If you’ve been recently diagnosed with cancer, one of the most important decisions you’ll face is selecting a specialist to treat your disease. But how do you go about choosing the best cancer specialist for your needs? Here are six tips to help you make the right decision.

1. Do Your Research

The first step is to do your research. Look for a specialist who has experience treating the type of cancer you have. You can find information about specialists online or in directories such as the American Board of Medical Specialties and other online resources.

2. Check Credentials and Reviews

Next, check the specialist’s credentials. Ensure they are board-certified in oncology and have the experience and training you’re looking for. You can also read reviews of specialists online from patients who have used their services.

3. Consult With Your Doctor

Your doctor can also provide recommendations for cancer specialists. They have a good understanding of your medical history and can recommend specialists who are best suited to treat your particular type of cancer. Remember, most doctors are also very well connected and may know of specialists who are not as well known but still have a lot to offer.

4. Consider Specialty Hospitals

There are now several hospitals that specialize in cancer care. These hospitals often have specialists on staff who are experienced in treating all types of cancer. If you’re looking for a highly specialized treatment, a specialty hospital may be the best option for you.

5. Ask Questions

When interviewing potential cancer specialists, be sure to ask lots of questions. Find out what their treatment plan is and what the success rates are. Ask about potential side effects of treatment and what support services are available. It’s also important to ask about their experience treating your type of cancer.

6. Tour the Clinic

If you’re able to, it’s a good idea to tour the clinic or hospital where the specialist will be treating you. This will give you a better idea of their facilities and how comfortable you feel with them.

7. Trust Your Gut

Ultimately, you have to trust your gut when making this important decision. If you don’t feel comfortable with a particular specialist, it’s best to go with another option. The most important thing is that you feel confident that the specialist you choose can provide the best possible care for you.

According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 1.8 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed in the United States in 2020. Fortunately, by working with the best cancer specialist for your individual needs, you can greatly improve your chances of successful treatment. If you or a loved one has been recently diagnosed with cancer, call Palo Verde Cancer Specialists today to learn more about our cancer specialists and how we can help you get started on the best possible treatment plan.

Brain cancer is a serious disease that can be life-threatening. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with brain cancer, it’s crucial to find the best specialist possible. There are many different brain cancer specialists, so how do you choose the right one? Here are some tips:

1. Get a Referral

Having a referral from your doctor is the best way to find a brain cancer specialist. Your doctor will know who is the best in your area for treating brain cancer. If you don’t have a doctor or are not happy with your current doctor, check with your insurance company. They should be able to recommend specialists in your area.

2. Do Your Research

Not all brain cancer specialists are created equal. Some may have more experience than others or be better at certain types of brain cancer. Look for specialists who have experience treating the type of brain cancer you or your loved one has. You can also read reviews online, but take them with a grain of salt, as everyone’s experience with a doctor is different.

3. Ask Questions

When you meet with a brain cancer specialist, be sure to ask lots of questions. This is your chance to find out what the doctor’s experience is, what kind of brain cancer treatments they offer, and what the outcomes have been. You should also ask about the potential side effects and how long the treatment will last.

4. Check Online Reviews

Nowadays, it’s easy to check online reviews of doctors. Do a Google search for the doctor’s name and “reviews.” You should read both positive and negative reviews to get an idea of what you can expect from that doctor. Remember that everyone has different experiences, so not all reviews will be accurate to the experience that you will have.

5. License and Board Certification

When looking for a brain cancer specialist, it’s essential to make sure the doctor is licensed and board-certified. License means the doctor is qualified to practice medicine in your state. Board certification means that the doctor has passed an exam by a board of specialists in that area of medicine. You can check the license and board certification of a doctor on the website of your state medical board.

According to Cancer.gov, there are 442.4 new cases of cancer (cancer incidence) among 100,000 men and women each year on average. This means brain cancer treatments are in demand. If you or someone you love needs brain cancer treatments, don’t wait — contact Palo Verde Cancer Specialists today.

According to the National Cancer Institute, there are almost 50 new cases of lung cancer per 100,000 men and women annually. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with lung cancer, it can be a difficult pill to swallow. There are ways to combat this, however. Here are some things to expect when you first get started with lung cancer treatment.

Diagnosis

When you first get lung cancer, further diagnosis needs to be performed in order to analyze the progression of the cancer. This involves seeing a lung cancer specialist. Lung cancer specialists can pinpoint exactly how far along you are in the process and advise the best course of action for you in order to get better.

Lung Cancer Treatments

Once you have an idea of the stage of your lung cancer, you can choose a lung cancer treatment to go through. While taking a specialist’s advice is highly recommended, your opinion also matters in how you tackle your disease. The first option you may have is surgery. Through this process, cancer tissue is cut out of your body. The main benefit of surgery is that if you have a large amount of cancer in your body, a surgeon can remove it. One problem with surgery is that it may not be able to get rid of microscopic bits of cancer in your body.

Another option you have is chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is the process of taking medication to shrink or kill the cancer. This can either be done with pills or injections. What comes along with chemotherapy, however, are side effects such as nausea and hair loss. Overall, you will more often than not feel sick while on chemotherapy.

The next type of treatment you can undergo is radiation therapy. This utilizes rays of radiation to kill the cancer cells. This procedure does a great job of killing those small bits of cancer inside of you, but there is potential for there to be damage around the radiated area. In the case of lung cancer, this can result in injured skin on or around your chest.

You can also take part in clinical trials, though many of these trials are not proven to work. It’s a big risk for a potentially big reward. If you can use a more traditional route though, that would be advised. If you’re in need of lung cancer treatment, reach out to Palo Verde Cancer Specialists today. We are here for you every step of the way and aim to make this difficult time as simple as possible.

Breast cancer is something that many of us fear and that very few know how to identify with any accuracy. Knowing some signs to look for and what next steps to take can help you get through your breast cancer journey. Knowing what to look for in self-exams can help you live healthier and happier. There are plenty of signs to look for, but three stand out among the rest and we will discuss them here.

Lumps or Knots

The first and most common sign of potential breast cancer is the presence of new lumps or knots in the breast tissue. These are tissue masses that were either not there before, or they have grown in size or changed in shape. It is so important to perform self-breast exams to pinpoint issues and to identify potential lumps every month. If and when you do find a lump, see a breast cancer specialist or your general practitioner immediately.

Breast Pain or Tenderness

Another thing to look for is breast soreness, pain, or tenderness that is not associated with any injury or with your menstrual cycle. Pain that is localized to one area of the breast, pain that comes from touching the breast or from touching a lump in the breast, or pain that comes out of nowhere are symptoms to watch for. If you notice that your breasts are painful and you are not menstruating, you are not pregnant, and there are no other potential causes, you do need to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Fatigue Paired With Other Symptoms

If you notice that you are very tired, easily fatigued, and that you are struggling with energy levels for seemingly no reason, you may need to see a doctor. Especially if this new fatigue is paired with any of the other symptoms that we have discussed. If you are experiencing unusual and inexplicable bouts of tiredness, visiting the doctor is best. You may be referred to a breast cancer specialist for further evaluation so that additional testing and examinations can be completed. About 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in the course of their lives, that is why early detection is so important.

Visiting a breast cancer specialist right out of the gate is generally not something that is possible. Taking the time to see your normal doctor, be evaluated, and get a referral is the best way to go about treatment. Your doctor can refer you to the right specialist and can help you get started on your journey.

Cancer screenings are never fun, even if you aren’t necessarily scared of them. They’re yet another doctor’s appointment in the minds of many, and it can be easy to feel the impulse to put yours off. However, for prostate cancer, in particular, it is often better to get started early rather than putting your screenings off for the future. In the past, it was recommended that men begin receiving prostate cancer screenings in middle age, but in recent years, more advanced testing methods have been developed, making it easier for men to be tested. For example, prostate-specific antigen tests allow a prostate cancer specialist to detect potential cancer through blood tests.

With that being said, let’s look into some of the pros of being screened for prostate cancer at a young age.

1. Prostate Cancer Is Common

Although not every man will get prostate cancer, it is a fairly common cancer. Roughly one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in his lifetime. Therefore, it’s simply better to hedge your bets and begin screenings early. Ideally, you’ll never get prostate cancer, but if you do…

2. An Earlier Diagnosis Can Mean a Better Prognosis

Different types of prostate cancer have different levels of aggression. However, general wisdom tells us that the earlier cancer is detected, the more quickly doctors can be fighting it, thus, the better your prognosis will be. If you detect prostate cancer early when you’re still young, your body will be better able to manage the treatment. A younger immune system will be better equipped to fight.

3. Your Family History

If you have a family history of prostate cancer, you should certainly get tested at a younger age. You’ll be more likely to develop prostate cancer, generally speaking, if your family history features prostate cancer. That being said, a family history of cancer in any form is a great reason to schedule regular screenings.

4. It’s Simple

A big reason why you should consider beginning prostate cancer screening at a young age is that it’s simple. PSA tests, again, are little more than blood tests. You don’t necessarily have to start with the more invasive physical exam unless red flags are raised by your PSA test.

If your test does reveal any issues, don’t panic. You can speak with a prostate cancer specialist about your treatment options. Remember: the sooner cancer is discovered, the better the patient’s prognosis. So what are you waiting for? Call and schedule your appointment today!

According to figures from the National Cancer Institute, approximately 39.5% of the men and women in this country will at least once in their lives be diagnosed with some type of cancer. Among American women, breast cancer is the most prevalent and second deadliest form of the disease, claiming more than 40,000 lives in 2020 alone. The best way to deal with breast cancer is through early detection, but it is of utmost importance to first recognize the symptoms. Here are five signs that if you have, you should seek the services of a breast cancer specialist:

• 1) A lump that develops anywhere from the chest to the armpit.
• 2) A discharge from a nipple of something other than milk.
• 3) Changes in the shape of the nipple, which may appear to be unusually flat or swollen.
• 4) Changes in the skin with regard to its color, specifically a reddish appearance, and in its texture, including what seems to be “dimples” on its surface.
• 5) Pain in the general area, although cancer may not in its early stages produce any unusual physical sensations.

Different Types of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer normally develops in the sacs that produce or the ducts that carry human milk. However, there are other types of the disease that display their own symptoms and are best identified by a breast cancer specialist. Inflammatory breast cancer usually does not involve lumps, but it can still be recognized by swelling and redness in the skin. Invasive cancer will spread to other areas of the breast, while metastatic cancer will spread to other parts of the body. Though rare, breast cancer in men can still occur, with some 2,600 cases and about 500 deaths reported in the United States in 2020. The symptoms are generally the same as when the disease develops in women.

Breast Cancer Risk Factors

Breast cancer can be hereditary, but most women who are affected by it have no family history of the disease. More obvious risk factors include obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, and the use of birth control pills. The best way women can protect themselves from the disease is through regular mammograms. Using such internal imaging of the body, a breast cancer specialist can detect the disease in its earliest stages and develop a treatment plan.

While cancer treatment is essential to fighting the disease, it can come with side effects. One of the most common side effects is fatigue. You might find yourself utterly exhausted and unable to do anything during your treatments. If this happens to you, there are things you can do to make yourself feel at least somewhat better as you get through your treatment.

Eat Well

Your body needs fuel in order to function. If you’re not eating healthy food, it doesn’t get that fuel. You might feel nauseous or have less of an appetite through your cancer treatment, so it is important that you are deliberate in your food choices. Choose nourishing foods with plenty of protein and carbohydrates. These macronutrients will give you energy and help you feel less fatigued.

Rest During the Day

Sleeping soundly at night might not be enough to cut through the cancer treatment fatigue. Give yourself time to rest during the day. If you’re busy, you might need to actively schedule this time into your day. If you feel like you need sleep, then prioritize getting some sleep. But even if you don’t, your body is battling cancer and needs to relax. So take that time to do a soothing activity, like reading a book or listening to music. By taking some time to rest, you can save your energy for your most important tasks.

Do Gentle Exercise

Exercise is a great way to boost your energy levels. If you’re feeling fatigued, you don’t need to run miles every day in order to get the benefits of exercise. Instead, incorporate gentle exercise into your routine. This might include taking walks or doing yoga. Find something you enjoy doing and do it at least a few times a week. Regular exercise makes your body feel better and helps fight fatigue, so keep it consistent during your cancer treatment.

Talk to Your Doctor

Your doctor can give you specific advice based on your own situation. They might test for other conditions that can add to your fatigue or they can give you specific parameters for the advice above. So be open and honest with your doctor as you go through your treatments.

Fatigue is a very common side effect of cancer treatment and it can have a major impact on your life. By taking a few extra steps each day, you can give yourself more energy and feel better as you recover.

According to the National Cancer Institute, the rate of new incidences of cancer is 442.4 per 1,000 men and women per year. Receiving proper treatment at any stage of cancer is essential in managing your condition. One way to ensure better treatment is to develop a positive patient-doctor relationship with your oncologist through consistent communication. The following are effective tips for communicating with your oncologist.

1. Develop Objectives for the Conversation

It would be best to develop objectives for your conversation with your cancer doctor when preparing for an oncology appointment. Having clear objectives will help you to organize questions focused on improving your health and recovery. Starting with the most important questions will give you enough time to discuss them with your oncologist.

2. Use Open-Ended Questions

Avoid asking your oncologist close-ended questions. Instead, ask open-ended questions to help you gain more insight into your condition, diagnosis, and treatments. Open-ended questions will allow your oncologist to provide you with the necessary information that will help you understand your state of health.

3. Ask for Elaboration

It is important to understand all the information your oncologist shares with you. It will reduce any worries that you may have about your state of health and allow you to make better decisions. Ask your oncologist to elaborate their answers if you don’t understand something. You can carry a notebook to jot down notes or an audio recorder to record important things.

4. Share Everything

The most common mistake many patients do while communicating with their oncologist is to withhold certain information. Don’t do this! Tell your oncologist everything regarding your health, family background, and lifestyle. Inform your oncologist about any smoking habits, drinking habits, emotional issues, or history of cancer in your family. Providing all information is critical to providing you with the best cancer care.

5. Discuss Next Steps

Talk about the next steps of your cancer care during your oncologist appointment. The next steps could involve your next appointments, more laboratory tests, and treatment plans. This will reduce any anxiety you may have about the treatment process and allow you to prepare for forthcoming appointments.

Effective communication with your oncologist will help tailor personalized care for your condition. Communicating with an oncologist will help you understand your condition, state of health, and measures relevant for managing cancer. Book an appointment with an oncologist today to start your cancer care process.