The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has created a significant setback in the war on cancer. A report from Boston 25 News says the medical community has understandably been focused on research and treatment of COVID-19 since the outbreak began. And that means many potentially lifesaving cancer research projects are on the back burner until COVID is under control.
Writing a “Year in Review” blog feels a little different in 2020. We typically think back fondly on the year that was; remembering the moments that made it so great. For most of us though, “great” might not be the first word that comes to mind when we think of 2020.
A global pandemic gripped the world and brought with it fear, anxiety, uncertainty, and unfortunately, tragedy. While we can’t ignore the reality of 2020, we can still choose to look beyond the surface of it. We can choose to find the positive, the admirable, and the inspirational.
Here are some of the highlights from 2020 at Provision CARES Proton Therapy. As you close out this tumultuous year, perhaps a reminder of the good that still came out of it will help lead you into 2021 with a sense of hope and optimism.
Coping with cancer during the holidays is no easy task. Even when perfectly healthy, we’ve all felt the stress of the season at one point or another. So, adding that weight to an already burdensome cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. Thankfully, there are plenty of things you can do to help manage your emotions. In this article, we’ll share 12 tips to help you cope with cancer during the holidays.
When it comes to organizing medical information, it’s important for cancer patients to be proactive. As you explore your treatment options, having easy access to health records will help make you a stronger self-advocate. You’ll have peace of mind and be more confident knowing you have all relevant medical information at your disposal.
When treating lung cancer with radiation therapy, there is a significant concern that the treatment dose will expose the heart to excess radiation. One way to avoid this unnecessary radiation is by using proton therapy, a more precise form of radiation therapy as compared to traditional radiation therapy (x-rays/photons).
Researchers now say there is a link between lung cancer proton therapy and a reduced risk of certain heart diseases, including mini-strokes and heart attacks.
It’s no secret that exercise is beneficial for breast cancer patients. Years of research show a positive correlation between physical activity and cancer survival rates. A new study is now shedding some light on just how much exercise you need to reap the rewards.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute suggests that even a small amount of exercise helps high-risk breast cancer patients live longer and increases their likelihood of remaining cancer-free after treatment.
“We’re not promised tomorrow, but I didn’t want to make the conscious decision to take away tomorrow.”
When Jonathan was just 32 years old, doctors discovered a large mass surrounding his heart. Being an otherwise healthy young adult, a diagnosis of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma definitely came as a surprise. Thankfully though, his prognosis was good. He had confidence in his treatment plan, a combination of chemotherapy and radiation. As he progressed through treatment, things were going off without a hitch, until one day – a curveball.
“I went in for my consultation for the radiation,” Jonathan remembers. “The doctor told me if I went through traditional radiation, it would likely kill my heart in 10 years.”
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and it’s common to hear public service announcements reminding men to get a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. Afterall, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among American men and early detection is the best prevention.
However, recent recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) cast doubt on whether the potential risks associated with PSA screening are worth the reward. Now though, new research suggests those risks may be exaggerated.
The long-term benefits of the PSA test for prostate cancer may outweigh any potential harm according to a recent paper published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). While current guidelines advise patients and physicians to determine the value of routine PSA screening on a case-by-case basis, researchers suggest that perceptions of PSA tests as ineffective are based on overstated harms and point to evidence showing that screenings can reduce death rates and prevent metastatic disease.
Provision is proud to announce that we have earned national recognition for our Culture of Care. On September 8, 2020, Provision CARES Proton Therapy Nashville was awarded the distinguished 2020 Press Ganey “Guardian of Excellence Award” for exceptional Patient Experience in Outpatient Oncology.
On August 25, 2020, Jason W. eagerly rang the victory bell to mark the completion of his tonsil cancer treatment. In doing so, he became the 500th patient to complete treatment at Provision CARES Proton Therapy Nashville, reminding us all that cancer and cancer treatment do not delay during a global pandemic.