Getting diagnosed with cancer can be one of life’s most frightening, challenging experiences. And all too often, it’s not just the cancer itself that’s difficult: telling your loved ones can feel just as hard. At Palo Verde Cancer Specialists, we’re proud to help patients throughout Scottsdale, Glendale, and greater Phoenix, AZ fight cancer with world-class radiation therapy treatments, and if you’ve recently been diagnosed with cancer, we can offer some tips on how to tell the people closest to you.

How to Tell Loved Ones That You Have Cancer

Delivering the news of your cancer diagnosis to the people in your life can be an emotional, draining process, so it’s important to prepare yourself. Even saying the words “I have cancer” can stir up a lot of feelings you may have been avoiding, so take some time to internally prepare for the conversations you’re about to have.

You’ll also want to think about who you want to tell. Your spouse or partner will likely be first on the list, followed by your closest family and friends. Unfortunately, not everyone responds to news of a cancer diagnosis in the way we want them to, so it’s also healthy to take time to prepare yourself for a wide range of responses. Remember that if someone responds with anxiety or even support that doesn’t feel healthy or helpful to you, it’s ok to set boundaries for yourself.

Finally, remember that you don’t have to do all the heavy lifting. While you’ll have to tell your closets loved ones yourself, it’s perfectly ok to recruit someone to help you deliver the news or to do it via email or social media post. Having these conversations can be draining at a time when you’re already fatigued, so don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Contact Your Scottsdale, AZ Cancer Center

Being diagnosed with cancer can be an incredibly difficult thing to overcome, but remember that you’re never alone in the fight – especially when it comes to treatment. Our expert cancer doctors work closely with each patient to develop a treatment plan that works with your lifestyle to help you get back to full health, no matter what you’re up against. If you’re in need of cancer treatment, don’t wait: contact us today to start on the road to recovery.

At Palo Verde Cancer Specialists, we believe that in the fight against cancer, there’s always hope. We’re proud to provide a wide range of cancer treatments from our network of oncology clinics in Scottsdale, Glendale, and greater Phoenix, and we strive to make the cancer treatment process as convenient as possible for our patients. But ultimately, the best way to fight cancer is to prevent it – and since February is National Cancer Prevention Month, we’d like to share some tips on what steps you can take to prevent cancer. At Palo Verde Cancer Specialists, we believe that in the fight against cancer, there’s always hope. We’re proud to provide a wide range of cancer treatments from our network of oncology clinics in Scottsdale, Glendale, and greater Phoenix, and we strive to make the cancer treatment process as convenient as possible for our patients. But ultimately, the best way to fight cancer is to prevent it – and since February is National Cancer Prevention Month, we’d like to share some tips on what steps you can take to prevent cancer.
 

Best Ways to Prevent Cancer

 
While the causes of cancer are still poorly understood and vary depending on the specific type of cancer, there are some risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing all kinds of cancer. Taking steps to limit these common risk factors is one of the best ways to prevent cancer, and best of all, taking these steps will also help you live a healthier life overall:

• Quit Tobacco: Whether smoking, chewing, or any other form, tobacco use is one of the leading causes of cancer. Avoiding tobacco in all its forms is one of the best things you can do to prevent cancer.
• Eat Healthy: Diet impacts every aspect of our health, and cancer is no different. Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet that’s high in fruits and vegetables will help you prevent cancer and keep you healthier overall.
• Stay Active: Regular exercise also lowers your risk of developing cancer. For the maximum benefits, aim to get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise every week.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity is another major risk factor for cancer, so keeping yourself at a healthy weight will help to keep your cancer risk low.

Contact Your Scottsdale Cancer Center

 
These four steps are some of the best you can take to reduce your risk of cancer across the board, and they’ll also help you live a healthier, happier life in general. However, if you do receive a cancer diagnosis, our cancer doctors can help. Learn more about how our radiation therapy treatments can help you win your battle with cancer, then contact us today to schedule your consultation. We can’t wait to hear from you, and we wish you a happy National Cancer Prevention Month!

Scottsdale Oncology

As your leading Scottsdale cancer treatment center, Palo Verde Cancer Specialists is committed to helping our patients overcome illness to live healthy, happy lives, no matter the diagnosis. If you or a loved one has received a pre-cancer diagnosis, we understand the fear you may be feeling. That’s why we’re here to provide you with answers, and all the information you need to be armed with knowledge. Here’s what you need to know about a pre-cancer diagnosis.

What is Pre-Cancer?

Pre-cancer simply means your doctor has spotted cells that appear different in size or shape than normal cells. For whatever reason, some of your cells have grown abnormally. This is nothing to be alarmed about, as pre-cancer is very treatable, if you require treatment at all.

Will I Get Cancer?

Receiving news of a precancerous condition causes many patients to panic, thinking they have or will get cancer. However, this simply isn’t the case. Abnormal cells may or may not become cancerous. You will not necessarily need treatment. If you’ve received a pre-cancer diagnosis, you will simply need to be monitored so the cells can be watched for further growth. Fortunately, with today’s modern medical technology, pre-cancerous cells are found very early, which reduces the risk that they will develop into cancer.

Keep Regular Medical Visits

A pre-cancer diagnosis does mean that your risk of developing cancer is higher than an individual with no abnormal cells present. Therefore, you will need to stay in regular communication with your doctor and update him or her on any changes you may notice. It’s also very important to receive regular screenings so that your doctor can catch any sign of cancer early.

Scottsdale Cancer Treatment

Should you develop cancer from a precancerous condition, you can rest easy knowing it was caught very early, making your chances of success with treatment very high. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer of any kind, the experts at your Scottsdale cancer treatment center are here to stand by your side throughout your journey. We believe there is always hope, and we look forward to helping you overcome your illness and live the healthy life you deserve. If you have any questions about Scottsdale oncology, pre-cancer, or cancer treatment, we welcome you to reach out to us at our contact page, or book an appointment today. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Glendale Oncology

The trusted experts at your Glendale cancer treatment center are committed to standing by your side and helping you overcome cancer, no matter the diagnosis. We understand that if you’ve been diagnosed with cancer of any kind, you want to be armed with as much knowledge as possible about your disease, so you can feel confident in the course of action you choose to take. So, let’s take a look at a common question many cancer patients have: Aren’t all cancers just one disease?

Why Is There Still No Cure For Cancer?

Many people, whether cancer patients or not, have wondered why science has yet to come up with a cure for cancer. After all, we’ve progressed by leaps and bounds in the world of medicine over the years. So, why is there still no cure for cancer?

Unfortunately, it’s a lot more complicated than simply finding one cure for cancer. What many fail to recognize is that cancer is not just one disease and cannot be put in one box. There are hundreds of different types of cancers, each with different characteristics, and each responding to different forms of treatment. Let’s take a closer look.

Various Types of Cancer & Treatment

Because prostate and breast cancers form in areas largely regulated by hormones, these cancers typically respond to hormone therapies which prevent the cancer cells from receiving the hormones they need to spread. However, other cancers, such as lung cancer, do not respond at all to hormone therapy, and instead respond to treatments like chemo, radiation therapy, surgery, and others. Each cancer behaves very differently based on a variety of factors, and depending on its unique molecular profile.

Science has also proven that it is much easier to cure cancer in animals where the disease has been artificially induced, than in humans where cancer originates naturally. It is a mistake to assume that any drug, therapy, or treatment that is successful in treating one cancer will be successful for another cancer, even if both cancers originate from the same location in the body. The disease is simply too varied and complicated for this to be the case. Glendale oncologists are learning more and more about the complexities of cancer and their corresponding treatments every day.

Be Your Own Advocate

As a cancer patient, realize that any claims made about a simple or quick-fix cure or alternative approach for cancer should not be trusted. Advocate for yourself and your treatment when presented with claims that are not scientifically sound. Most importantly, know that your diagnosis is unique, and arm yourself with knowledge about its specific type, site, grade, characteristics, and generally successful treatment avenues.

Your Trusted Glendale Cancer Treatment Center

At Palo Verde Cancer Specialists, we understand that a cancer diagnosis of any kind can be devastating. That’s why we’re committed to walk beside you through every step of your journey. If you have any questions regarding Glendale oncology, or if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, we encourage you to contact us today, or book an appointment at your Glendale cancer treatment center now. We believe there is always hope, and we look forward to setting you on the path toward a healthy, cancer-free life.

Due to its very intense side effects, hair loss, and other adverse repercussions, chemotherapy has long held a negative reputation among both cancer patients, and the general public, alike. To help educate patients about the facts of chemotherapy, the experts at your trusted Payson cancer treatment center are pleased to provide the following information on common chemo myths.

All Chemotherapy Is The Same

Many people believe that there is only one type of chemotherapy and that it can treat any and all cancers. Yet, this is not the case. There are many different chemotherapy drugs, all of which target various types of cancer. These types of chemo drugs each work in different ways, whether by shrinking tumors, relieving symptoms, or destroying cancer cells. In fact, not only are there different types of chemotherapy, each type is also administered in a different way. Chemo can be administered orally, topically, through injections, or in the classic way: through an infusion, although this is becoming less common.

Chemo Causes Severe Sickness & Infection

Chemotherapy treatments of the past used to cause very serious and sometimes life-threatening infections in patients, due to the suppression of the immune system during treatment. The body was not able to fight off sickness, resulting in illness and infection. However, this is not the case today. Rather than causing immunosuppression, chemo treatments today cause myelosuppression, which decreases bone marrow activity and results in less production of white and red blood cells, and platelets. Cancer patients today are not subjected to these life-threatening illnesses and don’t have to worry about their immune system during chemotherapy.

Chemo Always Causes Hair Loss

Contrary to popular belief, not all patients will experience hair loss as a result of chemotherapy. Some chemo drugs are more likely to cause patients to lose hair than others, and while it is common, hair loss is not a sign of whether or not the chemo is working. It is possible to experience no hair loss and still have a successful treatment.

Chemo Causes Nausea, Vomiting & Weight Loss

It is commonly believed that chemotherapy causes severe nausea and vomiting. While this is true of past treatments, it is no longer a high risk today. Many of today’s chemo drugs help prevent or lessen the severity of nausea and vomiting. In addition, patients undergoing chemo are more likely to gain weight, although not significantly, than to lose is as a result of treatment. This is especially true of breast cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy after surgery.

Your Payson Cancer Treatment Center

At Palo Verde Cancer Specialists, we are committed to restoring hope to our patients, no matter the diagnosis. We believe that knowing as much as possible about your cancer, and possible treatment options, is the first step toward healing. That’s why we’re always here to stand by your side, wherever your journey takes you. If you have any questions about Payson oncology, chemotherapy, or anything related to cancer treatment, we welcome you to contact us today. Or, schedule an appointment at your Payson cancer treatment center today. We look forward to helping you live the happy, healthy, and cancer-free life you deserve.

With a new year comes new opportunity for growth, discovery and improvement in the world of treating cancer. Notable cancer treatment trends are on the rise today, many of them geared toward the feelings and quality of life for cancer patients, as well as a shift toward healthier and less invasive methods of treatment. Let’s take a look at a few of these trends below.

Less Chemotherapy, More Alternatives

In recent years, awareness of overtreatment in the breast cancer world has grown, sparking a drop in chemotherapy prescriptions, and an increase in use of recurrence predictors like MammaPrint, among doctors. Recent research has revealed that chemotherapy prescriptions among patients with a common form of early-stage breast cancer have dropped significantly, from over a third of women taking chemo, to now just over a fifth. This pattern of less chemotherapy and more alternative treatments may very well extend from breast cancer to other forms of cancers as we move through 2019 and into the next several years.

Genetic Cancer Tests

Discussion and debate are growing around the quality and payment of genetic cancer tests, and whether or not Medicare and Medicaid should cover next-generation sequencing of advanced cancer cases. Doctors need reliable results from molecular tests, and it is imperative that patients who desire to try novel oncology drugs know with certainty if their malignancies harbor molecular features that match these drugs. Because genetic cancer tests are growing in how significantly they affect the prescription of cancer drugs, we are likely to see an increase in insistency that labs performing these tests be accredited, and conduct testing with emphasis on high quality. And as the year progresses, focus will likely be on this as well as funding for genetic cancer tests.

Focus on Quality of Life & Wellbeing of Patients

One of the most notable and positive cancer treatment trends for 2019 is increased focus on the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of cancer patients. Measuring patient-reported-outcomes (PROs) becomes increasingly relevant as more anti-cancer drugs become available and as doctors and their patients weigh treatments that might improve quality of life. This patient-reported data must be made a priority for cancer treatment to advance.

Artificial Intelligence

It’s no secret that artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing aspects of healthcare today, with innovations like AI-powered virtual care increasing in popularity among providers and patients. AI has the potential to improve the lives and outcomes of those affected by a cancer diagnosis, by assisting physicians and recommending treatments based on real-time knowledge of cancer science. Artificial intelligence can transform cancer treatment in so many ways, and its innovation is a trend to be embraced wholeheartedly in the years to come.

World-Class Cancer Treatment in Phoenix

Palo Verde Cancer Specialists is dedicated to helping each and every patient we see overcome their cancer and live a healthy, happy life. Through treatments using state-of-the-art medical technology, and other non-invasive alternatives, we are providing hope and healing for countless patients every day. If you’d like to know more about our world-class cancer treatment in Phoenix, or if you’d like to speak with us about any of the above cancer treatment trends, we encourage you to contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you!

Prostate cancer is among the most common forms of cancer for men, affecting some 1 in every 7 men during their lifetime. It’s also one of the hardest to detect, as it often won’t display symptoms until advanced stages. At Palo Verde Cancer Specialists, we want to give you the best chance possible at beating cancer of any kind, and that means encouraging early detection and treatment whenever possible. Here are 4 early warning signs of prostate cancer you should never ignore.

Pain or Difficulty Urinating

This is one of the most common warning signs, and it’s actually caused by the swelling of the tumor rather than the cancer itself. If you notice a burning sensation or a difficulty in starting or stopping urination, that may be a sign of prostate cancer.

Reduced Flow or Velocity of Urine

In line with pain, any serious reduction in the flow or velocity of your urine is a warning sign to look out for. This happens as a result of the prostate pushing on and compressing the urethra, reducing the amount of urine that can pass through it.

Pain in the Pelvic Area

Another warning sign is more generalized pain in the pelvic area. This may signal a number of conditions, but it’s especially indicative of prostate cancer if accompanied by any of the other symptoms listed here.

Blood in Urine or Semen

Finally, the most serious warning sign is blood in either urine or semen. If you find blood in any excretory bodily fluids, you should always talk to your doctor – and it might be best to get a cancer screening right away.

Contact Your Scottsdale, AZ Cancer Specialists

Of course, the best way to guard against prostate cancer is through regular preventive screenings. All men above age 50 should see their doctor annually for a prostate exam, which can help to catch any cancerous growths before they get too serious. If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, though, there’s always hope, and the cancer treatment team at Palo Verde Cancer Specialists is here to help. Through high-quality cancer treatments and state-of-the-art technology, we’ll work with you to design a comprehensive, convenient, and noninvasive treatment plan. Contact us today to find out more about how we can help you beat prostate cancer on your own terms.