Survivorship

Complementary therapies such as yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and massage can improve quality of life. Introducing adolescent and young adult patients with cancer to these and other creative healing methods helps to lessen the isolation and stress associated with a cancer diagnosis.

Reading Cinde Dolphin’s description of how she and other patients with cancer are inventing simple, but very useful, solutions to improve their cancer treatment needs may inspire you to become an inventor, to help yourself or other people with cancer.

In February 2019, the FDA issued a letter to raise awareness of the risk for a rare type of lymphoma, BIA-ALCL, that is linked to all types of breast implants. Although this is an uncommon reaction to implants, all women who have or intend to get an implant after breast cancer should be aware of this risk. Learn more about this risk here.

Many false notions about cancer circulate online and among patients and their family members and friends. These myths often are not based on scientific evidence and may prevent people from receiving best treatments or add misplaced anxiety. Dr. Pankaj Vashi debunks some of these common myths.

In June 2019, the FDA announced a new program called “Project Facilitate” that is designed exclusively for patients with advanced cancer who have exhausted all available treatment options and are unable to participate in clinical trials. Through this program, the FDA will assist doctors and patients to overcome barriers to accessing experimental cancer drugs.

After being diagnosed with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the esophagus in 2017, Stephen C. Aldrich realized his treatment options were limited to improving his quality of life but not extending his life. Determined to find a better option, he embarked on a mission to get his data to help design a new vaccine that resulted in his cancer remission. Read his story to find out why all patients with cancer should gain direct control over their data to identify the best treatment options for them.

Patient complaints are often seen as inappropriate or pointless, since no one will pay attention. So, you may be surprised to learn that patients today are being encouraged to voice their complaints, to help providers improve their care and their patients’ satisfaction. Patients’ concerns are becoming providers’ concerns.

Melody recounts her story of being a 34-year-old new mother diagnosed with breast cancer.

Nate Loch’s attitude and demeanor shaped his approach to a life-threatening brain tumor, subsequent complications, and the prospects of a long recovery while serving as a reminder about the fragility of life.

Lisa Lurie went from “bald, breastless, and bewildered” to all-glammed-up as a cancer survivor and founder of Cancer Be Glammed, a nonprofit organization that empowers women to recover with dignity and positive self-esteem. Last fall, Lisa was a finalist for CONQUER’s Hero of Hope Patient Award, and although she didn’t win, this experience was a milestone in her cancer story.

Obesity is associated with about 40% of cancers in the United States. This link is strongest in several types of cancer, including kidney, gastric, pancreatic, endometrial, and esophageal cancer. Significant weight reduction may help to reduce the risk for cancer.