Jan 12, 2023 | Southern Arizona
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 with Dr. Nagaiah, 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 we at Arizona Oncology embrace new technology,” said Govardhanan Nagaiah, MD, medical oncologist and hematologist working out of our Goodyear office. “All of our patients get next generation sequencing, all of our patients have access to state-of-the-art clinical trials, all of our patients have access to state-of-the-art radiation oncology.”
The next generation sequencing Dr. Nagaiah is referring to 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.”
Jan 8, 2023 | Southern Arizona
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.
Dec 18, 2022 | Southern Arizona
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.
Related reading: Breast Cancer Misconceptions
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.
Dec 7, 2022 | Southern Arizona
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!
Nov 14, 2022 | Southern Arizona
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/.
Oct 12, 2022 | Southern Arizona
While certain cancers such as brain tumors are viewed as equally affecting men and women alike, other cancers are seen as gender specific. For instance, prostate cancer is identified as a type of cancer that only affects men for the simple reason that women do not have prostates. Breast cancer is widely recognized as being a common type of cancer that affects women. However, what isn’t talked about as much is the fact that breast cancer affects men as well. Let’s take a closer look at the signs, symptoms, risk factors, screening, and treatment options available for male breast cancer.
Can Men Get Breast Cancer?
As mentioned above, men can most certainly develop breast cancer. But if men don’t have breasts, how can they have breast cancer?
It is true that men do not have breasts per se, but many people are surprised to find that the anatomy of the male breast is very similar to that of the female breast. The main difference is that male breasts aren’t as developed and prominent as female breasts but they still contain:
- Breast tissue
- Milk ducts
- Lobules
This means that technically, men have the parts necessary to produce milk. The driving force behind the ability to produce milk is the production of the hormone prolactin, which is found in very small levels in men. Even though men do not produce milk, this breast tissue can still develop breast cancer, just like any other type of cell in the body.
Related reading: Breast Cancer Myths
Common Types of Breast Cancer in Men
- Ductal Carcinoma – This is the most common type of breast cancer in men. It originates in the milk ducts.
- Lobular Carcinoma – This type of cancer begins in the milk-producing glands. It is a rare form of breast cancer in men because unlike women, men do not have many lobules.
- Inflammatory Breast Cancer – This type of cancer is characterized by cancer cells blocking the lymphatic vessels.
What Are the Symptoms of Breast Cancer in Men?
There are several signs and symptoms of breast cancer that men should be aware of. These include:
- Discharge from your nipple. Men do not have the ability to produce milk. For this reason, any discharge from the nipple is abnormal.
- Redness or scaling of your nipple
- Changes in the nipple’s position, such as it becoming inverted
- Changes to the skin over your breasts, such as redness, dimples, and scaling
- Lumps in the breast
- Crusting of the nipple
- Lump in the armpit
- Swollen breast
It is not likely that men will experience every single symptom. Different types of breast cancer present in different ways. It is best to contact your doctor if there are any changes in the nipple or chest area. The earlier breast cancer is caught, the better the treatment outcomes.
What Are the Risk Factors for Breast Cancer in Men?
There is not a definitive cause of breast cancer in men, which makes it impossible to prevent. However, there are several risk factors that put men at a higher risk of developing breast cancer:
- Age – According to the American Cancer Society, 72 is the average age of men who are diagnosed with breast cancer.
- Family history – If you have a family history of breast cancer, you are at higher risk of developing it yourself.
- Estrogen-containing medications – You are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer if you have taken drugs containing estrogen to treat illnesses such as prostate cancer.
- Klinefelter’s syndrome – This disease causes men to produce higher levels of estrogen, which increases the risk of developing breast cancer.
- Obesity – Men who are obese have increased levels of estrogen which, increases the risk of breast cancer.
- Surgery – Surgery involving testicles, puts you at a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
Any condition that causes a decrease in male hormones and an increase in female hormones increases your risk of developing breast cancer.
Screening for Male Breast Cancer
Men typically are not routinely screened for breast cancer like women are. However, it is recommended that men who are considered to be at a higher risk of breast cancer undergo routine screening. According to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, high-risk men should have an annual clinical breast exam every year and self- breast exams beginning at the age of 35.
If a suspicious lump is found, further testing such as mammograms, ultrasounds, MRIs, and blood chemistry profiles can be used to determine whether or not you have breast cancer. Your healthcare provider can review your medical history to determine whether or not you are at a higher risk of developing male breast cancer.
Does Treatment for Breast Cancer in Men Differ from Women?
Breast cancer in men is treated very similar to breast cancer in women who are in menopause. The recommended treatment plan is based on the stage of breast cancer. There are 5 main types of treatments used to treat male breast cancer. These include:
- Chemotherapy – the use of drugs to kill cancer cells and prevent them from dividing and spreading
- Hormone therapy – blocks the action of hormones, which stops the cancer cells from dividing
- Radiation therapy – uses x-rays to kill cancer cells and prevent their growth
- Targeted therapy – the use of drugs to target and kill cancer cells without damaging normal cells
- Surgery – removal of the affected areas, breast tissue, or both
Every case is different. Your breast cancer specialist will evaluate the type and stage of cancer to create a treatment plan that may include several of these treatments.
Being Proactive about Breast Cancer Screening is the Key
Experts agree that the earlier cancer is detected the higher the survival rate. Paying attention to your body, understanding the warning signs, and contacting your health care provider about any concerns you might have are the keys to catching male breast cancer in the earliest stage possible.
