Cancer Resources Archives - 4CancerWellness https://www.4cancerwellness.com/tag/cancer-resources/ Tue, 27 Jun 2023 16:51:26 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.7 https://www.4cancerwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/cropped-favicon-32x32.png Cancer Resources Archives - 4CancerWellness https://www.4cancerwellness.com/tag/cancer-resources/ 32 32 Resources on Supplements for Newly Diagnosed Cancer Patients https://www.4cancerwellness.com/2023/06/01/resources-on-supplements-for-newly-diagnosed-cancer-patients/ Thu, 01 Jun 2023 22:13:31 +0000 https://www.4cancerwellness.com/?p=10395 The post Resources on Supplements for Newly Diagnosed Cancer Patients appeared first on 4CancerWellness.

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As an oncologist, I have seen many patients who are looking for ways to support their cancer treatment with the use of supplements. While some supplements may provide benefits, it’s crucial to understand that not all supplements are created equal, and some may even interfere with your cancer treatment. In this article, I will discuss the importance of appropriate cancer supplements and provide some resources to help you make informed decisions.

Firstly, it’s essential to understand that supplements are not a substitute for cancer treatment. While some supplements may provide benefits, they cannot replace standard cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. It’s also important to be aware that newer treatments carry a lot less toxicity by targeting cancer rather than the individual or focus on the immune system, relying on an individual to kill the cancer instead of drugs.  Regardless, it’s important to discuss any supplements you are taking or considering with your healthcare provider before incorporating them into your treatment plan.

Secondly, it’s crucial to understand that not all supplements are safe for cancer patients. Some supplements may interact with cancer treatments and cause adverse effects. For example, some supplements may interfere with the effectiveness of chemotherapy, while others may increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. Again, please discuss any supplements you are taking or considering with your healthcare provider.

Thirdly, it’s essential to choose supplements that are backed by research and have been shown to provide benefits for cancer patients. Some supplements may provide benefits such as reducing inflammation, supporting immune function, and improving quality of life. However, it’s important to choose supplements that have been studied in clinical trials and have been shown to be safe and effective.

Here are some resources to help you make informed decisions about cancer supplements:

1) The National Cancer Institute‘s Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine (OCCAM) provides information and resources about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for cancer patients, including information about supplements.

2) The American Cancer Society provides information about CAM and cancer, including information about supplements and how they may interact with cancer treatment.

3) The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s About Herbs database provides evidence-based information about herbs, botanicals, and supplements commonly used by cancer patients.

4) The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) provides information about CAM and cancer, including information about supplements and how they may interact with cancer treatment.

5) The Cancer Treatment Centers of America provides information about supplements commonly used by cancer patients, including potential benefits, risks, and interactions with cancer treatment.

6) The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) offers information about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for cancer patients, including information about supplements.

7) The National Institute of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements provides information about dietary supplements, including potential benefits, risks, and interactions with cancer treatment.

8) The Society for Integrative Oncology offers resources and information about integrative oncology, including the use of supplements and other complementary therapies.

9) The Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians offers information about naturopathic medicine and cancer, including information about supplements commonly used by cancer patients.

10) The Integrative Medicine Program at the University of Michigan offers information about integrative medicine and cancer, including information about supplements and other complementary therapies.

 

It’s important to note that these concerns are not exhaustive, and each patient may have unique questions and needs. Therefore, it’s essential to have open and honest communication with healthcare professionals to address specific concerns and develop a personalized care plan.

By consulting reliable resources and discussing any supplements you are taking or considering with your healthcare provider, you can make informed decisions about how to support your cancer treatment and improve your quality of life. Remember that supplements are not a substitute for cancer treatment, and it’s essential to work with your healthcare team to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs and circumstances.

– Dr. John Haluschak, Oncologist & 4CancerWellness Founder

Dr. John Haluschak, CEO & Founder

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]]> How Activity Reduces One’s Risk of Cancer https://www.4cancerwellness.com/2022/10/14/how-activity-reduces-ones-risk-of-cancer/ Fri, 14 Oct 2022 16:00:35 +0000 https://www.4cancerwellness.com/?p=3924 The post How Activity Reduces One’s Risk of Cancer appeared first on 4CancerWellness.

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The National Cancer Institute released an article concerning this regard. They say, “exercise has many biological effects on the body, some of which have been proposed to explain associations with specific cancers. These include:

  • Lowering the levels of sex hormones, such as estrogen, and growth factors that have been associated with cancer development and progression
  • Preventing high blood levels of insulin, which has been linked to cancer development and progression
  • Reducing inflammation
  • Improving immune system function
  • Altering the metabolism of bile acids, decreasing exposure of the gastrointestinal tract to these suspected carcinogens
  • Reducing the time it takes for food to travel through the digestive system, which decreases gastrointestinal tract exposure to possible carcinogens
  • Helping to prevent obesity, which is a risk factor for many cancers”

Is Physical Activity Beneficial to Cancer Patients/Survivors?

Yes. In a report titled, Exercise Guidelines for Cancer Survivors, KL Campbell et al. explains, “that exercise training and testing are generally safe for cancer survivors and that every survivor should maintain some level of physical activity.” In addition, the report also mentions:

  • Strong evidence that moderate-intensity aerobic training and/or resistance exercise during and after cancer treatment can reduce anxiety, depressive symptoms, and fatigue and improve health-related quality of life and physical function.
  • Strong evidence that exercise training is safe in persons who have or might develop breast-cancer-related lymphedema.
  • Some evidence that exercise is beneficial for bone health and sleep quality.
  • And, findings have raised the possibility that physical activity may have beneficial effects on survival for patients with breast, colorectal, and/or prostate cancer.

In another article published by the American Cancer Society, titled Physical Activity and the Person with Cancer, the opening two paragraphs state,

“Research shows that for most people exercise is safe and helpful before, during, and after cancer treatment. It can help improve your quality of life as well as the energy you have to do the things you like. Physical activity may also help you cope with side effects of treatment and possibly decrease your risk of new cancers in the future.

Too much time spent resting or sitting can cause loss of body function, muscle weakness, and reduced range of motion. Many cancer care teams are urging their patients to be as physically active as possible before, during and after cancer treatment.”

The American Cancer Society’s Physical Activity Recommendations for Cancer Survivors

  1. Avoid inactivity, as best as possible, and return to normal daily activities as soon as possible after diagnosis and treatment(s).
  2. Regularly participate in physical activity
  3. Start slowly, build up the amount of physical activity progressively over time.
  4. The weekly goal for physical activity to build up to is 150 minutes of moderate activity, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity.
  5. To achieve this, exercise several times a week, for at least 10 minutes at a time.
  6. Include two days of resistance training per week.
  7. Also, do stretching exercises at least two days per week.

Again, too much time spent resting or sitting can cause loss of body function, muscle weakness, and reduced range of motion. It is understandable, especially for cancer patients going through treatment, oftentimes one may not feel like exercising. But, most would be amazed at how much better 10 minutes of simple exercise can make one feel, no matter the situation.

Want support with activity throughout your cancer journey??

Join the 4CancerWellness FREE Community for more help & resources! (CLICK HERE)

 

By Blake Schunk

Citations

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]]> 4 Types of Breast Cancer Support You Need https://www.4cancerwellness.com/2022/10/04/4-types-of-breast-cancer-support-you-need/ Tue, 04 Oct 2022 17:00:13 +0000 https://www.4cancerwellness.com/?p=3713 The post 4 Types of Breast Cancer Support You Need appeared first on 4CancerWellness.

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Family and friends can be wonderful support when we go through struggles. Breast cancer is no exception. Many Breast Cancer Survivors benefit from the gentle care of those around us. Yet to receive quality breast cancer support, most survivors need more.

4 Types of Cancer Support You Should Seek…

1) Support from Your Medical Team

It’s wonderful when a cancer patient feels a connection with their oncologists.  For when this does not occur, seek out someone else in the office to connect with – A nurse? Physician assistant? Office Administrator? This additional connection is also helpful since these other medical team members are typically easier to reach than the doctor when you have a question.

2) Support from Someone Who’s Been There

A person with a similar diagnosis Although all cancer patients have very different experiences, it can be comforting to speak with someone who has been in the same place you now stand.  Here are some suggestions of organizations to contact to get connected.

All Kinds of Cancer:

Brain:

Breast:

Bladder:

Blood and Marrow Transplant:

Christian:

Colorectal:

Pregnant:

Myeloma:

Kidney:

Lung:

Lymphoma:

Ovarian:

Pancreatic:

Oral, Head, Neck:

Young Adult:

3) Support from a Faith Perspective

Facing serious illnesses often draws patients to consider reaching out to faith leaders or organizations.  Reasons cancer patients seek spiritual support includes:

  • To reconnect with a comfort from their youth.
  • To ask questions the diagnosis or prognosis has raised.
  • To find local assistance or referrals.
  • To continue an existing supportive connection.

Here is a list of places to find a faith organization near you

Interfaith Prayers:

Find a Christian Church:

Find a Muslim Mosque:

Find a Jewish Synagogue:

Find a Hindu Temple:

These are faith-based organizations focused on cancer

Christian:

Muslim:

Jewish:

Hindu:

4) Support from a Group of Cancer Survivors

Support groups have the ability to form a bond and connection with other people facing a cancer diagnosis in a very significant way. Not only can you discover tips and ideas for coping with cancer you may find a safe place to share and hear about the impact of cancer.

Here are some organizations to help you locate a group for your needs

Between the fatigue, chaos and frustration, cancer can bring plenty of reasons to NOT seek out these additional means of support.  But do it anyway.  This support is a wonderful way to manage the fatigue, chaos and frustration of cancer.

Join the 4CancerWellness FREE Community for more support resources! (CLICK HERE)

 

By Karen Tripp MS LMFT

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