. Creating medicines that are safe as well as effective often means they are slow to get to market.
6. Cancer is a modern disease created by humans.
False. While humans have created many things that aren’t kind to the environment, cancer existed long before we can imagine. In fact, dinosaur bones have been discovered with cancer. Recently, the femur of a 240 million-year-old ancestor to turtles was discovered with evidence of bone cancer. Longer life expectancy and better tools for diagnosis make it seem like more cancer exists today.
7. Smartphones cause cancer.
False. There’s currently no evidence to support the idea that any cell phones are capable of causing cancer. Cancer is caused by gene mutations and low-frequency energy emitted by cell phones doesn’t mutate genes. Multiple studies have been conducted about the link of cell phones to cancer and no connection has been discovered.
8. Advances in technology mean we should have cured cancer by now.
False. Cancer is a complicated disease that mutates healthy human cells. The word cancer is used to describe over 100 related diseases which often have different properties. Additionally, the cells continue to mutate over the course of the disease, making it harder to study. Major advances have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, but there is still much to learn.
9. Cancer is contagious.
False. While a family history of cancer may increase the odds of someone developing the disease, no types of cancer can be passed from person to person. There is an extremely low chance that the recipient of an organ transplant may contract cancer from donor tissue. However, surgeons avoid using organs of patients with a history of cancer. Some viruses that cause cancer (like HPV) can be transmitted from one person to another but cancer isn’t contagious.
10. Superfoods can stop cancer.
False. While a healthy diet can help improve the way you feel, it cannot remove cancer from your system. Raw fruits and vegetables are a quality addition to a healthy lifestyle that can help you prevent obesity and other cancer risks. Superfoods are simply healthy choices not foods with superpowers.
11. No family history of cancer means you’re not at risk.
False. While it’s true that family history may increase your risks, cancer is not strictly a genetic disease. Only 5% to 10% of cancers are passed from parents to children. Genetic mutations usually caused by environmental factors and lifestyle choices are the most common causes of cancer.
12. Certain cosmetics cause cancer.
False. It’s a common misconception that since deodorant is applied under your arms near breast tissue it causes breast cancer. Additionally, many people think hair dye or other processes that use strong-smelling chemicals cause cancer. There is no evidence that the chemicals found in deodorants or antiperspirants cause changes in breast tissue. Additionally, there is no evidence that personal hair dye use increases your risk of cancer.
Knowledge is power, and eliminating common myths is one way of spreading knowledge.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year—except when it isn’t.
Facing the holidays with cancer presents unique challenges. It’s very common to experience a mixture of anticipation, excitement, and apprehension. The social workers at Arizona Oncology work with our patients to help them prepare for and cope with holiday-related pressures. Here are some of their tips.
P Plan in Advance. In previous years you may have had the energy to pack the holiday season full of activities, traveling, and shopping. This year, however, doctor appointments, treatment side effects, and low energy may prevent that. Plan ahead for activities, giving yourself plenty of downtime. Setting realistic expectations and boundaries will help you to fully enjoy the things that do make it onto your calendar.
E Enlist Support. Delegation is a key success strategy taught by leadership experts, and it can help you, too! Ask family and friends to help with cooking, decorating, shopping, and gift-wrapping. Letting someone else do the heavy lifting of holiday activities is a great way to spend time with them and get things done without wearing yourself out.
A Adjust Traditions. It’s okay if traditions need to change while you’re undergoing cancer treatment. Let this be an opportunity to enjoy a quiet, more introspective holiday. You may even discover new traditions that you’d like to carry forward in years to come.
C Celebrate Your Strengths. Many individuals and families discover strengths they didn’t know they had when going through a cancer journey. Don’t downplay what you’ve accomplished. You are a survivor and a thriver!
E Engage in Simple Pleasures. In our culture, we tend to want to “go big or go home.” There is value, however, in the simple, delicate joys of life. A cup of herbal tea and a book under the holiday lights. Enjoying the children’s antics from a spot on the sidelines. Unhurried conversations. The smell of pine, woodfire, and baking. Some call it “mindfulness” or “being present.” Whatever you call it, it is good for the soul.
L Learn to Say No. You don’t have to go to every party, support every group, or attend every event—people will understand. If you aren’t up for hosting the meal this year or putting family members up in your home, be clear and firm. They can (and will) figure something out. Your loved ones don’t want to cause you additional stress, but they might not know what you need unless you tell them.
O Open a Dialogue with Your Provider. If you have holiday plans, ask to schedule treatments and other appointments around them. Don’t forget to take into consideration how you might feel the evening or day after a treatment. It’s okay to make space around important events. Your providers will do their best to be flexible.
V Validate Your Feelings. Give yourself permission to feel and express your feelings, whatever they are. Joy, fear, sadness, pain—these are all normal and okay. Let yourself laugh or cry. Tears can bring a sense of relief. Laughter can be relaxing. Sharing how you feel with someone else can bring comfort.
E Encourage Reflection. Holidays are a season of reflection. Embrace this moment and look back at what brought you to it. Has your cancer journey taught you anything about the people, places, and responsibilities in your life? Have you learned anything about yourself? Can you use that knowledge to make your life better moving forward? What do you still hope to learn?
J Join the online shopping movement. The internet has officially given you permission to avoid crowds, exhaustion, and potential exposure while you are going through cancer treatment. While a quick trip to a local shop probably won’t be too taxing, hitting the malls and big retailers can be. Put on some holiday music while you browse the online marketplace, and let’s be grateful for technology!
O Opt for Distractions. If the holidays are a difficult time for you because of cancer or other personal reasons, distractions can be a good way to cope. Binge a TV show or movie marathon, plan and fix a fancy dinner, watch sports, play cards with friends, catch up on your reading, or take a drive or walk to look at holiday lights.
Y “You” Time. With all of the hustle and bustle, don’t forget to focus on yourself. Eat balanced meals. Make time to exercise and get fresh air. Physical activity is a great way to release tension. Indulge in self care like taking a bath, getting a massage or pedicure, and treating yourself to a tasty treat now and again.
The holiday season is a time of sharing, tradition and renewal of hope. That doesn’t change when you have cancer, but it may need to adjust. Whatever your holidays bring this year, we wish you peace, love, joy, and beautiful new memories.
Happy Holidays from all of us at Arizona Oncology!
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Research has made great strides surrounding the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Not counting non-melanoma skin cancers, lung cancer is the second most common cancer in both men and women. The American Cancer Society reports that the lifetime chance of developing lung cancer is 1 in 15 for men and 1 in 17 for women. For those who smoke, the risk is much higher.
Low Dose CT Scan for Lung Cancer Screening
Cancer is more treatable when caught early. Lung cancer often isn’t caught until it is well advanced, but low dose CT lung cancer screening (LDCT scan) is changing that. LDCT scans use 75% less radiation, require no needles, and have been shown to significantly lower lung cancer mortality in high-risk patients.
It’s not recommended for everyone, but you might be a candidate if you are 50 to 80 years old, if you smoke or who have quit within the past 15 years, or if you smoke heavily (or used to smoke heavily). Talk to your doctor about whether LDCT screening is right for you.
Immunotherapy for Lung Cancer Treatment
Immunotherapy medications leverage your immune system to fight lung cancer. Immunotherapy works by either boosting your immune system function or changing the way it works to target cancer cells.
Cancer cells can hide from your immune system, but proven immunotherapy drugs like Keytruda and Opdivo activate your immune system to identify hidden cancer cells. In recent years, these drugs have received approval to treat several types of lung cancer.
Targeted Therapies Protect Healthy Cells
Also called precision medicine, targeted therapies are medications designed to specifically attack cancer cells while bypassing healthy, normal cells. They may be used alone or in conjunction with traditional chemotherapy. Because they spare healthy cells, targeted therapies may produce fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy treatment.
Targeted therapies work by zeroing in on certain biomarkers (mutations, additions, deletions, or rearrangements in DNA) present in tumors. If tests reveal that your lung cancer contains biomarkers suited to targeted therapy, your doctor may recommend it.
Clinical trials for Improved Outcomes
Cancer research is constantly evolving. Clinical trials for lung cancer can provide patients with the opportunity for a better outcome and improved quality of life while helping to pave the way for tomorrow’s standard treatment protocols. Through our involvement in US Oncology Research, Arizona Oncology participates in clinical trials, bringing these leading-edge treatment options to patients right in their community, where they are close to family and friends.
Arizona Oncology’s Approach to Lung Cancer Treatment
When it comes to receiving a lung cancer diagnosis, it can take your breath away. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But don’t. The expert surgeons and caring nurses at Arizona Oncology can outline a path forward to help you breathe a little easier along this journey. For more information about our compassionate, team-oriented approach, visit https://arizonaoncology.com/lung-cancer-oncology-treatment/.
