May 4, 2024 | Southern Arizona
Summer sun safety means you should focus on safe, outdoor fun while you protect your skin from damage, including dry and itchy skin, sunburns and skin cancer. Arizona typically receives 360 hours of sunshine in September, so you have plenty of opportunities to be outside. With a little planning, you can enjoy the summer sun and protect your skin at the same time.
Why is Sun Safety Important?
You might not think about it, but your skin is the body’s largest organ. It’s exposed to conditions that other organs are not because it’s on the outside instead of the inside of your body. This makes your skin vulnerable to weather and the environment, including sunlight.
While skin cancer can appear anywhere, not just the areas that were sunburned previously, some of the most common places include your face, scalp, neck, ears, lips, and the backs of your hands. Since skin cancer can be a result of sun exposure over a long period of time, not just a one-time sunburn, it is important to always practice sun safety.
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), every year about 5.4 million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer including basal cell skin cancer, squamous cell skin cancer, and melanoma. Melanoma—the deadliest form of skin cancer—is more often related to intense exposure and sunburn.
Is Sun Safety for Everyone?
Yes! If you have light skin, your hair is red or blonde or you sunburn easily, you have a higher risk of developing skin cancer. But people with darker skin can and do get skin cancer. ACS-funded skin cancer researchers have found that people with dark hair and dark eyes who have a gene mutation called MC1R also have a higher chance of developing melanoma if they don’t take precautions in the sun. Even if you have dark skin or tan easily, you must keep your skin safe.
Common Misbeliefs About Sun Safety
- Skin Cancer Risk Myth 1: You don’t have to worry about your skin unless you’re outside for a long time.
Reality: Even if you’re only in the sun for a few minutes at a time, you can get sunburned. Use sunscreen of at least SPF 30 all over every day, paying close attention to areas that often get exposed to the sun such as hands, arms, and face. Read more about choosing the right sunscreen for you in our blog on how to read a sunscreen label.
- Skin Cancer Risk Myth 2: Waterproof sunscreen will last all day.
Reality: Many sunscreen bottles say they’re water resistant. That means it will wear off when you get wet. This includes any activities that involve water but sunscreen can also be worn off just by sweating. If you’re outside, you should reapply every 90 minutes to two hours and right after sweating or swimming.
- Skin Cancer Risk Myth 3: Clothing will protect your skin from the sun.
Reality: While it’s a good idea to stay covered while in the sun, you should also make sure that the clothes have a tight weave so the rays won’t go through the fabric as easily. Also look for darker or bright colors and/or fabric that has been specially treated to block sunlight.
- Skin Cancer Risk Myth 4: If you get a “base tan” you don’t have to worry as much about getting a sunburn.
Reality: Many people think that getting in some tanning bed sessions will make it so that they don’t get a sunburn once they’re outside. The ACS has confirmed that the UV rays used in tanning beds are just as damaging as UV rays you’re exposed to outside. Not only can you get sunburned from the tanning bed, it is also causing as much damage to your skin as being outside with no sun protection.
- Skin Cancer Risk Myth 5: You only have to be concerned about sun exposure between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.
Reality: The sun is strongest during those hours, but anytime you’re out in the sun you need to be careful – especially in the Arizona sun!
Steps to Stay Sun-Safe and Avoid Skin Cancer
The American Cancer Society has a fun way for you to remember how to stay safe in the sun. If you’re going outside, “Slip, Slop, Slap, and Wrap.” This means:
- Slip on a shirt.
- Slop on sunscreen.
- Slap on a hat.
- Wrap on sunglasses.
Watch out for changes in your skin like raised red patches, pink growths or flat areas that look like scars. If you find any of these, talk to your doctor. Have fun in the sun, but remember to stay sun-safe!
Originally posted in 2017, updated in 2024.
May 3, 2024 | Southern Arizona
Did you know that exercise is one of the most important actions you can take during your cancer treatment? It’s true!
New research has shown that exercise before, during, and after cancer treatments can:
- Help alleviate side effects of cancer treatment, such as fatigue, pain, and bone and muscle loss
- Fuel your appetite
- Improve your quality of life by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression
- Reduce the risk of cancer recurrence
- Help sustain your heart health
- Maintain or improve your physical abilities
- Boost your self-image and confidence
- Help control your weight
This doesn’t mean cancer patients shouldn’t take time to rest. It simply means that adding some form of regular exercise to your daily life–even during cancer treatments–can be a wise move in improving your cancer care.
How much exercise is too much?
An exercise program should be based on what’s safe and effective for the cancer patient. It should also be something that’s enjoyable. Since certain factors like the type and stage of your cancer or the amount of stamina you have may limit what you can handle, you may want to talk with your oncologist(s) before beginning a specific exercise regimen.
For cancer survivors (those who are no longer receiving treatment), The American Cancer Society recommends aiming for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity five days a week. Strength training should account for at least two of those days. Start slowly and progress incrementally. As you get stronger, try to increase the amount of time you spend exercising as well as the intensity of your activities.
Patients currently going through cancer treatment should never push themselves. Talking with your cancer specialist is a good way to set guidelines on an acceptable amount of exercise.
Getting Started
It’s important to remember that you can do this! Even a little exercise is better than no exercise, so start slowly and be consistent.
Some ways you can be more physically active throughout and after your cancer treatment according to The American Cancer Society may include:
- Taking the stairs instead of the elevator
- Going dancing
- Weeding the garden
- Mowing the grass
- Playing active games with children such as freeze tag or jump rope
- Walking or biking to your destination
- Working out to a DVD or doing stretches and weight-lifting while watching TV
To avoid boredom, vary your routine or exercise with a friend.
Remember, only do what you can handle. While the goal is to be more active, it is important to keep it safe, fun, and manageable.
The sooner you start exercising, the better you’ll feel.
Sources:
Originally posted in 2018, updated in 2024.
Apr 18, 2024 | Southern Arizona
Chances are you or someone you know has a close relative or friend that has been impacted by breast cancer and they may even be receiving breast cancer treatment at one of our clinics. Busting these common myths about breast cancer can help you be informed about what’s real when it comes to this disease.
Breast Cancer Myth 1: Breast cancer only occurs in women.
Though it is true more women are affected by breast cancer, it still can and does occur in men. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, over 2,800 men are diagnosed annually with breast cancer. It is important that a man who notices any changes in male breast tissue, including a hard lump underneath the areola or nipple, immediately follow up with his primary care physician.
Breast Cancer Myth 2: A lump in the breast is always cancer.
There are actually many potential causes of a lump in the breast, most of which are not breast cancer. These include the natural changes that occur with aging or any sort of trauma, such as a physical blow, that happened while you were younger. However, it is still important to follow up with your physician if you do notice a lump or change in breast tissue. Being proactive is the best way to detect cancer early, so if it is the reason for your lump, you can be referred to a breast cancer specialist as soon as possible.
Breast Cancer Myth 3: Most breast cancer is genetic.
Only 5 to 10% of breast cancers are thought to result from genetics.It’s not scientifically clear why some women develop breast cancer who are at low risk while some who are at high risk do not. But we do know that most breast cancers are not caused by a hereditary factor. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, only 5 to 10% of breast cancers are thought to result from genetics.
There are some risk factors that, if controlled, can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. This can be done by maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking and keeping daily alcohol consumption to a minimum.
Breast Cancer Myth 4: Breast cancer is contagious.
Very few cancers arise from contagious factors, such as the HPV virus, and breast cancer is not one of them. Breast cancer is the result of cells that have mutated and are growing uncontrollably in breast tissue. It is not contagious and cannot be spread to another person by physical contact, saliva, or any other physical means.
Breast Cancer Myth 5: Deodorant and antiperspirants cause breast cancer.
The National Cancer Institute states that there is no conclusive evidence to show a link between antiperspirant or deodorant use and the development of breast cancer. This means they have reviewed studies that have claimed there is a link and decided there was no sufficient evidence and have also reviewed studies that have failed to demonstrate any link between the two.
Related reading: 12 Common Myths About Cancer
Breast Cancer Myth 6: Mammograms can make breast cancer spread.
Some people believe mammograms will cause breast cancer to spread because of the radiation or from the physical compression of the tumor. Neither of these things is true. In fact, mammograms are one of the reasons that deaths from breast cancer have declined, thanks to their ability to detect breast cancer in its early stages when it is more treatable. The patient can be referred to a breast cancer doctor quickly for treatment. While mammograms do deliver a small amount of radiation, the benefit of annual mammograms in women after age 40 outweighs the potential risks. If you still have concerns regarding mammogram screening, be sure to discuss them with your physician, who can help explain why he or she feels mammograms are appropriate for you.
Knowledge Equals Awareness
It’s great that you have taken the time to read about some common breast cancer myths and clear up any misconceptions about breast cancer that you may have had. Many people have heard these myths and have no reason to believe otherwise.
Originally posted in 2018, updated in 2024.
Apr 3, 2024 | Southern Arizona
If your oncologist told you there was something safe, free, beneficial and often enjoyable you could do to improve mental and physical health while you undergo active cancer treatment, you might enthusiastically agree right away. Or, you might be skeptical. The good news is that research shows there is such an activity: Exercise!
It’s true that cancer patients grappling with the tolls of radiation and chemotherapy typically don’t make exercise a priority. They can feel physically and mentally exhausted by their cancer treatment regimens. Ironically, if you push through your initial exhaustion, you may discover exercise gives you an abundance of energy, as well as several other benefits. Two studies focusing on breast cancer patients and one on prostate cancer patients showed that exercising during active cancer treatment often yields measurable benefits.
Researchers Study Breast Cancer Patients
It’s well-documented that exercise is beneficial to health. But does it provide extra benefits for individuals undergoing breast cancer treatment? Two studies conclude that for many patients, it does. In the first study, published in the Journal of Community and Supportive Oncology, researchers analyzed the results of 17 clinical trials involving nearly 1,200 breast cancer patients who participated in regular exercise regimens.
Patients participating in aerobic exercises (walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, etc.) experienced marked improvements in quality of life, sleep quality, self-worth, behavior, social well-being, metabolism and aerobic fitness. Patients participating in resistance training (weights, resistance bands, squats, etc.) experienced marked improvements in strength, lean body mass and loss of body fat, and slight improvements in quality of life, fatigue, cognitive function and depression.
Another promising study reported in the Supportive Care and Cancer journal followed 27 breast cancer patients undergoing treatment. The women followed a moderate resistance-training regimen for six months. None of the women developed lymphedema, which is a common side effect of breast cancer treatment.
Researchers Study Prostate Cancer Patients
A third study compared 32 prostate cancer patients participating in a combined aerobic exercise and strength training regimen with a control group of patients not exercising. After three months, the men who exercised during prostate cancer treatment were able to walk much faster than the control group and scored higher on lift-and-carry benchmark tests. The men who exercised also lost, on average, more than four pounds, shed body fat, and reported improvements in quality of life.
Exercise: Little Downside Potentially Huge Upside
Every individual and every cancer patient’s situation is different. Generally, though, experts agree that mild to moderate physical activity offers myriad potential benefits for individuals being treated for cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, exercise may:
- Prevent unwanted weight gain
- Boost mood and energy
- Ward off depression and anxiety
- Improve blood flow
- Lessen nausea
- Lower the risk of heart disease
- Prevent muscle atrophy
- Restore mobility, including the ability to do day to day activities
- Improve patients’ optimism and quality of life
Additionally, multiple studies have concluded that regular exercise may reduce the likelihood of cancer recurrence and increase long-term survival rates.
Considerations Before Beginning an Exercise Regimen
The research is clear: Exercise has little to no downside and potentially a huge upside for patients being treated for cancer. In other words, if you’re a cancer patient and don’t currently exercise, it’s time to talk to your doctor! Taking into account the type and stage of cancer you have, the treatments you’re undergoing, and your physical stamina, strength and fitness level, your doctor should be able to tailor an exercise regimen that will be safe and, hopefully, beneficial to your physical and mental well-being or can refer you to a physical therapist with special expertise in oncology rehab.
Resources from Arizona Oncology
Our team is committed to supporting you throughout your cancer experience. We coordinate and work with many foundations to help support your overall health needs. We’re here to answer questions and connect you with the resources you need, including exercise programs for cancer patients.
Originally posted in 2017. Updated in 2024.
Sources:
Mar 20, 2024 | Southern Arizona
(Note: The recommended age to begin colon cancer screening for those at normal risk as been changed to 45.)
I recently turned 50 which meant it was time for my first colonoscopy. Colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths and generally when caught early, has a good cancer prognosis. Yet, in 2021, 29% of adults age 50 and older had not had a colonoscopy to screen for colon cancer! However, getting your first colonoscopy doesn’t have to be scary, and you can prep to make the procedure go as smoothly as possible.
Here’s what I learned from my first colonoscopy:
- Know the colon health of your relatives; if there is a family history of colon cancer, your first colonoscopy might be before the recommended age of 45. Find out more about genetic testing and counseling.
- Read and re-read the prep instructions to avoid having the procedure canceled or repeated.
- Gather supplies days in advance. The supplies that will help you prepare for your colonoscopy include plush toilet paper, wipes, and a special drink to clean out your colon. A&D ointment can prevent a “sore” rear. Also, choose a variety of clear liquids that you will drink.
- Make sure you arrange transportation because you can’t drive yourself home.
- Plan your meals. In the days before your procedure, avoid high residue foods like beans, meat, grains, nuts, popcorn, fruits and vegetables which take longer to digest/remove, and can prevent clear visualization of the colon. Avoid foods and liquids that are red, purple or orange. Your prep instructions will include information on all of this.
- For your prep, you’ll need to clear your schedule and secure a toilet. Occupy your time and mind; binge-watch a TV series!
- None of us experience the prep the same way. Your bowels could start moving right away or take several hours. You’ll experience diarrhea and may have nausea, bloating, and feel cold. It’s important to complete the prep. Your stools should be light yellow and without particles. You’ll get tired, maybe up late and might get a headache from not eating.
- Dress comfortably on the day of your procedure, allowing for bloating. When you resume eating, avoid heavy meals and foods that increase gas. Walk frequently to rid the gas. Take a nap.
- Your bowels may not be normal for a few days.
The colonoscopy itself was quick and painless. The nicest compliment you can receive for your efforts is that your colon was clean as a whistle.
Not all colon cancers can be prevented but the colonoscopy can save lives; it can find and remove polyps before becoming cancer. On any given day, I would rather have a colonoscopy than to prepare for colon cancer treatments.
Originally posted in 2018, updated in 2024.
Mar 2, 2024 | Southern Arizona
Originally posted March 2012
More than two million people in the United States will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year. It is the most common form of cancer in this country, but it is also one of the most preventable. As part of Skin Cancer Awareness Month in May, Arizona Oncology reminds the community about the importance of protecting their skin from the sun and other sources of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
UV rays are invisible to the naked eye and are more intense in the summer, at higher altitudes, and in areas closer to the equator. Overexposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun causes sunburn (erythema), skin cancer, premature aging (skin wrinkling), cataracts (gradual clouding of the lens of the eye), immune system suppression, DNA damage and dilated blood vessels.
The most important way for a person to lower his or her risk for skin cancer is to avoid exposure to UV radiation, either from the sun or other sources, such as tanning lamps. The American Cancer Society recommends the following practices for sun safety:
- Protect skin with clothing, such as long sleeve shirts and hats with broad brim.
- Avoid being outdoors when the ultraviolet light is strongest, particularly between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
- Seek shade
- Use sunscreen and lip balm with an SPF of 15 or more on areas of the skin exposed to the sun. Products should be used on hazy or overcast days as well.
- Wear wrap-around sunglasses with at least 99 percent UV absorption to provide the best protection for the eyes and the skin around the eyes.
- Avoid other sources of UV lights, such as tanning beds and sun lamps.
- Protect children from the sun by using the same precautions as adults.
As a community-based cancer care provider throughout Arizona, Arizona Oncology helps cancer patients and their families access a full range of advanced cancer care services in an environment that allows patients to remain close to their homes and their support network of family and friends. Through its affiliation with The US Oncology Network, one of the nation’s largest healthcare services networks dedicated exclusively to cancer treatment and research, Arizona Oncology can quickly bring the latest advances in therapies, research and technology to where patients live. As a result, patients access the best possible treatment with the least amount of disruption to their daily lives.
United In Healing
Arizona Oncology is united in healing with The US Oncology Network. Every day, The Network helps over 2,400 providers deliver value-based, integrated cancer care to patients―close to home. We enable value-based cancer care through an integrated and supportive network that helps comprehensive cancer centers maintain their independence and prosper in today’s evolving healthcare landscape. For more information, visit www.usoncology.com or arizonaoncology.com.
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