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The CancerCenter Newsletter features a different cancer topic each month in an easy-to understand e-mail format. In addition to offering supportive tips, the newsletter provides links to cancer survivor stories, as well as links to learn more about CTCA hospitals, doctors and treatment options. To view newsletters from previous months, just click on any of the links below.
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Stem Cell Transplantation: The Basics - March 2013 In recent years, substantial strides have been made in the research, treatment and prevention of blood diseases. A stem cell transplant (or hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation) is a promising option for some hematologic cancer patients...
Animal Therapy: A Friendly Boost - February 2013 When you or someone you love has cancer, finding ways to relax is important. Animal therapy is a supportive treatment approach that has been shown to help reduce stress and boost spirits, as well as provide a welcome distraction from all of the emotions you and your loved ones may be feeling...
Find Confidence With a Second Opinion - January 2013 Receiving a cancer diagnosis is a life-changing event. You may be feeling overwhelmed with all of the decisions that need to be made. However, knowing you have options for your cancer care can help you feel more confident and in control...
Robotics: Cancer Treatment of the Future, Today - December 2012 With new therapies and technologies continually emerging, the cancer treatment landscape looks entirely different today than it did just 10 years ago. One type of advanced treatment that is becoming more and more prominent is robotic surgery...
Tap Into Holiday Cheer - November 2012 If you have recently been diagnosed with cancer or you are currently going through treatment, the holiday season may be a time of stress and uncertainty. Learn some simple ways to combat these concerns, to help you relax and enjoy the good tidings the holidays can bring...
Living With Lymphedema - October 2012 Lymphedema is a condition that can sometimes occur as a result of cancer treatments such as radiation and surgery. Learn more about lymphedema and ways to manage symptoms...
Prostate Cancer: Increase Your Awareness - September 2012 September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, which means now is the perfect time to learn more about prostate cancer, and share this important information with the men in your life...
Relaxation Therapy - August 2012 After a cancer diagnosis, it’s important to give yourself the space you need to relax, rejuvenate and heal. While relaxing may be the last thing on your mind, finding a moment to unwind and alleviate stress benefits both your mind and body...
Excess Weight and Cancer - July 2012 Making lifestyle changes, modifying your eating habits and incorporating physical activity into your daily life takes commitment, but the rewards are well worth the effort for cancer survivors – and everyone else...
Art, Music & Dance Therapy - June 2012 With no known side effects, alternative healing methods such as art, music and dance therapy can help boost your mood and assist you in the process of cancer treatment or recovery...
Celebrate Skin Cancer Awareness Month with Prevention - May 2012 May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and the best way to celebrate is by protecting yourself and spreading the word to your friends and loved ones about preventing skin cancer...
Conceiving After Cancer - April 2012 Starting a new family is something that many couples plan for years in advance, but receiving a cancer diagnosis can bring uncertainty and fears. Fortunately, the dream of having a child can come true for many who have fought cancer...
Caring for a Loved One With Cancer - March 2012 Caring for a loved one with cancer is an important job. You play a fundamental role in your loved one’s recovery. Yet, caregiving also has its challenges. Suddenly, you're in this new role and you may feel unprepared...
The Importance of an Accurate Cancer Diagnosis - February 2012 Since every cancer and every person is different, an accurate diagnosis can mean the difference between getting and not getting the most effective treatments you need to fight the disease...
Managing the Cost of Cancer Care - January 2012 Cancer can pose a huge economic burden on patients and families. Even if you have good health insurance coverage, both medical and nonmedical expenses can quickly add up and become overwhelming...
Coping With Cancer During the Holidays - December 2011 The holiday season is typically a time of celebration, faith and tradition. When you have cancer, this time of year can trigger new and conflicting emotions. You may long for things to be how they used to be...
Coping With Cancer-Related Hair Loss - November 2011 One of the most feared and distressing side effects of cancer treatment is hair loss (alopecia). The threat of hair loss can intensify the loss of control people often feel after a cancer diagnosis...
Cancer Etiquette: Talking to Someone With Cancer - October 2011 It can be difficult to know what to say to someone with cancer. Many people say inappropriate things, with warm hearts. How do we find the right words to talk to someone with cancer?...
Managing Neurological Complications of Cancer - September 2011 Neurological problems caused by primary and metastatic cancers of the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves, along with treatments for the disease, present unique challenges compared to other types of cancer...
Chiropractic Care During Cancer Care - August 2011 Do you ever have trouble sleeping because of pain in your back, neck or shoulders? For some people with cancer, chiropractic care can relieve these aches and pains and improve function so you can go on with treatment, and with life...
Understanding & Preventing Skin Cancer - July 2011 Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of their lifetime...
Managing Prostate Cancer Side Effects - June 2011 Men with prostate cancer face challenges that go beyond fighting the disease. They worry about how the disease and its treatments will impact their lifestyle and relationships...
Finding Hope & Inspiration With Cancer - May 2011 When you get cancer, one thing is certain. Life is never the same again. There are ways to take control of your life and restore hope so you can feel better and focus on healing....
Easing Cancer Side Effects With Supplements - April 2011 Cancer treatments, and cancer itself, can cause side effects like nausea, constipation, fatigue and neuropathy. Not only are side effects unpleasant, they can also delay or interrupt your treatment regime...
Managing Stress During Cancer Care - March 2011 Cancer is stressful for everyone involved. In addition to everyday stressors, people affected by cancer often experience the shock of a diagnosis, the challenges of treatment, and continued worry about a recurrence...
Preventing Cancer-Related Malnutrition - Feb 2011 Good nutrition is important—especially if you have cancer. Cancer-related malnutrition can make you tired, weak and unable to receive the treatments you need to get better...
Fertility Concerns During Cancer Care - Jan 2011 Being told you have cancer and you may lose your fertility from treatment can be devastating. Fortunately, there are a variety of options to preserve fertility for individuals affected by cancer who wish to have children...
Caring for the Cancer Caregiver - Dec 2010Caring for a loved one with cancer can feel like a full time job. Balancing the demands of caregiving with family, household and job responsibilities can be overwhelming...
Breathing Easier With Lung Cancer - Nov 2010Lung cancer is among the most common cancers in the United States. Many people with lung cancer or with cancer that metastasizes to the lung, experience shortness of breath (also called dyspnea)...
Staying Active During Cancer Care - Oct 2010Exercise can support you through all phases of the cancer journey. During treatment, exercise can give you more energy and keep you strong so you can better tolerate conventional therapies...
Social Networking During Cancer Care - Sep 2010Now more than ever, patients and their loved ones are turning to online social networks for mutual support and information. These virtual communities can help you feel more connected, in control, and empowered during cancer treatment and beyond...
Cancer Self-Advocacy, Part 2 - Aug 2010The first step in cancer self-advocacy is finding quality cancer care, including an experienced, multidisciplinary team of cancer experts. Once you have the right team in place, you’ll need to learn how to effectively partner with your care team...
Cancer Self- Advocacy, Part 1 - Jul 2010When cancer enters your life, you can take charge by becoming your own advocate. Cancer self- advocacy involves taking an active role in your cancer care. First, you’ll need to put the right cancer team in place...
Cancer and Urinary Incontinence - Jun 2010If you have accidentally leaked urine when sneezing, coughing, or changing positions, you are not alone. Urinary incontinence (UI), or the inability to control urination, can affect both women and men during and after cancer treatment...
Fear of Cancer Treatment - May 2010Fear is something many people experience after a cancer diagnosis. It is natural to be fearful about undergoing cancer treatment, but it doesn’t mean you have to let the fear take over...
Intimacy During Cancer Care - Apr 2010Cancer can put a strain on intimate relationships. Treatments for cancer and the disease itself can cause changes in sexual desire and function. If your physical appearance has changed, you may also feel less attractive or desirable...
Cancer-Related Bone Pain - Mar 2010You may experience bone pain at some point in your cancer journey, particularly if you are battling advanced cancer. Bone pain can cause a dull or deep ache in a bone or bone region...
Cancer and Laughter Therapy - Feb 2010Cancer hardly seems like a laughing matter. You may think it is inappropriate or insensitive to joke at a time like this. Yet, at some point in your cancer journey, you may feel ready to laugh again...
Cancer Genetics and Risk - Jan 2010All cancer has a genetic basis since it is triggered by mutations (changes) in the genes of a cell. These changes cause cells to reproduce in an unstructured, abnormal way. Genetic changes can have many causes…
Finding Forgiveness After Cancer - Dec 2009When you find out that you have cancer, after the shock and disbelief wear off, you look for ways to fight the disease. You find an oncologist and begin treatment. However, before you are able to truly move forward, you may have to take a look back...
Returning to Work After Cancer - Nov 2009If you are re-entering the workforce after a cancer diagnosis, you are not alone. Whether you are returning to work full-time, part-time, or starting a new job altogether, going from “cancer patient” to employee can be a difficult transition…
Cancer in the Family - Oct 2009Cancer affects the whole family, not just the person dealing with the disease. All families are not alike and not all families will deal with cancer in the same way...
Coping with a Cancer Diagnosis - Sep 2009Facing a cancer diagnosis is a challenge that no one should have to face alone. When you are told you have cancer, the diagnosis affects you and your family and friends. No one handles a cancer diagnosis in the same way...
Becoming a Cancer Advocate - Aug 2009Many cancer survivors and caregivers search for ways to make a difference in the lives of others touched by the disease— to transform their experience into change...
Cancer and Taste Changes - Jul 2009Tasting and enjoying food is an important part of life. Yet, treatment for cancer, and cancer itself, can affect your sense of taste. Sense of taste involves the flavor, texture and smell of food...
Coping With Cancer and Depression - Jun 2009When cancer enters your life, it is normal to grieve over the changes it brings. Sometimes dealing with the emotions of cancer, such as sadness, can be even more difficult than coping with the disease itself...
Traveling With Cancer - May 2009At some point in your cancer journey, you will likely have a reason to travel. You may choose to travel for business, pleasure, treatment, or other reasons. It is important to make travel preparations that will promote your comfort and maintain your safety as much as possible...
Cancer and Shortness of Breath - Apr 2009Shortness of breath can be very physically and emotionally troubling, particularly when you are battling cancer at the same time. Not only can shortness of breath be uncomfortable, it can also interfere with your usual activities...
Cancer and Sleep Disturbances - Mar 2009A good night’s sleep is important for everyone. If you have cancer, quality sleep can be a challenge. Many people with cancer experience sleep disturbances, such as insomnia...
Cancer and Neutropenia - Feb 2009For a person who is neutropenic, even a minor infection can quickly become serious. It helps to know ways to reduce your risk of getting an infection when your neutrophil count is low...
Coping With Advanced Cancer - Jan 2009If you or a loved one has advanced cancer, many new questions and concerns arise. One of the biggest challenges during this time is uncertainty about what’s ahead. It helps to understand advanced cancer, the options available, and ways to cope...
Caregiving During the Holidays - Dec 2008The holiday season is typically a time of traditions, celebrations and renewed connections with relatives and friends. It can also be a demanding time of family obligations and stress. If you have a loved one with cancer, the holidays become even more complicated...
Talking With Children About Cancer - Nov 2008Cancer doesn’t just impact one person, it impacts an entire family. If you have children, your natural instinct may be to protect them from the news of your diagnosis. Yet, cancer is not something you can easily hide, nor should you do so...
Cancer and Lymphedema - Oct 2008Lymphedema is a condition in which excess lymphatic fluid collects in the interstitial tissue, causing swelling in specific areas of the body, usually in the arms or legs. Fortunately, with proper care and treatment, lymphedema may be prevented or controlled...
Coping With Radiation-Induced Skin Reactions - Sep 2008If you notice changes to your skin during or after radiation therapy, you are not alone. One common side effect of radiation therapy is skin irritation, such as redness or sensitivity, in the treated area. These and other changes can be uncomfortable and upsetting...
Coping With Nausea During Chemotherapy - Aug 2008You should be able to fight cancer without having to deal with unpleasant side effects, like nausea and/or vomiting, along the way. Finding ways to control CINV is important not only to your quality of life, but also to ensuring that your treatment regime goes uninterrupted...
Cancer and Peripheral Neuropathy - Jul 2008Peripheral neuropathy can be an upsetting complication of cancer. It can make daily activities, such as walking, standing, picking up objects, and buttoning clothing difficult. Thus, it is important to find ways to manage peripheral neuropathy...
Cancer and Oral Health - Jun 2008If you are fighting cancer and dealing with oral health issues, such as mouth sores, you are not alone. Oral mucositis is an oral health complication that can result from cancer itself or from its treatment...
Coping With Cancer Recurrence - May 2008Just when you started to move on with your life, you find out that the cancer you thought was gone has come back. One of the biggest challenges during this time is uncertainty about what’s ahead...
Communicating With Your Cancer Team - Apr 2008Talking about your cancer experience can be a challenge. You may feel hesitant to ask questions or to express your concerns with your health care team. Effective communication will help you feel confident in your treatment and get the support you need...
Cancer and Rehabilitation - Mar 2008Cancer and cancer treatment can impact your physical abilities and normal daily routine. You may experience changes in your physical mobility, posture, balance, speech, and/or bodily and reproductive functions. Naturally, it can be difficult to adjust to these changes...
Coping With Chemobrain - Feb 2008Chemotherapy-related cognitive dysfunction is known as “chemobrain” among cancer patients. Although cognitive side effects may be subtle, chemobrain can be upsetting, frustrating and scary for those who experience it...
Managing Cancer-Related Fatigue - Jan 2008If you are fighting cancer, chances are you have experienced fatigue at some point. Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a very real and prevalent medical condition. At the same time, it is one of the least understood symptoms of cancer and its treatments...
Coping with Cancer During the Holidays - Dec 2007If you are fighting cancer, the holidays become even more complicated. You may experience a mixture of complex and conflicting emotions, including excitement, sadness, worry, exhaustion, hope, and uncertainty. It can be difficult to balance these complex feelings with the holiday spirit...
Cancer and Diabetes - Nov 2007If you are managing cancer and diabetes, you understand how difficult it can be. Regardless of which disease came first, know you are not the only one dealing with this situation. Cancer and diabetes often co-exist. And, while managing both diseases simultaneously can be difficult, it can be done...
The Role of After Care in Cancer - Oct 2007It can take time to recover from cancer, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. And although life may not return to exactly the way it was before you were diagnosed, you can find ways to move forward. Instead of trying to “get back to normal,” try to find out what is normal for you now...
Cancer and Naturopathic Medicine - Sep 2007A central goal of naturopathic medicine is to use the healing power of the body and nature to maintain and restore health. When used alongside conventional cancer treatments, naturopathic methods may help increase your body's natural healing power to fight disease...
The Role of Spirituality in Cancer - Aug 2007It is not uncommon to experience spiritual distress during times of illness, such as cancer. Aside from the physical and emotional side of cancer, it is also important to address the spiritual dimension of the disease. Spirituality can be a source of peace, purpose, support and connectedness to others...
The Role of Mind-Body Medicine in Cancer - Jul 2007Just as it is important to address the disease itself, your mind and spirit are also in need of care. Addressing your psychological well-being may help you feel more relaxed and in control, cope better during your treatment regime, and enjoy a better quality of life...
The Role of Patient Empowerment in Cancer - Jun 2007Becoming an empowered cancer survivor means taking an active role in your cancer care. It means taking back the power that cancer has tried to take away. It means you become your own advocate for your health and your life...
The Role of Self-Image in Cancer - May 2007A positive self-image is important, particularly during times of illness, when we tend to feel less good about ourselves. Cancer and cancer treatment may cause changes to your physical appearance, some temporary, some permanent, which can impact your self-esteem...
The Role of Pain Management in Cancer - Apr 2007Pain is subjective. It affects each person differently, depending upon factors such as age, personality, perception, pain threshold and past experiences with pain. If you have cancer, it does not necessarily mean you will have pain. However, if you do experience pain, it should be acknowledged...
