Many countries, states, cities, and towns are experiencing a surge of COVID-19 cases. Others are preparing for that possibility. This development has introduced more uncertainty and stress to an already difficult situation. “A rise in cases can make it harder for people to see the light at the end of the tunnel,” explains Stephanie Tung, … Read more
Most people have experienced a day where they felt overly tired and unable increase their energy levels. Perhaps it’s from a long shift at work, a difficult round of treatment, or trying to make time for your family after a full day. Feeling tried or overextended is normal, but when does that feeling of tiredness … Read more
Self-care — the practice of allotting time to take care of yourself and keep up with your own needs — is an important way of keeping the mind and body healthy. It is important for patients with lung cancer to practice self-care, especially during COVID-19. Here, Susanne Welsh Lobacki, LICSW, a clinical social worker at … Read more
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a uniquely uncertain and stressful way of life for us all. Not knowing what will happen next — in addition to fear for our own health, that of our loved ones, and the disruption to our lives — can lead to distress and depression. This can be particularly … Read more
The coronavirus pandemic has upended our lives and routines in recent weeks, generating fear, uncertainty, and anxiety. Coping with this disruption — adjusting to staying home, working remotely, and distancing ourselves from others, among other changes — has been difficult for many. It can be especially challenging if someone you love has died during the … Read more
The coronavirus pandemic has brought sweeping changes to many of our daily routines and social interactions. It’s important to remember that the emotions you feel during this time are normal, and it’s OK to have them. It can also be valuable to work towards a plan, centered around self-care, that will allow you to address … Read more
We hear it all the time: “Cancer is a battle”—insinuating that patients have to fight in order to increase their chances of a good outcome. It’s a common message used in the media, the premise being that a person’s cancer can be eradicated if they are tough enough. But does this put the burden of … Read more
Telling someone you have cancer can be difficult. There will never be a perfect time to share this news, and often, people worry this information will place a burden on those closest to them. These barriers—difficulty, timing, and guilt—may sway people to avoid the topic entirely, and instead try to deal with a cancer diagnosis … Read more
Irritability, sweaty palms, increased heart rate, and nausea are common symptoms many patients experience when preparing for an upcoming exam. This feeling of apprehension and discomfort is called scanxiety, which aptly refers to the anxiety or worry patients often feel before undergoing a scan or receiving the results of an examination. “Anxiety often comes when … Read more
By Benjamin S. Kematick, PharmD, BCACP A clinical pharmacy specialist in Dana-Farber’s Division of Palliative Care CBD is a phytocannabinoid, a naturally occurring compound found in the flower of cannabis species. CBD is different from the better-known phytocannabinoid delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in that it does not produce an intoxicating effect. Like CBD, THC is found in … Read more
Palliative care is often misunderstood. Because hospice is a well-known form of palliative care, some patients may think the two are synonymous—and as a result, may initially feel resistant to palliative care, assuming they should seek this type of care only if their cancer has become terminal. Despite this stigma, patients at all stages of … Read more
Can marijuana control or cure cancer? Can it help with the side effects of treatment? We dive into these common questions and more.
The news of a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and shocking. A Dana-Farber doctor offers five tips on what patients and caregivers can do after that diagnosis.
Support groups offer patients the opportunity to share their stories and the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis among a group of people who can relate. So how do you find the one that’s right for you?
Adults and young adults often have to face unique challenges while they are also facing cancer. Here’s what you need to know.
If changes in sexual health or in an intimate relationship are bothering you, look into getting help, says Sharon Bober, PhD. “These issues do not have to be the price you pay for cancer treatment,” she says.
Back pain can occur for a variety of reasons not related to cancer, such as injury or arthritis; in certain circumstances, back pain can be related to cancer.
Young adults faced with a cancer diagnosis are in a particularly unique position.
Hurricane Maria made it impossible for these patients to be treated in Puerto Rico. Now, they’re receiving care at Dana-Farber.
Medically reviewed by Fremonta L. Meyer, MD and Patrick Y. Wen, MD Many people experience anxiety or depression, or both, after a cancer diagnosis, studies show. But in rare cases, anxiety and depression can be an early symptom of a tumor in the brain. Doctors point out that anxiety and depression are among the most … Read more