Q.What is Chemotherapy and how does it work?
A. Chemotherapy is the use of medications to destroy rapidly-dividing cancerous cells. These medications can be administered orally or intravenously and generally involve a combination of drugs depending on the type of cancer being treated. The side effects of chemotherapy vary not only with the type of drugs being administered but, from patient to patient. While hair loss is among the more commonly recognized side effects, it doesn’t happen to everyone. And, it certainly shouldn’t influence treatment decisions.
The best approach to chemotherapy is understanding its benefits in treating cancer, being informed as to possible side effects and working closely with your oncologist to minimize any adverse reactions. Remember, not everyone experiences side effects and for those who do, they generally subside once treatments have ended.
Q.I have recently been diagnosed with cancer. Why is it important that my oncologist be involved with a research program?
A. When an oncologist is involved with a research program, he/she must, by necessity, be in touch with the most updated information and be in regular contact with national and international leaders in the field. This guarantees that you will have access to the latest treatments, some of which might not be generally available for years. Furthermore, the standards required to maintain a research program guarantee the most experienced nursing supervision and the closest monitoring of side effects and disease status, whether it be improvement or progression. Lastly, you will be sure that when new treatments become available, your doctor, as a participant in a research program, will be among the first who is able to obtain these for you.
Q.I can’t believe I have cancer; how can I deal with this?
A. Hearing the words, “The biopsy shows cancer,” is a traumatic experience for most people. Often, the first response is to shut down; you literally don’t hear any of the words that follow. But cancer is more treatable and curable than ever before. Follow your doctor’s recommendations which usually include a referral to a surgical or medical oncologist. Have a supportive family member or friend accompany you. Feel free to take notes so you can review what’s been discussed and make sure you “heard it right.” Gather information so you can be an active participant in the decision-making process but be selective. In this Information Age, there’s helpful, not-so-helpful, and just-plain-wrong information! Your oncologist’s practice may have on-site options for education and support through oncology certified nurses, therapists and support groups or can make recommendations to help you find the assistance you need.
And always remember... You are not alone!
Q.What can I do to reduce my risk of cancer?
A.There are things each of us can do to reduce our risk for cancer. The biggest thing is to not smoke. If you are a smoker, quit! Not only will it reduce the risk of lung cancer, but cigarette smoking has been associated with head and neck cancers, esophageal cancer and bladder cancer. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. Melanoma, the most dangerous form, is rising in incidence at an alarming rate. Reduce sun exposure by using sun block and avoiding tanning booths. A healthy diet may reduce the risk of colon cancer and breast cancer. Eat five to seven vegetables and fruits daily as well as two to three servings of whole grains. Exercise regularly, at least three times per week. Maintain a healthy weight. Screening can also reduce the risk of some cancers. Early detection for many common cancers can be curative, and in the case of colon cancer, preventative. Have a colonoscopy at age 50. Women should receive a mammogram and PAP smear. Men should receive a rectal exam and consider PSA screening. Finally, know your family history: if several members of your family have colon, breast, or ovarian cancer, screening recommendations may be different for you.
Q.What is the role of PET/CT in cancer care?
A.Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computerized Tomography (CT) are both standard imaging tools that allow physicians to pinpoint the location of cancer within the body before making treatment recommendations. The highly sensitive PET scan detects the metabolic signal of actively growing cancer cells in the body and the CT scan provides a detailed picture of the internal anatomy that reveals the location, size and shape of abnormal cancerous growths. A PET/CT scan uses the advantages of both imaging techniques in one examination.
The high-tech images of PET/CT scans also help detect the recurrence of cancer, revealing tumors that might otherwise be obscured by scar tissue resulting from surgery and radiation therapy, particularly in the head and neck. PET and CT are essential and powerful technologies in the detection and treatment of cancer.
Q.What is Radiation Therapy?
A.Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy radiation from x-rays and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external beam radiation therapy), or it may come from radioactive material placed in the body near cancer cells (internal radiation therapy, implant radiation, or brachytherapy).
The goal of radiation therapy is to deliver enough radiation to kill the cancer cells while preventing damage to healthy tissue. About half of all cancer patients receive radiation therapy. It can be used alone or in combination with other treatments such as surgery or chemotherapy. The use of imaging technologies such as CT, x-ray, and ultrasound allows radiation to be more exactly shaped to fit the tumor.
Q.What is Chemotherapy and how does it work?
A.Chemotherapy is the use of medications to destroy rapidly-dividing cancerous cells. These medications can be administered orally or intravenously and generally involve a combination of drugs depending on the type of cancer being treated. The side effects of chemotherapy vary not only with the type of drugs being administered but, from patient to patient. While hair loss is among the more commonly recognized side effects, it doesn’t happen to everyone. And, it certainly shouldn’t influence treatment decisions.
The best approach to chemotherapy is understanding its benefits in treating cancer, being informed as to possible side effects and working closely with your oncologist to minimize any adverse reactions. Remember, not everyone experiences side effects and for those who do, they generally subside once the treatments have ended.
Q.What is Radiation Therapy?
A.Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy radiation from x-rays and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external beam radiation therapy), or it may come from radioactive material placed in the body near cancer cells (internal radiation therapy, implant radiation, or brachytherapy). The goal of radiation therapy is to deliver enough radiation to kill the cancer cells while preventing damage to healthy tissue. About half of all cancer patients receive radiation therapy. It can be used alone or in combination with other treatments such as surgery or chemotherapy. The use of imaging technologies such as CT, x-ray, and ultrasound allows radiation to be more exactly shaped to fit the tumor.
NYOH Role in Wellness
New York Oncology Hematology (NYOH) is the Capital Region's leading provider of community-based cancer care with more than 400 employees and nine sites of service throughout the Mohawk-Hudson Valley. With a distinguished history that spans nearly four decades, NYOH is renowned for its experienced team of board certified physicians, certified oncology nurses, laboratory technologists, radiation therapists and support personnel. NYOH is also home to state-of-the-art technology, cutting-edge research and equally important, a commitment to providing the most effective treatment for each patient in a supportive and caring environment.
Through its affiliation with US Oncology, the nation's foremost cancer treatment and research network, NYOH has access to the latest advancements in therapies, as well as best-in-class clinical and operational processes.
At NYOH we are proud of our longstanding reputation for excellence in cancer care and for the contributions we make - each and every day - to the quality of life and health in our community.
It's true - we really do deliver world class cancer care right here at home!
This general Information is not intended to provide individual advice. Please make an appointment with a physician to discuss you particular situation and needs.
