• Questions to ask your Doctor
  • Choose Quality Care

Cancer

119873314Cancer. It’s a six-letter word that has touched the vast majority of us all. It is the rare individual whose life hasn’t been profoundly impacted by someone with cancer—family members and friends who have had cancer and beaten it, and those whom it has claimed lives.  There’s the triumphant story of Lance Armstrong, his cycling exploits, and his cancer foundation, Livestrong. Cancer telethons and three-day walks like the Susan G. Komen event raising funds for cancer research provide an outlet for cancer survivors and loved ones to rally and contribute money for what is hoped to be an eventual cure for cancer. Of course, one’s heart breaks when seeing occasional news reports of a child with leukemia or a loved one with any form of cancer, including, but not limited to the following.

Breast Cancer

Cervical Cancer and Ovarian Cancer

Colon Cancer

Endometrial Cancer

Intestinal Cancerous Tumors

Kidney Cancer

Leukemia

Mesothelioma

Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Pancreatic Cancer

Rectal Cancer

Skin Cancer

Spinal Tumors

174362143Cancer Forums: In our cancer forums, we offer tips to provide prevention for late stage cancer which is more closely linked to the most invasive treatment and a life threat. We also stay tuned to some of the latest research in select areas.  So, you’ll want to know how to check for cancer symptoms in all of its forms because early detection through proper diagnosis and treatment may offer advantages for survival and preservation of quality life.

 

 

Breast Reconstruction Options, What you should know before breast cancer surgery.

On the Watch List for Prostate Cancer? Prevent Anxiety and Depression.

Quality of Life Diet, Find Out How to Impede Your Cancer Causing Silent Inflammation.

Skin Cancer Symptoms, Types, and Treatments

Cannabis Use Lowers Bladder Cancer Risk?

Cancer Prevention
Prevention and early diagnosis are two keys for securing an upper hand on cancer. Regular physicals, cancer screenings, good nutrition, and staying at an optimal weight for your age and body type are vital. If there is a family history of cancer, know genetics may play a role in whether a person develops cancer and where in the body cancer is found. Each person knows his or her body best. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the signs or symptoms of cancer.

The Number of Cancer Victims
Cancer statistics are staggering. According to National Cancer Institute estimates, more than 1.5 million new cancer cases emerged in 2010, and over a million more people not included in those estimates were treated for some form of skin cancer. Over a half-million people died from cancer last year. In all of the tragedy, overall cancer survival rates have increased by nearly 20 percent in the last 35 years. Depending upon the location of the cancer, if and how much it has spread, survival rates may be higher. For example, the incidence of Testicular Cancer  has risen from 1992 to 2009 in the U.S., according to statistics presented at the 2013 Annual A.U.A meeting. Yet, the survival rate for Testicular Cancer is 95%. Progress is being made in the fight to curtail, if not eliminate cancer in its various forms.

 

174247392Selecting Your Cancer Doctor and Q & A Session
Oncology is the field of medicine concerned with effectively treating people with cancer. Oncologists diagnose the various symptoms of cancer, and then determine how to effectively deal with it. If cancer is discovered, don’t worry; your physician will refer you to an oncologist for further diagnosis and treatment depending on the type of cancer. Oncologists these days are not Lone Rangers but work with interdisciplinary teams of specialists, including those who are certified in various oncology specialties, pathologists, radiologists, oncology nurses, surgeons, as well as, psychologists and spiritual support professionals. Your treatment plan may also involve the expertise of a dermatological surgeon, such as, for skin cancer (Moh’s surgery), or a plastic surgeon for breast cancer reconstruction. Next Visit, Q and A For Your Doctor

Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Cancer diagnosis and treatment involves a multi-prong approach. First self-examinations play an important role in the diagnosis of cancer. Regular annual exams with your family or internal medicine physician also assist in the early detection of cancer.

From surgical excision to radiation and chemotherapy, there may be more than one approach to treatment that is incorporated into your treatment plan. Therapeutic and clinical trials involving various cancer-fighting drugs and agents are ongoing. Untold millions of dollars are being raised each year and spent on breast cancer, leukemia, mesothelioma, and other types of cancer research.

Understanding Insurance for Cancer Treatment

As with any medical or surgical treatment, individuals, are well-advised to check with his/her insurance carrier regularly to make sure that the care and treatment received are covered by the health plan. Certain therapies may or may not be covered under your insurance plan. Still, there may be financial alternatives available and it is not advised to postpone treatment due to insurance constraints.

It is important to recognize that all information contained on this website cannot be considered to be specific medical diagnosis, medical treatment, or medical advice. As always, you should consult with a physician regarding any medical condition. Your Health Access disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.