What is the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout? It’s an annual event, held the third Thursday of every November, a date on which smokers nationwide are asked to give up smoking. Quitting for just one day helps you take action toward a healthier life, and reduce your lung cancer risk.
Each year, the Great American Smokeout calls attention to the deaths, lung cancer diagnoses and other chronic diseases that smoking causes, and how to prevent them. As a result of this event, there have been actions taken towards reducing the health impacts that smoking can have on smokers and non-smokers including:
Many states and local governments have banned smoking in restaurants, public spaces, and workplaces.
Increased taxes on cigarettes
Limiting of cigarette advertisements and product placements.
Each of these elements is reason enough to hold the Great American Smokeout. However, the event also helps smokers to make a plan to quit smoking and serves as an access point to information on the many tools that are available to help you eliminate the habit from your life. Of course, quitting isn’t easy. And it’s hard to do it alone. But, you don’t have to.
Ways to Quit Smoking
Get help from stop-smoking support groups
Seek Counseling
Enlist the support of family members and friends
Utilize available nicotine replacement products and/or prescription medicine designed to reduce the craving for tobacco
Follow stop-smoking guidebooks
Use stop-smoking phone support hotlines
Join online support groups
Combining at least two of these practices supports works better than using just one alone, and some people may find it best to use as many as four.
But while quitting smoking may be a challenge, you’ll find that eliminating smoking from your life offers a wide array of health benefits, too, some of which you may feel almost immediately.
Just 12 hours after you quit smoking, the level of carbon monoxide in your blood drops to normal.
Timeline of Health Benefits When you Quit Smoking
20 minutes: Within 20 minutes of stopping smoking, your heart rate and blood pressure will drop.
12 hours: In half a day, the level of carbon monoxide in your blood drops to normal.
1 to 9 months: Your shortness of breath and coughing decreases.
2 to 3 months: Your circulation improves and lung function increases.
12 months: One year after you quit smoking, your risk of a heart attack dramatically drops. Excess risk of coronary heart disease will be half of someone who continues to smoke.
2-5 years: Your risk of stroke can drop to that of a non-smoker.
5 years: As time goes on, your health benefits will continue to increase. According to the U.S. Surgeon General’s Report and the World Health Organization, after five years tobacco-free, the risk of mouth cancer, throat cancer, bladder cancer, and esophageal cancer is cut in half. The risk of women developing cervical cancer drops to that of a non-smoker.
10 years: Your risk of dying from lung cancer falls to half the risk of a person still smoking; the risk of pancreatic cancer and cancer of the larynx – your voice box – also decreases.
15 years: Your risk of coronary heart disease is now that of a non-smoker.
Quitting tobacco also results in other health benefits: the risk of diabetes is lowered and your blood vessels, heart, and lungs all work more effectively. Smokers live 10 years less than non-smokers, but by quitting smoking before age 40, your risk of dying from diseases related to smoking decreases by a whopping 90%!
Convinced?
Want to participate in the Great American Smokeout? Here’s how: take that all important step toward a much healthier life by making a plan to quit smoking on November 21st. If you are local to Arizona, Ashline is Arizona’s smoker helpline which provides free guidance to help your quit using tobacco. The program includes counseling sessions, educational materials, and a 24-hour helpline. Their 24/7 toll-free number is 1-800-55-66-222. If you are not local, most states have a similar program.
On October 27th, 2023, we held the ribbon-cutting for our brand-new facility in Prescott. Located at 5430 Landmark Lane, this 23,000 square foot practice will provide chemotherapy, diagnostic imaging, genomic testing, and more in one location. By expanding the current Prescott office with this brand-new facility, our aim is to bring advanced cancer treatment closer to patients’ homes and support systems. And we’re so excited to show it to you!
Here’s a view of the building from the outside. The project was realized through the collaboration of NexCore Group with McKesson and US Oncology.
And here’s the reception area, all decked out for our ribbon-cutting event. This will be the waiting area for patients and their families and caregivers.
There was also a delicious spread and music. That’s guitarist Michael Lucarelli.
Guests were able to tour the inside of the facility with its open-concept infusion area and large windows for a brighter, more expansive feel. The new facility will include a 36-chair infusion area, 17 medical and radiation oncology exam rooms, a PET-CT imaging room, brand new Mobile PET/CT, and an outdoor patio space. Future additions will include two linear accelerators for external beam radiation treatments and HDR.
During our event, a number of community members and stakeholders spoke to the crowd. From left to right, speakers included Emcee John Manning, Branch Manager of PNC Bank, Prescott Mayor Phil Goode, Dr. Hamarneh, McKesson Senior Vice President and General Manager of Practice Management Chad Warnick, and NexCore Senior Vice President of Design and Construction Rob Stieg.
Dr. Hamarneh thanked everyone involved for their role in the opening of this new center, which he described as “not just the completion of a building but a profound commitment to the health and well-being of the Prescott community.”
“I want to take a moment to express our gratitude to the architects, engineers, construction workers, and everyone who braved the Northern Arizona elements and worked tirelessly to build this remarkable facility. Your dedication and hard work have not only resulted in a state-of-the-art building but a sanctuary of care and support during one of life’s most challenging journeys,” he said.
“And to the incredible staff who will walk through these doors daily, I want to offer you this:
You are the heart and soul of this institution. Your tireless efforts and dedication, day in and day out, will make the Prescott Cancer Center a place of comfort and strength for our patients,” Dr. Hamarneh continued.
Some of those staff were here at the event, along with Dr. Hamarneh’s family and many patients and members of the community.
Radiation oncologist, Dr. Robert Gin made an appearance, too! And so did the Prescott Regulators’ “Shady Ladies.”
Then it was time to cut the ribbon.
Dr. Hamarneh gets ready…
And there it goes!
We closed out the evening under a gorgeous Northern Arizona sky.
It is our hope and wish that this new facility helps to make cancer care accessible to patients and their families in the Prescott area. This building will not only alleviate the burden of travel but also foster a supportive and collaborative environment for patients throughout their cancer journey. It is another step in our journey to help Arizonians thrive with and beyond cancer.
Head and neck cancers are a group of cancers that originate from the base of skull to the clavicles. It comprises diverse diagnoses of cancers that begin in the sinuses, throat, mouth, salivary glands, and larynx. Cancers in this region have a variety of causes including use of alcohol and tobacco. Head and neck cancers often present as a lump or sore that does not go away. It can be painful or painless. In some cases, the mass can cause difficulty swallowing or even breathing and may cause a hoarse voice. There are many non-malignant causes of these symptoms and concerned patients should be evaluated by a physician or dentist.
Diagnosis
A biopsy is necessary for the definitive diagnosis of cancer and provides information about the cancer which can inform treatment decisions. Once a diagnosis has been made, careful examination is undertaken to determine the extent (or stage) of the cancer. The staging process can include examination under anesthesia, various imaging modalities, and laboratory studies. The result of staging is our best determination of the local extent of the tumor (T stage), the extent of involvement of regional lymph nodes (N stage), and whether the cancer has spread distantly through the blood to other organs (M stage).
Treatment Options
Treatment options for cancers of the head and neck include surgery, radiotherapy, or systemic therapy (including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or other targeted drug therapy). Patients may receive one, two, or a combination of all three treatment modalities. Ultimately, treatment recommendations are dependent on the goal of therapy, the site of origin, the biology of the cancer, and the stage.
Surgery is often employed when we believe that all malignant tissue can be safely separated from healthy tissue. Radiation therapy uses the fact that healthy tissue is able to repair small amounts of radiation damage while cancer cells cannot. As such, we are able to deliver repeated radiation doses to eliminate cancer cells from tissue that is not easily removed by a surgeon. Chemotherapy is used in low doses to augment radiation therapy or as monotherapy in the treatment of metastatic disease.
A rising number of patients are being diagnosed with head and neck cancers associated with human papilloma virus (HPV) infection. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. There is no cure for HPV but the majority clear infection. It is not clear why some can get rid of HPV infection, while others cannot. A few high-risk strains, primarily HPV-16, can cause persistent infection and ultimately lead to malignancy.
HPV is associated with head and neck, cervical, vaginal, vulvar and anal cancers. The risk factors for HPV-associated head and neck cancers are similar to cervical cancers—multiple sexual partners, a younger age for the first sexual encounter, oral sex and genital warts. Prophylactic HPV vaccines can prevent infections and thus resultant tumors from HPV vaccine viruses. However, the vaccine is only effective if given before infection occurs. Thus, HPV vaccination is recommended in early adolescence before sexual exposure.
The incidence of HPV-associated head and neck cancers has been increasing over the years. HPV-positive head and neck cancers, particularly arising in the base of the tongue and in the tonsillar region, are typically seen in younger people without significant alcohol or tobacco abuse. These tumors behave aggressively with earlier and more extensive lymph node involvement. However, the prognosis of HPV-positive head and neck cancers is significantly better compared to HPV-negative cancers. This is attributed to the different biology of HPV-positive cancers.
Multiple clinical trials are currently underway to optimize treatments for HPV-positive head and neck cancers, with an emphasis on treatment de-escalation to minimize long term treatment related complications without compromising efficacy and prognosis.
Cancer researchers from Johns Hopkins have concluded that some patients may develop colon cancer due to two specific digestive bacteria that form a film on the colon. According to the study paper, which was published December 2015 in Science magazine, these two types of bacteria invade the protective mucous layer of the colon and create a small ecosystem, including nutrients the bacteria need to survive, causing chronic inflammation and subsequent DNA damage that supports tumor formation. These findings also seem to add to the growing evidence that gut bacteria is more influential on our immune system than we may realize.
The two bacteria the doctors found are known as Bacteroides fragilis and Escherichia coli (or E. coli). The B. fragilis strain, called ETBF, appears to cause inflammation in the colon, while the E. coli strain causes DNA mutations.
Also, the bacteria was linked to patients without a family history of colon cancer. Cancers such as these–where there is no genetic tie–are known as sporadic cancers. Only 5-10% of cancers are considered heredity, meaning the remaining 90-95% are considered sporadic.
What does this mean for colon cancer treatment?
Knowing that the presence of these bacteria may put someone at a higher risk of developing colon cancer may make it possible to screen earlier and monitor those who are found to have them in their digestive tract. Determining whether both of these bacteria are present may require only a simple and painless stool test.
Better Strategies to Reduce the Risk of Colon Cancer
While it’s impossible to completely eliminate these bacteria, there are things you can do to reduce the likelihood that this combination of bacteria will grow in your colon. Two strategies that may help reduce the risk of developing colon cancer in the future may include:
Targeted antibiotics and probiotics. Both of these are two possibilities that could be beneficial in promoting healthy bacteria to chase away the harmful bacteria in the colon. Since antibiotics can damage both good and bad bacteria, taking a probiotic with it can help replenish the good bacteria and restore balance to your system. Probiotics can also be taken even if you are not taking an antibiotic. It is always best to talk with a qualified professional before adding a probiotic to your regimen.
Eating a diet rich with gut healing properties. Certain foods can be helpful in reducing the risk of colon cancer and other types of cancers as well. Gut-healing foods typically fall under two categories: probiotic foods and prebiotic foods.
Probiotic foods – Contain live bacteria, and include foods such as plain, low-fat yogurt (preferably organic), kefir (a yogurt-like drink), kombucha tea, and fermented vegetables like sauerkraut and kimchi.
Prebiotic foods – Feed the bacteria in your gut so they can grow and repopulate, include whole grains, oatmeal, soy beans, garlic, fruits and vegetables (like bananas, onions, and asparagus).
Currently, colonoscopies are the standard of care for monitoring the formation of precancerous tumors, called polyps. According to the study, however, adding a stool analysis to the screening process could provide an opportunity for an earlier and less-invasive way to intervene before the bacteria take over the colon. Although this isn’t a cure, it will make an impact on how colon cancer is detected.
A variety of studies have shown that an occasional glass of red wine has been demonstrated to have a positive effect on heart health. Also, beer has been linked to “some benefit against cardiovascular disease”, according to a study published in the peer-reviewed journal Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases. And, at least one study by the European Journal of Cancer Prevention suggests alcohol could reduce the risk of Hodgkin lymphoma.
However, before you pop a cork and say “Cheers” this holiday season, there are some cancer-related risks you should be aware of. A growing number of studies suggest concerning links between the development of certain types of cancers and alcohol consumption.
Alcohol: A “Known and Probable Human Carcinogen”
Cancer occurs when changes occur to a cell’s DNA. Some changes occur as a result of hereditary factors, but other changes occur after the body is exposed to environmental factors. These introduced environmental factors don’t always cause cancer, but certain outside exposures and substances can contribute to the development of cancer. These are called carcinogens.
Carcinogens will not cause cancer in every case of exposure; however, they make it easier for cancer to develop over time. For example, it’s common knowledge that tobacco smoke is a carcinogen. Not every smoker will develop cancer, but they are all at a higher risk after exposure to the chemicals in cigarettes.
If you drink alcohol it’s not a surety that you’ll develop cancer. But the National Cancer Institute states there is evidence that the more alcohol a person drinks, regularly over time, the higher their risk of developing an alcohol-associated cancer.
Your Risks Increase With The More Alcohol You Drink
According to the National Cancer Institute, clear patterns are associated with alcohol consumption and the development of the following types of cancers:
Breast Cancer
Colon Cancer
Esophageal Cancer
Head and Neck Cancers
Liver Cancer
Other types of cancers have been studied for links to alcohol consumption and cancer as well. Currently there is no association between bladder cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer or uterine cancer; however, that may change in the future, with additional studies.
The American Cancer Society recommends drinking no more than two alcoholic drinks per day for men and no more than one per day for women.
The Sobering Conclusions of Alcohol Consumption
One study published in the American Journal of Public Health in 2013 concluded that alcohol consumption resulted in 3.2% – 3.7% of all cancer deaths in the United States. For women, the primary alcohol-related cancer resulting in death was breast cancer and in men, it was esophageal cancer or upper airway cancer. The study’s authors went on to conclude that “reducing alcohol consumption is an important and underemphasized cancer prevention strategy.”
Another study performed on behalf of the Komen Foundation looked at nearly 100 breast cancer patients and concluded that consuming one or more alcoholic beverages per day increases the risk of developing breast cancer. Alcohol drinkers were 11% more likely to develop breast cancer than non-drinkers.
How Much Alcohol Should You Consume?
The American Cancer Society recommends drinking no more than two alcoholic drinks per day for men and no more than one per day for women. This is in line with the amounts of alcohol shown to reduce the risk of heart disease.
The drink limit is lower for women because they typically have smaller bodies that tend to break down alcohol more slowly. The ACS does not recommend saving your week’s worth of drinks for one day of the week.
If you or a loved one is struggling to control the amount of alcohol being consumed each day it may be best to seek assistance through a local organization.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in the United States. Annually, there are more than 5.4 million new cases of non-melanoma skin cancers. While there are fewer cases of melanoma, the incidence of this cancer is on the rise. Many of these cancers can be prevented by protecting skin from excessive sun exposure and avoiding indoor tanning. Read more about skin cancer prevention tips.
Risk factors
Exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or tanning beds
Skin & hair color: People with fair skin, freckling or red or blond hair have a higher risk
Moles: Certain types of moles and large number of moles increase a person’s chance of getting melanoma
Age: Chances of being diagnosed with skin cancer increase with age
Gender: Men have a higher risk of developing skin cancer than women
Asymmetry-half of the mole does not match the other half
Border irregularity or edges which are ragged or notched
Color is not the same all over; may be brown, blue, red, or white
Diameter is wider than about . inch
Evolving-mole continues to change in shape, color, size or doesn’t heal
Screening
Skin cancer screening starts with you. You should regularly examine your skin to notice changes. If changes are found that do not go away, you should contact your primary care physician or dermatologist for a professional assessment. When signs and symptoms of cancer are found early, it may be easier to treat and prevent complications.
