Would you be surprised to hear that almost half of all colorectal cancer diagnoses could be prevented with simple lifestyle changes? As colon cancer is on the rise among younger populations, it’s time to take a closer look at how we’re living. It’s those little choices we make every day that determine our future health. … Continue reading 7 simple steps to lower your risk of colon cancer
At 35 years old, I defined myself as a mortgage analyst, wife and mother. I never expected to add colon cancer survivor to that list, especially at this age. But I soon found myself part of the “invisible generation” of cancer patients — too old for pediatrics, but too young for traditional adult cancer care. … Continue reading I’m part of the “invisible generation” of young adults with cancer
As a doctor, I’m used to being the one with the answers, the one doing the comforting, the one instilling hope. But as a breast cancer survivor, I also know what it’s like to be on the other side of the equation — to be the one searching for answers, the one in need of … Continue reading When the doctor becomes the breast cancer patient
“Why? Why my daughter and not me?” That was the first thought that came to Lauri Cain’s mind when she heard the news. Her 31-year-old daughter Megan has breast cancer. The rush of emotions that engulfed her were overwhelming. First, it was shock — Megan was young, healthy and full of life. Of all people, … Continue reading Breast cancer through a mother’s eyes
This is my second year to celebrate that coveted phrase: cancer-free. As a member of the “silent killer club,” every day has new meaning, new celebration and new challenge. Cancer is not a stranger in my family. My dad and one of my brothers died of cancer, and my sister is a metastatic breast cancer … Continue reading How faith and prayer helped me battle stage 4 ovarian cancer
Picture this: I’m cruising along with family, career and all the trimmings. At a routine physical, my doctor says there are some labs he’d like to repeat. They were all normal six months ago, but in two days, he tells me he thinks I have multiple myeloma. Cue all the diagnostic tests you can think … Continue reading Why multiple myeloma will never slow me down
It starts as a lump in your breast. Then the lump invades your brain and convinces you that you actually are sick. Eventually, it moves to your throat and you find that you can’t talk to people about the big “C-word.” Cancer. In high school, I remember feeling a small lump in my breast, but the … Continue reading What it’s like to be diagnosed with breast cancer at age 21
Many changes occur naturally in our breasts throughout our lifetime. These changes happen at certain times in the menstruation cycle, during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, and before and after menopause. But sometimes, changes in the breast can be a sign that something is wrong — possibly breast cancer. By regularly examining and looking at your breasts, … Continue reading Breast self-awareness: Knowing your normal
Although pancreatic cancer is not among the most commonly diagnosed cancers, it is the third-leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. It is often difficult to recognize the symptoms of pancreatic cancer in the early stages and once the cancer spreads, survival rates are low. Although anyone can be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, there … Continue reading Are you at risk for pancreatic cancer?
I don’t know what you picture when you hear “breast cancer patient,” but I’d be willing to bet it isn’t me — a 58-year-old male. The truth you might not realize is that breast cancer affects men, too. It all started when I found a lump under my shoulder blade. It seemed strange but at … Continue reading Men get breast cancer, too
