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
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
While high doses of X-rays and other types of high-energy electromagnetic radiation are known carcinogens (cancer-causing agents), most studies haven’t found a connection between exposure to low levels of radiation — such as those used in dental X-rays and mammograms — and increased cancer risk. Most of the evidence linking high levels of radiation exposure … Read more
We featured the stories of many inspirational Dana-Farber patients in 2018. Here are eight that embody the word “hope.” In early 2018, CAR T-cell therapy put Sandra Linberg, a 75-year-old lymphoma patient, into complete remission. Linberg had been previously treated for advanced non-Hodgkin lymphoma with standard chemotherapy, but the cancer recurred. Now, after only a month … Read more
What does remission mean? Cancer is said to be in remission when the signs and symptoms of the disease have decreased or resolved. If the cancer is a solid mass — such as a tumor in the lung or breast — remission means the mass has shrunk. If it is a hematologic (blood-related) cancer, … Read more
The link between alcohol consumption and personal health has long been a controversial subject. For several decades, research has found conflicting evidence regarding alcohol’s physical effects—often resulting in ever-changing headlines and diet trends. Stacy Kennedy, MPH, RD, a senior clinical nutritionist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, discusses the risks and benefits often associated with alcohol. … Read more
Having a rare cancer can feel especially isolating. There are apt to be few physicians with experience treating that type of cancer and little research to guide patients. Opportunities to receive support from—and give support to—other patients with the same disease may also be scarce. But there are a variety of steps such patients and … Read more
Have you ever wanted to ice skate at Rockefeller Center? If so, you’re not alone. But what if balance and coordination escape you the moment you step on the ice? You may need the help of two-time breast cancer survivor Margaret Simonovich. Simonovich, a 76-year-old former professional figure skater originally from Scotland, was first bit … Read more
Experts from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and elsewhere have contributed to turning discoveries about the immune system into immunotherapies for cancer. Over the past decade, immunotherapy has fundamentally changed the way cancer is treated in many patients. Still Swimming with Sharks After Inflammatory Breast Cancer As a veteran scuba diver who has donned her wetsuit around … Read more
Adopting a healthy lifestyle, in terms of diet and exercise, is especially important for cancer patients in reducing stress, minimizing side effects, and boosting energy levels to power through treatment and recovery.
After undergoing the myriad challenges of a stem cell transplant and the procedure’s recovery, cancer survivor Peter Gordon is now helping others better understand the process from a patient’s point of view.
Ever since she was diagnosed with a form of aggressive breast cancer six years ago, Tara Shuman has channeled her abundant energy and optimism into getting through and beyond her cancer, and also on doing everything possible to help others facing it.
Exercise has been shown to improve quality of life and functionality for cancer patients and survivors, if done safely. Here are some tips.
Julie Wisnia was undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer at Dana-Farber when she became inspired to participate in the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC), a 163-mile bike-a-thon that raises funds for Dana-Farber.
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?
Dave Mittelman died in May 2017 from brain cancer. The Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) team he helped co-found, Team Lizard, will soon ride to honor him and the many other close friends and family members who have dealt with cancer. “At our core, we ride because we believe in a future without cancer,” says his wife, Michele Mittelman.
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.
Targeted therapies and immunotherapy are in a phase of discovery that is more promising than any preceding brain cancer research, according to the leaders of Dana-Farber’s Center for Neuro-Oncology.
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.