mCancer Talk: Coping and living with cancer

Grill Safe This Memorial Day

mCancer Partner — Fri, 25 May 2012 12:42:12 +0000

We know eating healthy is important in fighting cancer. So how can you enjoy your Memorial Day cookout with friends and families without tossing healthy eating aside?

Each year, University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center dietitians field questions from patients about whether it’s safe to grill, given the evidence that grilled meats may contain cancer-causing agents. But new guidelines from the American Institute for Cancer Research suggest that the type of food you grill may be more important than how you prepare it.

Hot dogs and hamburgers – the all-American summer standards – may be among the worst culprits in causing colorectal cancer. Research has shown a convincing link between diets high in processed meat and red meat – which includes beef, pork and lamb. Every 3.5 ounces of processed meat — about two hot dogs – increases the risk for colorectal cancer by 42%.

Given the data, we recommend our patients follow AICR guidelines. Limit the amount of red meat you eat. Think of it as an occasional indulgence. Make processed meats including hot dogs a treat for a special occasion – like an annual outing at the ballpark. Use these guidelines year-round to lower your risk.

And this summer, continue to use caution when grilling. All animal meats produce cancer-causing chemicals when they are seared at high temperatures — whether on a grill or on a conventional stove. It’s still unclear whether eating these chemicals will increase your cancer risk. But while researchers continue to learn more about whether there’s a link between grilling and cancer, you can protect yourself and still enjoy a backyard barbecue. Read on to learn strategies to limit your exposure.

Grilling tips

You know the blackened bits that cling to the meat? The stuff cooks love for its flavor? Well, unfortunately, that’s the stuff that contains all the toxins that may increase your cancer risk. Try not to eat it and consider these tips for limiting your exposure:

Chicken out. The most important thing you can do — whether you’re grilling or not — is limit red meats and processed meats that contain nitrates. Choose chicken or fish instead.
Marinate your meat. Research has shown that a marinade can reduce the formation of carcinogens by more than 90%.
Experiment with vegetables and fruits. Cancer-causing chemicals arise from grilling only animal tissue. Blackened bits on fruits and vegetables are harmless.
Scale back meat portions. Consider kabobs. It’s a great way to add fruits and vegetables while cutting back on meat.
Limit flare-ups that char food by selecting leaner meats or grilling on aluminum foil. If you use foil, punch small holes to allow the fat to drain.
Flip meat frequently to prevent it from getting too black.

The American Cancer Society also offers A Backyard Chef’s Guide to Healthy Grilling. For more safer options to serve on Memorial Day, or anytime, here are some great recipes. Share your favorite summertime recipes with us below.

Detoxification: Good or Bad?

mCancer Partner — Wed, 23 May 2012 12:00:05 +0000

Fight cancer, lose weight, boost your health and well-being. These are just some of the proposed benefits of treatments intended to remove toxins from our bodies, or detoxification.

Advocates for detox claim our bodies are bombarded with toxins such as pesticides, food additives, pollution and cigarette smoke. They claim these toxins build and cause a variety of health problems. They also claim that things like herbals, supplements or special diets help remove these toxins.

In fact, there is no reliable evidence our bodies retain dangerous toxins. Our kidneys and liver act as efficient filters, processors and eliminators of toxins.

The problem with most detox diets lies in the foods that are banned — typically wheat, dairy, meat, fish, eggs, salt and sugar. For people receiving cancer treatment, these diets lack many nutrients and could lead to deficiencies, lowered immunity or unwanted weight loss.

Other detox methods have even more harmful effects. Herbs such as licorice, if used in excess, may produce high blood pressure, low potassium levels and cardiac arrest. Excessive juicing or laxative use can cause diarrhea, which can lead to fluid and electrolyte losses. Colonic enemas, such as coffee enemas, have been linked with at least three deaths due to severe electrolyte losses and infection.

Instead of detoxification, follow these tips for a healthy lifestyle.

Browse our recipes, or create a customized search in Cancer Recipes Just for You.

Men’s Football Experience Set for May 30-31

mCancer Partner — Mon, 21 May 2012 14:03:23 +0000

Spots still available for the ultimate Wolverine experience.

Football season might not start for another three months, but Wolverines fans can get a taste of gridiron glory next week, while also helping benefit cancer research at U-M.

On May 30-31, U-M will host the University of Michigan Men’s Football Experience, giving participants a look at what it’s like to be a Michigan player. Proceeds from the program, now it its third year, benefit the “Men of Michigan” Prostate Cancer Research Fund’s efforts to accelerate bench-to-bedside discoveries.

During the two-day program, participants will see the Big House through the eyes of a player, experiencing on-field training in offensive, defensive and special teams schemes.

“Participants will experience the great tradition of Michigan football which includes touring Schembechler Hall and walking down the famous tunnel into the Big House. Our entire coaching staff will participate so you can experience what it’s like to be a Michigan player,” says head coach Brady Hoke.

More than 217,000 Americans will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year, and the program’s goal is bring its total raised for cancer research to more than $1 million.

The cost for the event is $5,000 per person, which includes meals and overnight accommodations. In addition, participants will receive an Adidas game jersey, practice T-shirt, shorts, autographed football, a leather duffel bag, the team photo and camp highlights on DVD.

To register, please email FootballExperience@umich.edu, visit the website or call the Medical Development Office at 734-936-5752.

Keeping Nausea at Bay

mCancer Partner — Thu, 17 May 2012 12:59:02 +0000

Edward Rosario preps fruit for a smoothie fortified with protein powder which he can tolerate to combat nausea.

Nausea is a common side effect of cancer – especially for people going through chemotherapy. When non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma patient Edward Rosario came to the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, his nausea was overwhelming.

Although it can be difficult to find relief, there are several ways to combat an unsettled stomach. Rosario’s relief came when the Cancer Center’s Symptom Management and Supportive Care Clinic prescribed him medicine to help treat the symptom.

Emily Mackler, Pharm.D., a pharmacist in the clinic, says there are different medications to treat nausea. A queasy stomach may be caused by neurotransmitters within the brain, and medications can be prescribed to target these. Other medications target receptors lining the gastrointestinal tract that can contribute to nausea. In some cases, more than one medication may be used to provide the best control. “We also look at the medicines a person is already taking to see if those are contributing to the nausea,” Mackler says. “If so, we’ll look at modifying the patient’s medical regimen by changing how they take their medicine or perhaps by switching to a different drug so they can feel some relief.”

Medicine is one way to combat nausea, but staying away from certain foods and rethinking portion size and meal timing can also make a difference in relieving nausea or keeping it under control.

Danielle Karsies, M.S., R.D., a registered dietitian in the Symptom Management and Supportive Care Clinic, says even though nausea can zap a patient’s appetite, it’s important to maintain a consistent diet. Eating smaller, more easily digested meals can help relieve some discomfort, she says.

“Skipping meals is not good, and it can actually make you feel worse,” she says. “Making sure you drink enough water and avoiding greasy, fried and spicy foods also limits nausea.” Ginger, chamomile and mint teas have also been shown to help.

In addition to medications and adjustments in food intake, complementary therapies can help patients deal with nausea.

Programs such as art and music therapy, relaxation technique training and acupuncture can also help patients deal with nausea. “It’s mind displacement,” says Donna Murphy, co-director of the PsychOncology Program at the Cancer Center. “These therapies all refocus the mind on something other than the nausea, which can really help the patient.”

Although Rosario says he still deals with nausea discomfort, he’s much better than when he first visited U-M.

“Before getting medicine, I couldn’t go a day without feeling bad,” he says. “It took a while to get under control, but once it did, it really made a difference.

Search our recipes for healthy meal and snack ideas.

Cancer Survivorship: Moving Forward

Annette Schork, RN, BSN, OCN, CBCN, Cancer AnswerLine — Tue, 15 May 2012 12:45:58 +0000

Volunteers at the U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center's 2011 Survivors Day pose with keynote speaker Charlie Lustman.

Thanks to advances in cancer treatments, the American Cancer Society estimates there are nearly 12 million cancer survivors in the United States today. Cancer survivors may face i complex health needs, living with after- effects of cancer treatments, – and financial issues.

According to the National Coalition For Cancer Survivorship (NCCS), “Cancer survivorship is a day-to-day, ongoing process that begins with your diagnosis and continues through the rest of your life.” The NCCS provides the Cancer Survival Toolbox which helps cancer survivors adapt to life after cancer.

Tips for Moving on After Treatment

Seeing a new doctor – At some point, you may be seeing a new doctor. Keep copies of all your medical records to give to your new doctor.
Eat healthy – During and after cancer treatment eating right may be hard. Creating healthy eating habits is one of the best things you can do for your well -being.
Exercise – Being active can help reduce your fatigue and make your muscles strong. Talk with your doctor before starting a program.
Emotional health – A lot of cancer survivors are filled with emotions. Support can come from family, friends, cancer support groups, church groups, online support groups, or counselors.

Surviving cancer is a complex, continual process. It is not unusual for a cancer survivor to wonder,” When will the cancer return?” Survivors, family and friends should also recognize that it is difficult to maintain a positive outlook after facing a cancer diagnosis. Living with hope is imperative for healthy coping.

Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present.”
― Bil Keane

The U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center will host its Cancer Survivor’s Day event on Sunday, June 3. The theme is Fostering Hope through Cancer and Beyond.

Resources

National Coalition For Cancer Survivorship

National Cancer Institute, Survivorship

U-M Cancer Survivorship

Skin Cancer and Genetics: More Than Meets the Eye

Jessica Everett, MS, CGC, U-M Genetics Counselor — Tue, 08 May 2012 12:48:13 +0000

Many factors can increase the risk of developing melanoma and other skin cancers. Some of these factors are due to behaviors, like exposure to the sun. However, some risk factors for skin cancer are inherited in families.

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that affects about 59,000 people every year in the United States. People who have a parent or sibling who has had melanoma are at about double the risk of the general population. This is because family members may have similar histories of sun exposure and may share inherited physical features like fair skin or light hair. In some families, there is an inherited risk for melanoma related to genes that are passed from parents to their children.

If you or a family member has had melanoma, it may be worth talking with your doctor about the rest of your family history. Some clues to inherited risk include:

Individuals with more than one melanoma
Other cancers in family members including:
- Pancreatic cancer
- Head and neck cancer
- Breast cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Cancers diagnosed at earlier ages than typically expected

People who have a family history of multiple relatives with cancers could benefit from meeting with a genetic counselor to talk about possible genetic testing, personal cancer risk, and cancer screening options.

For people who have an increased risk of melanoma, there are important steps that can help to reduce the chance of developing melanoma.

Limit sun exposure

Find shade when possible
Avoid exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV light is strongest
Wear protective clothing
Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher daily

Check your skin

Learn how to do a skin self-exam and check your skin once a month
Have regular skin exams by a doctor
Talk to your doctor if a mole or spot on the skin is changing in size, shape or color, or if it is persistently itching, bleeding, or growing

You can find out more about skin cancer and genetics by participating in an online chat with me and U-M dermatologist Kelly Cha, M.D. Ph.D., this Thursday at noon. Registration is not required to participate in the chat.

Home-based cancer treatments are a welcome option

mCancer Partner — Thu, 03 May 2012 14:43:37 +0000

Patient Michelle Johnson

Heading to the hospital or clinic for your cancer treatment takes time, costs money in gas and pulls you away from your regular life, sometimes for days at a time. What if you could receive inpatient-like hospital services in the comfort of your own home?

Home-based treatment options are a reality for many patients, including Michelle Johnson, who used U-M Home Care Services for post-surgery care, chemotherapy and radiation to treat esophageal cancer.

“If I had to sit for two or three days in the hospital’s infusion center every week, it would take an emotional toll on me. With my home chemo, it enables me to do things I want to do,” Johnson says.

Home Care nurses visit her several times a week to help with her PICC line, change dressings after surgery, and oversee and disconnect an infusion pack she wears for 46 hours straight every other week.

Worried you won’t be able to manage home-based treatments?

“One of the reasons home care runs so smoothly is that so many procedures have been standardized and coordinated between HomeMed and the U-M Cancer Center,” explains Nurse Manager Debra Kovacevich, R.N., from U-M HomeMed. “With such high standards of hospital care, it is easy to transfer standard processes to home care.”

Many resources are available to help patients, including:

Patient education materials
Home Care nurse visits
24/7 number to call about infusing drugs in the home, as well as concerning signs and symptoms
A guide to home care services

Get a complete list of Home Care services and read more of Michelle’s story in Thrive.

Did you know that nearly 50% of Americans who live to age 65 will have skin cancer at least once?

mCancer Partner — Tue, 01 May 2012 18:30:03 +0000

It’s not easy to avoid the sun – and there are reasons why we shouldn’t. Sunlight interacts with a hormone in skin cells to trigger the production of vitamin D, which builds strong bones and may help protect against heart disease. Sunshine also eases the symptoms of depression and other mood disorders. But dermatologists say just 10-15 minutes of exposure per day is enough to get the benefits of sunlight, without increasing the risk of skin cancer.

May is National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month. This month is dedicated to increasing public awareness of the importance of prevention, early detection and treatment of skin cancer, including basal cell, squamous cell and melanoma. More than 3.5 million skin cancers are diagnosed annually.

Here are some resources to help you be skin cancer savvy:

Thursday, May 10, from noon to 1 p.m., join us for Genetics, Skin Cancer and You – a FREE online chat with dermatologist Kelly Cha, M.D., Ph.D., and genetic counselor Jessica Everett, M.S., CGC. To learn more and to register, please visit our community outreach registration page.
Our skin cancer awareness web page – is filled with information and links to resources about all forms of skin cancer.

When cancer changes your looks, the makeover starts inside

mCancer Partner — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:30:24 +0000

Kate Muir opted not to wear a wig.

As if confronting a life-threatening illness isn’t challenging enough for cancer patients, treating that illness often means coming face-to-face with changes in physical appearance, too. Baldness. Scarring. The loss of a breast. The loss of a limb.

When one’s health — or life — is at stake, do appearances really matter? According to Claire Weiner, L.M.S.W., a social worker in the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center’s PsychOncology Program, that’s one of the first questions many patients — male and female — wrestle with. Weiner and the other members of the PsychOncology team are quick to remind patients that it’s normal — not vain — to be concerned about how we look.

When it comes to coping with that new face in the mirror, a strong sense of self-worth and a solid support system are invaluable.

Kate Muir (pictured above), who is currently in treatment for breast cancer, remembers looking in the mirror at one point and seeing “an alien, not someone I knew.” Eventually, she says, she was able to deal with the changes.

“In my family today, who you are is based on what you do, what you speak, what you feel — not on how you look,” she says. From the very start, Muir’s family encouraged her to go out just as she was. Her son, who lives in Ann Arbor, told her, “Who cares? No one cares how they look in Ann Arbor!” Continue reading “Keeping Up Appearances: When cancer changes your looks, the makeover starts inside”.

We’ve also got a list of resources to help support you and provide products to help: “Keeping Up Appearances: Resources”.

If you have questions or would just like to talk to someone, contact Cancer AnswerLine™ at 800-865-1125 or go to the Ask the Nurse tab and one of our cancer nurses will help.

Do you have any advice you’d like to share? Please let us know by posting in our comments section.

Making Good Decisions About Cancer Treatment Options

mCancer Partner — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:00:24 +0000

Choosing your cancer treatment course can be a difficult decision, as you quickly begin to learn a whole new language and a world of options. A recent study found that breast cancer patients were deciding on their surgery without consulting a radiation oncologist. In some cases, women were choosing a more aggressive operation in the hopes of avoiding radiation – but not understanding that radiation might still be required. Learn your options first, starting with choosing the right doctor and the right cancer program for your diagnosis. It’s also important to understand the information your health care team presents. U-M researchers who specialize in decision-making offer 10 tips to help patients understand their risk and how treatment options will affect that risk.

If you have questions about your treatment options, contact Cancer AnswerLine™ at 800-865-1125 or go to the Ask the Nurse tab and one of our cancer nurses will help.