I’m not one to worry about what comes next. I live in the moment. That’s the attitude I had nearly 20 years ago when I was first treated for breast cancer, and that’s how I took it two years ago when a routine mammogram showed that my cancer had come back. I was not the least bit concerned about having a mastectomy. But this time, after the mastectomy, my surgeon suggested that I consider breast reconstruction.
In December 2016, the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy and the Cancer Research Institute (CRI) announced a major collaboration focused on an emerging area of cancer research: neoantigens. These small proteins on the surface of cancer cells arise from mutations often unique to a tumor, making personalized immunotherapies like cancer vaccines a possibility.
The study found that more than 42 percent of U.S. adults ages 18 to 59 have a type of genital HPV and nearly 23 percent of adults are infected with strains of the virus that carry a higher risk of causing cancer. CDC and Roswell Park recommend getting adolescents and young adults vaccinated.
When it comes to medical treatments, we’re not all alike. Women and men sometimes need different dosages of the same drug. One drug for heart failure works very well in black patients but not in white patients.
Essential oils can perk up your mood, help you de-stress and improve your emotional well-being. The best way to enjoy the scents of your favorite oils is with a diffuser. But why buy one when you can easily make one yourself?
Although Alexis is only 9 years old, cancer has been a part of her young life for nearly three years. Long trips from Jamestown to Roswell Park for treatment are not easy, but she finds ways to stay positive by listening to her favorite music, staying active and embracing those around her.
Your money or your health? When it comes to nutrition, sometimes it can seem like a choice between the two. Yes, healthy eating can be expensive. But, with a little planning, it doesn’t have to be.
Men are often reluctant to share their feelings. When trouble strikes, they tend to bottle it up, keep a stiff upper lip and carry on. This is especially true for young men facing cancer.
Regardless of how or when you choose to share your experience, remember that your voice could make a difference in someone’s life. All I can hope is that my words might reach another survivor and remind them that they are not alone.